If you are looking for a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer for your next holiday party, look no further than these scallops wrapped in bacon with balsamic glaze. These bite-sized treats are tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. They are also gluten-free and low-carb, making them suitable for most dietary preferences.
The scallops are wrapped in thin slices of bacon and baked until crisp. Then, they are drizzled with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze that adds a touch of sophistication and complexity. You can serve them on toothpicks or skewers, or arrange them on a platter with some fresh herbs and lemon wedges. They are sure to impress your guests and disappear in no time.
This recipe is also very versatile and adaptable. You can use any type of scallops, fresh or frozen, as long as they are thawed and patted dry. You can also use any type of bacon, such as turkey, pork, or vegan. The balsamic glaze can be made from scratch or bought from the store. You can also adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar to suit your taste.
The best part is that this recipe is very easy and quick to prepare. It takes only about 30 minutes from start to finish, and most of the time is spent in the oven. You can also make the balsamic glaze ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to use. This way, you can save some time and hassle on the day of the event.
So, what are you waiting for? Try this recipe for scallops wrapped in bacon with balsamic glaze today and enjoy a festive and elegant appetizer that will wow your friends and family.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Yield: 24 pieces
- Portion size: 2 pieces
For the scallops:
- 12 large scallops (about 1 pound or 450 grams), thawed if frozen and patted dry
- 12 thin slices of bacon (about 8 ounces or 225 grams), cut in half
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or oil, for greasing
For the balsamic glaze:
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) of balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) of dried rosemary or thyme, optional
Tools and equipment
- A baking sheet
- A wire rack
- A small saucepan
- A whisk
- A measuring cup and spoons
- A knife and a cutting board
- A paper towel
- A pastry brush
- Toothpicks or skewers, for serving
Recommended products
- Balsamic vinegar
- Honey
- Maple syrup
- Garlic powder
- Dried rosemary
- Dried thyme
- Cooking spray
- Oil
Time required
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Mise en place
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with foil. Place a wire rack on top of the foil and spray or brush it with some cooking spray or oil.
- Cut the bacon slices in half and set them aside.
- Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Season them lightly with salt and pepper and set them aside.
- In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried rosemary or thyme if using. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set the glaze aside and keep it warm.
Step-by-step instruction directions
- Wrap each scallop with a half slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick or a skewer. Arrange the wrapped scallops on the prepared wire rack, leaving some space between them.
- Bake the scallops in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the scallops are cooked through. The scallops should be opaque and firm to the touch, and the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Remove the scallops from the oven and brush them generously with the balsamic glaze. You can also transfer the glaze to a small bowl and serve it on the side for dipping.
- Enjoy your scallops wrapped in bacon with balsamic glaze while they are hot or warm.
Serving instruction
- You can serve these scallops wrapped in bacon with balsamic glaze as an appetizer or a main course, depending on your preference and the occasion. They are perfect for Christmas, New Year, or any other festive celebration.
- You can also serve them with some fresh salad, bread, rice, or pasta for a more complete meal. They pair well with white wine, sparkling wine, or cider.
- You can also garnish them with some chopped parsley, chives, or basil for some extra color and flavor.
Plating
- You can plate these scallops wrapped in bacon with balsamic glaze in various ways, depending on how you want to present them. Here are some suggestions:
- Arrange them on a large platter with some lemon wedges and fresh herbs. You can also drizzle some more glaze over them for extra shine and flavor.
- Arrange them on individual plates or bowls with some salad, bread, rice, or pasta. You can also sprinkle some cheese, nuts, or seeds for some extra crunch and texture.
- Arrange them on a wooden board or a slate with some cheese, crackers, olives, and grapes for a rustic and elegant look. You can also add some dips, spreads, or jams for some extra variety and taste.
Tips
- You can use any type of scallops for this recipe, such as sea scallops, bay scallops, or diver scallops. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as smaller scallops will cook faster than larger ones.
- You can also use any type of bacon for this recipe, such as turkey, pork, or vegan. Just make sure to choose thin and lean slices that will wrap easily around the scallops and crisp up in the oven.
- You can make the balsamic glaze ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to a month. Just reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before using.
- You can also make the scallops wrapped in bacon ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. You can also freeze them for up to a month. Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until hot and crisp.
- You can also customize the balsamic glaze by adding some other ingredients, such as mustard, soy sauce, ginger, chili, or orange juice. You can also use different types of vinegar, such as apple cider, red wine, or white wine.
Notes
- This recipe is gluten-free and low-carb, as long as you use gluten-free and sugar-free bacon and balsamic vinegar. You can also use sugar-free honey or maple syrup for the glaze.
- This recipe is also dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, and soy-free, as long as you use allergy-friendly ingredients and products. You can also use vegan bacon and vegan honey or maple syrup for the glaze.
- This recipe is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans, as it contains animal products. However, you can use vegan bacon and vegan honey or maple syrup for the glaze, and substitute the scallops with some plant-based alternatives, such as tofu, tempeh, mushrooms, or jackfruit.
- This recipe is also high in protein, iron, and selenium, which are essential for your health and well-being. Scallops are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can lower inflammation and improve brain function. Bacon is a good source of B vitamins, which can boost your energy and metabolism. Balsamic vinegar is a fermented product that can aid digestion and balance blood sugar levels.
- This recipe is also very delicious and satisfying, as it combines different textures and flavors. The scallops are soft and tender, the bacon is crisp and salty, and the balsamic glaze is sweet and tangy. The lemon and herbs add some freshness and brightness to the dish. The result is a mouthwatering appetizer that will make you and your guests happy and content.
- This recipe is also very easy and quick to prepare, as it takes only about 30 minutes from start to finish, and most of the time is spent in the oven. You can also make the balsamic glaze and the scallops wrapped in bacon ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer until ready to use. This way, you can save some time and hassle on the day of the event.
- We hope that you have enjoyed this article and learned how to make scallops wrapped in bacon with balsamic glaze. This is a festive and elegant appetizer that is perfect for any occasion, especially for Christmas and New Year. It is also gluten-free, low-carb, and adaptable to different dietary preferences. It is also very delicious, satisfying, and nutritious. It is also very easy and quick to make, and can be made ahead of time. Try this recipe today and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.
Nutrition facts
- Serving size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 156 kcal
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated fat: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 32 mg
- Sodium: 378 mg
- Carbohydrate: 7 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Protein: 13 g
Disclaimer
- The information and content provided in this article are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or qualified health provider before making any changes to your diet, nutrition, or lifestyle. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.
- The nutritional information and values provided in this article are estimates only and may vary depending on the type and quality of the ingredients, the serving size, and the cooking method. They are not intended to be accurate or complete. You should not rely on them for making any decisions or calculations. You should always use your own judgment and discretion when using the information and content provided in this article.