American
👍 Beginner Friendly
1h 5measy
AmericanAppetizer
Recipe Story
origins & traditionsThis classic American appetizer combines the natural sweetness of fresh scallops with smoky bacon and a rich maple glaze. The scallops are carefully wrapped in thin bacon strips, secured with toothpicks, and broiled until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are tender. A final brush of maple syrup mixed with a hint of black pepper creates a beautiful caramelized finish. These bite-sized delights offer a sophisticated flavor profile that impresses guests while remaining surprisingly simple to prepare. The contrast between the tender, buttery scallops and the crisp, salty bacon creates a textural experience that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether served at a cocktail party, holiday gathering, or special dinner, these bacon-wrapped scallops deliver restaurant-quality results at home.
Instructions
step by step0/11 done
Preheat your broiler to high and position the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Pat the scallops completely dry with paper towels - this is crucial for proper searing. Season lightly with black pepper.
Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise so you have shorter strips that will wrap around each scallop once.
Wrap one bacon half around the circumference of each scallop and secure with a toothpick, piercing through both ends of the bacon and the scallop.
Arrange the wrapped scallops on the prepared sheet pan, leaving about 1 inch of space between each one.
In a small bowl, mix together the maple syrup with a pinch of black pepper.
Broil the scallops for 5-6 minutes until the bacon begins to crisp on top.
Carefully flip each scallop using tongs, then brush the cooked side generously with the maple glaze.
Return to the broiler for another 4-5 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are opaque throughout.
Remove from oven and brush with any remaining maple glaze. Let rest for 2 minutes before transferring to a serving platter.
Serve immediately while hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Maple Glaze
4.5 (34)
Succulent sea scallops wrapped in crispy bacon and brushed with a sweet maple glaze create an irresistible appetizer that balances savory and sweet flavors perfectly. Ready in just 25 minutes, these elegant bites are perfect for any gathering.
medium
25 min
8 servings
Ingredients
0 of 6 checked
Main
- 454 grams Shrimp, large sea scallops, side muscle removed
- 12 slices Bacon, cut in half crosswise
Glaze
- 3 tablespoons Maple Syrup
- 1 cloves Garlic, minced (optional)
Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoons Black Pepper, freshly ground
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons Parsley, chopped fresh (optional)
Chef Tips
expert advice•For best results, purchase dry-packed scallops rather than wet-packed, as they sear better and have superior flavor.
•If you can only find wet-packed scallops, rinse them and pat extremely dry before wrapping.
•Use thin-cut bacon for easier wrapping and more even cooking - thick-cut bacon may not crisp properly before the scallops overcook.
•You can prepare these up to 4 hours ahead: wrap the scallops, cover, and refrigerate until ready to broil.
•Add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time if broiling straight from the refrigerator.
•These also work beautifully on the grill - cook over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side.
•If serving at a party, keep them warm in a 200°F oven for up to 15 minutes.
Variations & Substitutions
make it your own•For a spicy variation, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the maple glaze.
Storage & Reheating
keeping it freshStorage
These are best enjoyed immediately while the bacon is crispy. If you must store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Note that the bacon will lose its crispness upon refrigeration.
Reheating
Reheat in a 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Avoid microwaving as it will make the bacon rubbery.
