These bacon wrapped scallops are jumbo scallops coated in a sweet and savory glaze, then broiled to perfection. A simple yet elegant appetizer or main course option that is sure to get rave reviews!.
Like bacon, everything tastes better with it. For dinner, I always make chicken wrapped in bacon and asparagus wrapped in bacon. Scallops are tasty on their own, but when you add bacon to them, you make rich little bites that are great for any event.
For me, scallops are one of those special occasion type foods. A good fishmonger is the best place to buy them because they tend to be a bit pricey. I love these scallops wrapped in bacon more than any other seafood dish. They’re also very simple to make.
Scallops wrapped in bacon go by many delicious names. This popular appetizer combines the sweet, delicate flavor of scallops with the savory crispiness of bacon for an irresistible bite. Though recipes vary, the classic preparation involves wrapping bay or sea scallops in bacon secured with a toothpick, then cooking them until the bacon is crispy. Let’s explore the different names people use for this beloved dish.
Common Names for Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
Here are some of the most popular names for scallops wrapped in bacon
- Bacon-wrapped scallops
- Scallops wrapped in bacon
- Bacon scallops
- Bacon-wrapped bay scallops
- Bacon-wrapped sea scallops
- Scallop bacon bites
- Bacon-scallop bites
- Scallop bacon bundles
- Bacon scallop bundles
As you can see, most names simply combine “bacon” with “scallops” or “scallop,” sometimes specifying bay or sea scallops. “Bites” and “bundles” are also commonly used to describe the single-bite portions. The recipe is so straightforward that there’s no single, definitive name people use.
Regional Names and Variations
Bacon-wrapped scallops are popular nationwide, but local cuisine and traditions have led to some regional variations:
- East coast: Often use fresh sea scallops. May add breadcrumbs.
- South: Creole seasoning instead of just salt and pepper.
- Midwest: Sometimes use cream cheese.
- West coast: Bay scallops more common. Chili powder or cayenne seasoning.
- Hawaii: Wrapped in thinner sliced Maui or Kauai bacon.
So in Hawaii, you may see the dish called “Maui bacon scallop bundles.” In the South, “New Orleans-style bacon-wrapped scallops” with creole seasoning. The regional twists lead to more varied names.
International Names
Bacon-wrapped scallops are also enjoyed worldwide. Here are some international names:
- United Kingdom: Bacon-wrapped scallops
- Australia: Scallops wrapped in bacon
- Japan: Bacon scallop rolls (with shorter sliced bacon)
- Mexico: Tocino con vieiras envueltas (bacon with wrapped scallops)
- Italy: Capesante al bacon (scallops in bacon)
- France: Coquilles Saint-Jacques au bacon (scallops in bacon)
The English name is common in the UK and Australia. Mexico and non-English-speaking countries translate it into their own languages. Again, the core ingredients remain the same.
Fancier Menu Names
For restaurants seeking a more elegant name, bacon-wrapped scallops may appear on menus as:
- Bacon-wrapped sea scallop skewers
- Seared sea scallops en croûte
- Broiled sea scallops en brochette
- Grilled scallop and bacon brochettes
- Candied bacon-wrapped scallops
Terms like “en croûte” (in crust), “en brochette” (skewered), and “brochettes” (skewers) make the appetizer sound fancier. Candied bacon implies a sweet glaze These names dress up the simple recipe
Original Recipes and Brand Names
Some original recipes also lead to signature names:
- Paleo bacon-wrapped scallops
- Keto bacon scallop bundles
- Taste of Home’s bacon-wrapped scallops
- Ina Garten’s baked scallops and bacon
- Wholesome Yum bacon-wrapped scallops
Citing the recipe source, diet variations like paleo and keto, or brand names personalized the name. But they still center on bacon and scallops.
Creative and Descriptive Names
More colorful names are sometimes used to intrigue diners:
- Bacon scallop pillows
- Bacon sea hugs
- Scallop angels on horseback
- Devil on horseback (dates wrapped in bacon)
- Sea bacon love bites
- Bay bacon bon-bons
- Bacon scallop rumaki
These fun names get creative, playing up the contrast of scallops and bacon. They emphasize how the dish combines land and sea.
Origin of the Name
So where did this beloved dish get its name? The concept of wrapping foods in bacon dates back centuries. Bacon imparts flavor and moisture while adding a contrasting crispy texture. Early versions of scallops or oysters “en brochette” were skewered and grilled or broiled rather than wrapped.
The modern recipe for broiling scallops wrapped in partially-cooked bacon appears to have emerged in the 1950s-60s. Earlier names like “angels on horseback” described oysters wrapped in bacon. The simpler “bacon-wrapped scallops” became popular by the 1980s-90s.
While names vary, the combination of sweet scallops and savory bacon keeps diners coming back for more. Whether called bacon scallop bites, sea bacon love bites, or bacon-wrapped scallops, this appetizer classic remains a crowd-pleaser under any name. The appeal comes from the sensational blend of flavors and textures – no matter what it’s called on the menu.
How do you make bacon wrapped scallops?
This recipe calls for scallops, bacon, maple syrup, garlic powder, soy sauce, salt and pepper. There you have it! Wrap each scallop in half a bacon slice and then use a toothpick to hold the bacon in place. The rest of the ingredients are mixed together to make a sweet and savory glaze that is brushed over the scallops while they are cooking. Add a sprinkle of herbs, then serve and enjoy.
Tips for bacon wrapped scallops
- Choose the largest scallops that you can afford. It’s easier to wrap bigger scallops in bacon, and the bacon will keep them from cooking too much.
- Do not use thick bacon because it will take too long to cook all the way through.
- You can serve scallops as an appetizer with the toothpicks still in them, or you can take them out if you want to serve them as a main dish.
- This recipe also works well with shrimp!
How to Make the BEST Bacon Wrapped Scallops!
FAQ
What do you call scallops wrapped in bacon?
What’s the best way to cook scallops wrapped in bacon?
Who makes bacon wrapped scallops?
Does Trader Joe’s have scallops wrapped in bacon?
What is a bacon wrapped scallop?
These Bacon Wrapped Scallops are the most decadent appetizer to serve at your next party. In this recipe, tender, fresh scallops are wrapped in salty bacon slices before being baked to perfection. The sweet scallops absorb the flavor from the bacon, which bakes into a crispy shell.
How do you cook scallops with bacon?
Wrap the scallops. Line up the halved bacon slices on a cutting board. Wrap each scallop with a slice of bacon, secure with a toothpick, and transfer to the baking sheet. Repeat for the remaining scallops and bacon. Cook to perfection. Broil the bacon wrapped scallops on high, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is nice and crispy.
Can you eat Scallops wrapped in bacon?
Scallops wrapped in bacon can be served as appetizers as an entrée. Cooked in a light garlic butter sauce, the bacon adds a great smoky salty flavor and the scallops come out perfectly tender. This bacon wrapped scallops recipe is easy to make, can be prepared ahead of time yet they look impressive. Serve with tangy cocktail sauce for dipping!
Where can I buy frozen Scallops wrapped in bacon?
You can find bags of frozen, dry sea scallops at Costco or other grocery stores in the frozen section – be sure to look for bags that are labeled as ‘dry’ scallops. What bacon brands are best for Scallops Wrapped in Bacon? You’ll want to select a thin-cut bacon.