Bacon Wrapped Scallops in Oven Recipe – Crispy, Juicy & Flavorful

There’s just something irresistible about the combo of smoky bacon and tender scallops. One is salty and crisp, the other buttery and delicate. Put them together and you’ve got a dish that feels fancy but is actually simple to make at home. Baking them in the oven makes things even easier—you can cook a whole tray at once without babysitting the pan.

Whether you’re planning a dinner party appetizer or just want to treat yourself to a restaurant-style dish, this bacon wrapped scallops recipe is a keeper. And no, you don’t need to be a chef to pull it off—just a few ingredients, 20 minutes, and a little oven magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 12 large sea scallops (patted dry)
• 6 slices of bacon (cut in half crosswise)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional, for flavor)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven – Set to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
2. Par-cook the bacon – Place bacon strips on a baking sheet and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly rendered but not crispy. This ensures the bacon finishes cooking at the same time as the scallops.
3. Season scallops – Pat scallops very dry with paper towels. Drizzle lightly with olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle with garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
4. Wrap with bacon – Wrap each scallop with a half-slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick.
5. Bake – Place scallops on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out. Bake for 12–15 minutes until scallops are opaque and bacon is crisp.
6. Serve – Garnish with parsley and serve warm with lemon wedges.

Time & Serving

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 (3 scallops per person)

Recipe Notes

• Dry scallops sear and bake better—moisture prevents browning.
• Par-cooking bacon is key; otherwise, it stays chewy.
• Don’t overbake scallops—they should be opaque and slightly springy, not rubbery.
• If you want extra flavor, brush scallops with a mix of honey and soy sauce before baking.

Storage

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving—it makes scallops rubbery.
• Freezer: Not recommended. Both scallops and bacon lose texture after thawing.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving – 3 scallops)

(Approximate values, may vary by bacon brand and scallop size.)

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or foil
• Paper towels
• Toothpicks
• Small bowl (for seasonings)

Extra Tips to Make It Perfect

• Choose large sea scallops—they’re easier to wrap and cook evenly.
• If you love smoky flavor, use thick-cut bacon, but thin bacon works better for crispiness.
• For a caramelized touch, brush scallops with a little maple syrup before baking.
• Always serve immediately—scallops taste best fresh from the oven.

How to Serve

Bacon wrapped scallops make an excellent:

• Appetizer for parties or holiday dinners.
• Main dish with roasted veggies or salad on the side.
• Surf-and-turf pairing alongside steak for a date-night dinner.
• Cocktail party snack served with toothpicks for easy grabbing.

Health Benefits

Even though bacon makes this dish indulgent, scallops bring a lot of nutrition:

• High in lean protein but low in calories.
• Rich in vitamin B12, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Pairing with lemon and herbs keeps the dish fresh and light.

So yes, it’s decadent, but it also gives you a dose of seafood goodness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Bacon wrapped scallops baked in the oven are proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. The smokiness of bacon and the delicate sweetness of scallops balance each other perfectly. It’s a dish that feels elegant, yet it’s quick enough for weeknights. Whether you’re making them for guests or just for yourself, they’re a recipe worth keeping in your back pocket. Serve them hot, add a squeeze of lemon, and enjoy that crisp-juicy bite that makes everyone ask for seconds.