About Simple Bacon Wrapped Scallop Skewers
It’s been a little more than a year since I left my office job, and I’m mostly okay with it. It’s not a time in my life that I’d want to go back to, but I’d be lying if I said there weren’t a few things I missed… like, say, the annual holiday party.
Because you have to understand, my old company threw epic parties – the type of parties that you didn’t always remember what you did the night before but you were pretty sure it was embarrassing and that was still okay because odds are your boss isn’t going to remember what you did, either. It was a “young” company for the most part and we knew how to take advantage of an open bar.
It was a “young” company for the most part and we knew how to take advantage of an open bar.
But why am I telling you this?
Because it was at one of those holiday parties that I had one of my earth-shattering food experiences: bacon wrapped scallops. They were served right at the beginning of the party, when we were all standing outside in the chilly AZ weather (don’t let anyone fool you – dry summers mean dry winters and dry air gives a whole new meaning to the frigidness of 40 degrees) drinking cocktails and waiting to go inside for the events to start (because epic parties always have events).
When the cocktail waitress came by our little group asking if we wanted any hors-d’oeuvres, all I heard was the word “bacon” – so, yes, now I definitely want one of whatever that is on the little tray – and since I had already had a glass or two of wine at this point, I just popped it in my mouth without my usual “what is this made of?” analysis.
Because, you know, bacon.
It was already 90% win, right?
Needless to say, the taste absolutely blew my mind, especially when I found out that extra piece inside the hors-d’oeuvre was a scallop.
Seafood is already my weakness, but wrapped in bacon?
Way to play with my food emotions.
I spent the next 20 minutes covertly stalking the waitresses, trying my best to politely be in their path of service instead of doing what I wanted to do and tackling them to the ground before making off with the tray. It was the first time I was ever upset to hear the call that it was time for everyone to be seated for dinner, but I still managed to steal two more bacon wrapped scallops on my way out. The waitress was probably just trying to create a distraction so she could make her escape from me.
That was almost four years ago, and I’ve made bacon wrapped scallops at home a few times since then. Usually, when I’m by myself, so I don’t need to worry about
Usually, when I’m by myself, so I don’t need to worry about sharing extra dishes. They’ve been back on my mind a lot lately, probably my thoughts are starting to wander toward fall. I’ll probably always associate bacon wrapped scallops as a winter hors-d’oeuvre, just like I’ll always miss those epic holiday parties. I can already tell you I’ll be making these many more times over the coming months.
What about you?
What kind of hors-d’oeuvre do you serve in the winter months?
Please tell me there’s bacon!
Recipe Details
Simple Bacon Wrapped Scallop Skewers
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425 F.
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In a small bowl, heat butter in the microwave until melted. Let better cool for 5 minutes.
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Add salt and pepper (to taste) to melted butter.
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Toss scallops in butter.
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Cut bacon in half and wrap around buttered scallops.
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Position a wood skewer over an area of the bacon where the two end pieces overlap. Thread the outer loose end of bacon through the tip of the wood skewer, then thread the inner end of the bacon (so both ends of the bacon are threaded). Finish by pushing the wood skewer through the scallop all the way to the other side and through the outer wrap of bacon (see above pictures for example). Plan to thread up to 5 scallops per skewer.
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Using a long, deep baking dish, lay loaded wood skewers across so that the ends of the skewers are resting on the edge of the dish and the scallops are over the center of the dish (but not touching the bottom.)
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Bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Turn skewers, then bake for another 15 minutes.
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Sprinkle with chopped chives and smoked paprika. Serve immediately.
Catered parties are always the death of me!! These look amazing – seriously the photo is like jumping out at me. I live in an area where fresh fish is easy to get so I will definitely have to make these!!!!
Oo, I’m a bit jealous about the fresh seafood 😀 Bet yours will be way better than mine!
I’ve never had scallops before. Pretty sure bacon would make them taste even better.
Scallops are a “rich” seafood – a good match for the bacon 😀 Hope you like them if you try them!
This is what I for lunch. Now. Perfection!
Thank you Trish!
i loved the addition of paprika and the idea to balance the skewers. Genius!
These look delicious. My an old friend of mine is down for “anything that is wrapped in bacon” haha So I will absolutely have to try them!
Ha, he sounds like my guy 😀 Bacon on everything!
Thanks Heather!
Oh man. I adore scallops!! I don’t get to eat them nearly enough but wrapped in bacon they are totally delectable!
I agree Des! Thanks!
Oh, I need to make these. I keep forgetting to put some good scallops on my shopping list but today I will!
Thanks Carol!
I agree, bacon wrapped scallops are pretty much the best thing ever! Have you ever had prosciutto wrapped scallops? Those are good too 🙂
Haven’t tried prosciutto yet, but it’s on the list now 😀
These are beautiful. I love scallops and putting a blanket of bacon around them is all the more wonderful. Oh and I love those type of epic parties too.
Thanks Michelle! Whoever came up with this combo is a genius 😀
I LOVE bacon wrapped scallops! I think they are one of my favorite appetizers of all time! Pinning these yummies! I used to work for a company like that too. The parties could get pretty interesting…
Makes for good memories, though 😀 Thanks Michelle!
These look so amazing – and I love bacon!
I’m so glad you decided to blog again ;)- Your food blog is so original (style wise) and your recipes even more so- Stoked to have connected.
Now this looks amazing and the day I can afford BOTH scallops and bacon- This will be made!
Thanks Arman! It’s so great to be apart of such a talented and motivated community 😀 Definitely making up for lost time!
Bacon and scallops go SO well together… actually so does scallops and chorizo. These skewers I know must have been as delicious and moorish as they look.
Thanks Thalia! Not sure I’ve tried scallops and chorizo. It’ll be next on my list 😀
I agree – scallops and bacon together are so amazing! Great photos!!
Thanks Melanie!
Bacon wrapped scallops are pretty great and always a treat.
Totally agree Joanie 😀
Bacon rules and scallops drool for it. I like to cook bacon a little bit in microwave wrap and grill love it
35 minutes of cooking time (especially if you use small/medium scallops) will result in overcooked rubbery trash that I wouldn’t feed my dog.
Hello!
I made these amazing little guys not too long ago and I loved them. I want to make them again, except that the last time I did, the bacon grease that dripped into the pan started smoking and there was so much smoke coming out of my oven. Did I do something wrong? I followed your recipe to a tee. Let me know if yo have any suggestions please! I really want to make these again.
Looks great.