Want to nail your next dinner party? You need to know how to make bacon-wrapped scallops! Our Test Kitchen-approved recipe comes together in four simple steps, and you won’t want to miss out on how bacon’s salty bite can complement a succulent scallop. Plus, bacon appetizers are everyone’s favorite.
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops Recipe
Making this recipe is an achievable task in your home kitchen. Follow our steps below so you can impress your guests as soon as the evening starts.
Ingredients
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- 8 bacon strips
- 16 sea scallops (about 2 pounds), side muscles removed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Chopped fresh parsley
Directions
Step 1: Partially cook bacon
Place a large, nonstick skillet on the stovetop. Lay down bacon strips in your skillet and cook over medium heat until only partially baked and not crisp, about 8 minutes. Take the bacon off the heat and lay them down on a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool.
Step 2: Wrap bacon around scallops
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Cut each bacon strip in half lengthwise. Take one bacon half, wrap it around one scallop and secure with a toothpick. Season each bacon-wrapped scallop with salt and pepper.
Editor’s Tip: Before wrapping scallops with bacon, pat each scallop completely dry with a paper towel so it’s not too slippery.
Step 3: Sear bacon-wrapped scallops
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Wipe your nonstick skillet clean. Place the skillet over medium-high heat and add oil. Once hot, add bacon-wrapped scallops in batches, gently pressing them down as you would when searing any other meat to achieve even browning. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the scallops are firm and opaque.
Editor’s Tip: To promote browning, be sure not to overcrowd your pan. This will only steam the scallops and bacon, not sear them.
Step 4: Garnish and serve
Remove from heat and discard the toothpicks. Arrange the bacon-wrapped scallops on your favorite tray and sprinkle with parsley. If these are part of a main course, we recommend serving them alongside grilled asparagus or an arugula salad. For a wine pairing, you can’t go wrong with a glass of albariño, sauvignon blanc or chardonnay!
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops FAQs
Scallops are notoriously finicky to cook, so it’s normal to have a few questions in order to get it right the first time. Below are the most common questions about bacon-wrapped scallops.
How long do you cook bacon-wrapped scallops?
Bacon-wrapped scallops cook for a total time of about 14-16 minutes. It usually takes around 8 minutes to par-cook the bacon and 6-8 minutes to cook the bacon-wrapped scallops.
Do you use fresh or frozen scallops?
The decision to buy fresh or frozen seafood depends on where you live. If you’re near the ocean, purchase locally-caught fresh scallops for this recipe. If you live in a land-locked area, then frozen scallops are your best bet. Seafood is something we often recommend buying frozen!
Should you rinse fresh scallops before cooking?
No, you do not need to rinse fresh scallops. In fact, we don’t recommend washing any meat before cooking. Just make sure you cook the scallops to their food-safe temperature.
Can you bake bacon-wrapped scallops?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place bacon on a parchment-lined sheet tray and par-bake for about 8-10 minutes. When baking the assembled bacon-wrapped scallops, place them on a parchment-lined sheet tray and bake at 425° until scallops are opaque, about 8-11 minutes.
Hors d’Oeuvres Recipes for Your Next Party
Cucumber Party Sandwiches
This is one of my favorite easy hors d'oeuvres. We have lots of pig roasts here in Kentucky, and these small sandwiches are perfect to serve while the pig is roasting. —Rebecca Rose, Mount Washington, Kentucky
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Shrimp in Phyllo CupsI almost didn’t make these appetizers for last year’s Christmas party because I was running out of time, but I knew they’d be a tasty hit. Simple to make, the cups have few ingredients and look beautiful on the plate—very gourmet! This turned out to be one of the night’s favorites, and they just flew off the plate. —Terri Edmunds, Naperville, Illinois
Cranberry Endive Hors d'OeuvresYou can pack a lot of flavor into elegant hors d'oeuvres just by using the right combination of ingredients. I created this blue cheese filling for a holiday gathering and everyone loved it. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington
Meatballs with Chimichurri SauceThis South American condiment, Âfeaturing fresh cilantro and parsley, is more than just a sauce for tossing with meatballs. You’ll want plenty for extra dipping. —Amy Chase, Vanderhoof, British Columbia
Cheese-Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes"They're easy to fix as an appetizer or salad," says Mary Lou, a Florida native. "It's impossible to eat just one."
Brie Appetizers with Bacon-Plum JamAmong my friends I'm known as the pork master, because I love to cook just about every cut there is. These appetizers combine soft, mild Brie cheese with a sweet-sour bacon jam that has a touch of Sriracha sauce. —Rick Pascocello, New York, New York. Here are a few tips for making
baked brie with jam.
Cranberry-Fig Goat Cheese CrostiniThe blend of flavors in the crostini makes for absolutely scrumptious hors d'oeuvres. —Barbara Estabrook, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Cheese Puffs"I found this recipe in one of my mother’s old cookbooks and updated the flavor by adding cayenne and mustard," recalls Jamie Wetter of Boscobel, Wisconsin. "Tasty and quick for this busy season, these tender, golden puffs go together in minutes and simply disappear at parties!"
Bacon-Encased Water ChestnutsMy husband and I do lots of entertaining and always start off with appetizers like these tempting morsels.—Midge Scurlock, Creston, Iowa
Sweet Pea PestoI made a healthier spin on pea pesto by subbing in vegetable broth for some of the oil and going easy on the cheese. For use on pasta, add more broth for a saucelike consistency. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Asparagus WrapsAsparagus makes lovely finger food, especially wrapped in pastry and tasty filling. Easily assembled, it’s perfect for weeknight noshing or something a little fancier for entertaining. —Linda Hall, Evington, Virginia
Rosemary Veal MeatballsThese savory appetizer meatballs, seasoned with rosemary and garlic, get a touch of sweetness from chopped golden raisins. They will be a hit at your next gathering. —Rhonda Maiani, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Best Deviled EggsHerbs lend amazing flavor to these deviled eggs, which truly are the best you can make! The recipe includes tasty variations that feature bacon, chipotle peppers and crab.—Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
Pumpkin PinwheelsCream cheese, mozzarella and roasted red peppers make these pumpkin-shaped pinwheels devilishly delicious. They were a hit at my last Halloween party. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California
Artichoke Phyllo CupsI wanted to create a bite-sized version of rich, creamy artichoke dip. These adorable phyllo cup appetizers were a total success! —Neel Patel, Champaign, Illinois
Crumb-Topped ClamsIn my family, it wouldn't be Christmas Eve without baked clams. They're easy to make and always a hit. —Annmarie Lucente, Monroe, New York
Shrimp Salad AppetizersThese refreshing hors d'oeuvres have gained a big following since a friend shared her family recipe with me. My son says it best: The celery and shrimp are so good together. —Solie Kimble, Kanata, Ontario
Seafood-Stuffed MushroomsEver since I found this hors d'oeuvres recipe in a magazine years ago, these seafood-stuffed mushrooms have been making my family and friends merry every Christmas. —Harriet Stichter, Milford, Indiana
Patatas BravasPatatas bravas (which means "spicy potatoes") is the ultimate Spanish comfort food. Served tapas-style, the crispy potatoes and smoky sauce are difficult to resist. Add a drizzle of garlic aioli for a richer flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Grilled Nectarine & Cheese CrostiniAt our house, we love the summer tastes of sweet grilled nectarines and fresh basil over goat cheese. I can usually find all the ingredients at the farmers market. —Brandy Hollingshead, Grass Valley, California
Bacon-Wrapped SmokiesThese cute little bacon-wrapped smokies are finger-licking good. They have a sweet and salty taste that's fun for breakfast or as an appetizer. —Cara Flora, Kokomo, Indiana
Brie-Leek TartletsMy family is picky, but everyone loves these little bites. I make dozens of them at a time because they're gone the second I turn my back. —Colleen MacDonald, Port Moody, British Columbia. Check out this quick and easy
pumpkin baked brie recipe.
Smoked Pimiento Cheese CrostiniPimiento cheese has long been a favorite in our family, so these bite-sized hors d'oeuvres are a treat! I add Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce to give them a little kick. Caramelized onions create another layer of flavor. You can make the cheese and onions three to five days in advance; they store well. If you need to save time, you can use premade jalapeno pimiento cheese. —Caitlyn Bunch, Trenton, Georgia
Party Pesto PinwheelsI took a couple of my favorite recipes and combined them into these delicious
hors d'oeuvres. The colorful and impressive snacks come together easily with refrigerated crescent roll dough, prepared pesto sauce and a jar of roasted red peppers. —Kathleen Farrell, Rochester, New York
Mushroom Puff Pastry Hors d'OeuvresThese mushroom puff pastry bites make the perfect finger food. I even freeze them for a quick appetizer for unexpected guests. — Marion Ruzek, Jeffersonville, Indiana
Shrimp Tart Hors d'OeuvresFill mini tart shells with a cream cheese mixture, then top with seafood sauce and shrimp for a picture-perfect look and delightful taste. This recipe makes a fantastic appetizer, and several make a fast, light meal. —Gina Hutchison, Smithville, Missouri
Cilantro Tomato BruschettaThis is an easy tomato appetizer that all of my family and friends love. The garden-fresh ingredients capture summer and meld together for a delightful
hors d’oeuvre recipe that goes well with many different main dishes. —Lisa Kane, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Bacon Cream Cheese PinwheelsIt's hard to resist a crescent roll, bacon and cream cheese in one bite! Kids, friends,
everyone will scarf these cream cheese pinwheels down. Now I bake a double batch whenever we have a get-together. —Krista Munson, Sharpsburg, Kentucky
Pork SatayCilantro layers on the freshness, while the sesame oil and Thai chili sauce add Asian flavors that pair perfectly with peanut butter. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Spinach-Artichoke Stuffed MushroomsI used this recipe when I was in a culinary-arts program and had to prepare an entire buffet by myself. It’s an impressive party appetizer yet comes together so easily. —Amy Gaisford, Salt Lake City, Utah
Crisp Caraway Twist Hors d'OeuvresThis appetizer is always a hit when I serve it on holidays or special occasions. The flaky cheese-filled twists (made with convenient puff pastry) bake to a crispy golden brown. When our big family gets together, I make two batches of these hors d'oeuvres. —Dorothy Smith, El Dorado, Arkansas
Shrimp Corn Cakes with Soy MayoFeel free to add hot sauce to the dip that accompanies these savory corn cakes. —Katty Chiong, Hoffman Estates, Illinois
Caprese Salad KabobsTrade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California
Sausage Chive PinwheelsThese spirals are simple to make but look special on a buffet. Our guests eagerly help themselves—sometimes the eye-catching pinwheels don't even make it to their plates! —Gail Sykora, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
Chicken Piccata MeatballsThe classic chicken piccata entree is my favorite dish, but I wanted another way to have all the same flavors. These chicken piccata meatballs are the perfect solution, whether served alone or with a sauce like marinara or buffalo! Serve over buttered noodles if you'd like, or stick toothpicks in them for appetizers. —Dawn Collins, Rowley, Massachusetts
Crab Wonton CupsThese tasty little crab tarts make excellent appetizers served warm and crispy from the oven. You can add them to your list of holiday hors d'oeuvres as well. They're true crowd-pleasers. —Connie McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware
Brie Cherry Pastry Cup Hors d'OeuvresGolden brown and flaky, these bite-sized puff pastries with creamy Brie and sweet cherry preserves could easily double as a scrumptious dessert. —Marilyn McSween, Mentor, Ohio
Crab CrescentsThis recipe is so good, no one will guess how quickly you put it together. These little bites are delicious and decadent! —Stephanie Howard, Oakland, California
Ham and Cheese PuffsThese tasty little bites go over well with kids. They're also delicious with soups or as
party appetizers. —Mrs. Marvin Buffington, Burlington, Iowa
Cucumber CanapesI always get requests for the recipe for these canapes whenever I serve them. They're delicate finger sandwiches with a creamy herb spread and festive red and green garnishes. —Nadine Whittaker, South Plymouth, Massachusetts
Chive Crab CakesThese tasty crab cakes are perfect for appetizers, or try them with a salad for a light meal. —Cindy Worth, Lapwai, Idaho
Broccoli & Chive Stuffed Mini PeppersThere's plenty of both crunch and cream in these party appetizers. Fresh chives help them really stand out. —Jean McKenzie, Vancouver, Washington
Puff Pastry Christmas PalmiersPalmiers (pronounced palm-YAY) come from France. They're usually sweet, but to make them savory, I swirl in pesto, feta and sundried tomatoes. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Cranberry Brie Pecan PinwheelsThis recipe is a twist on baked Brie. My family always requests these during the holidays. They are delicious and make the kitchen smell amazing! —Jacquie Franklin, Hot Springs, Montana
Teriyaki Salmon BundlesIf you're bored with the same old appetizers, give this one a try. I serve the little salmon bundles on skewers for easy dipping. Standing the skewers in a small vase filled with table salt creates a festive presentation. —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Crab Phyllo CupsI always like a dot of chili sauce on top of these easy hors d'oeuvres. If you're out of crab, try them with water-packed tuna. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona