Description
Delicious bacon-wrapped scallops broiled to perfection and topped with sweet and spicy hot pepper jelly, making an easy and elegant appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 16 large sea scallops thawed if frozen
- Kosher salt to taste
- 1 lb. bacon (16 slices)
- 10 oz. hot pepper jelly (1 jar)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and baking sheet: Adjust the oven rack to the upper-middle position and set the oven to broil. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray.
- Clean and season scallops: Remove the side muscle attached to each scallop and cut scallops to the same size if necessary. Pat dry with a paper towel, place on a plate, and season with kosher salt to taste.
- Par-cook the bacon: To ensure bacon crisps evenly during broiling, line a microwave-safe plate with 4 layers of paper towels, lay 8 bacon slices on top, cover with 2 more layers of paper towels, and microwave on high for 2 minutes or until fat begins to melt but bacon remains pliable. Transfer to the counter and repeat with remaining 8 slices.
- Wrap scallops with bacon: Cut each bacon slice to fit around a scallop with a slight overlap. Wrap each scallop with the bacon piece and secure with a toothpick. Place wrapped scallops on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add pepper jelly: Top each bacon-wrapped scallop with 1 teaspoon of hot pepper jelly.
- Broil scallops: Broil the scallops for 4 minutes total, turning the baking tray around after 2 minutes to ensure even cooking. Scallops are ready when bacon edges are browned, scallops are opaque, and slightly spring back when touched.
- Serve: Transfer the scallops to a serving tray and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Par-cooking the bacon is essential to ensure it crisps without undercooking the scallops.
- If using thinner bacon, reduce microwave time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
- Use fresh scallops if possible for the best flavor and texture.
- Can also be prepared using an oven broiler or a grill set to high heat if a broiler is unavailable.
- To serve as an appetizer, use cocktail toothpicks for easier handling.