Turkey Bacon Wrapped Scallops: A Thanksgiving Delight

Introduction

When you think of Thanksgiving, you might imagine traditional dishes like turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. However, sometimes it’s fun to try something new to impress your guests or add a unique twist to the holiday spread. Enter Turkey Bacon Wrapped Scallops—an elegant yet simple dish that combines the delicate, sweet flavor of scallops with the smoky, savory goodness of turkey bacon.

This dish is perfect for those who want a light appetizer that is both sophisticated and easy to make. It’s a great option to serve before the main course, or as part of a holiday appetizer spread. The combination of tender scallops and crispy turkey bacon is sure to wow your guests and leave them wanting more. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that can easily be adjusted to fit various dietary needs—whether you’re serving pescatarians or looking for a lower-fat alternative to traditional bacon-wrapped scallops.

If you’re looking for something that feels fancy but doesn’t require too much effort, turkey bacon-wrapped scallops are the way to go. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make this dish the star of your holiday table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have an impressive appetizer or main dish in no time.
• Flavorful Combination: The scallops are naturally sweet and delicate, and the turkey bacon adds a savory, smoky crunch. Together, they create a perfect balance of flavors.
• Healthier Alternative: Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative to traditional pork bacon, making this dish lighter without sacrificing taste.
• Elegant Presentation: The presentation of scallops wrapped in bacon looks stunning on a platter and adds a touch of class to your meal.
• Customizable: You can add different spices or glazes to tailor the flavor to your liking—spicy, sweet, or tangy options are all possible!

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 35 minutes (10 minutes prep, 25 minutes cooking)
• Servings: This recipe serves 4 people (based on 4 large scallops per person)
• Nutrition Facts:
  • Calories per serving: 320
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbs: 6g
  • Fat: 20g

Ingredients

• 16 large sea scallops (about 4 per person): The star of the dish—large, sweet scallops that will hold up well when wrapped in bacon.
• 8 slices turkey bacon: A leaner alternative to regular bacon, providing the smoky flavor and crispy texture you love.
• Olive oil: For cooking and drizzling over the scallops for added richness.
• Salt and black pepper: To season the scallops and bacon for enhanced flavor.
• Garlic powder: Adds savory depth to the dish.
• Lemon zest: For a touch of freshness and brightness to complement the scallops.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley for garnish and added color.
• Optional: A drizzle of honey or maple syrup to add a touch of sweetness or a balsamic glaze for a tangy finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

STEP 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). The high heat ensures that the turkey bacon crisps up nicely while cooking the scallops perfectly.

STEP 2: Prepare the Scallops

Remove the scallops from their packaging and pat them dry with paper towels. This is an important step because moisture on the scallops will prevent them from searing properly. Once dried, season both sides of the scallops with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. You can also sprinkle some lemon zest on the scallops for added flavor.

STEP 3: Wrap the Scallops with Turkey Bacon

Take each slice of turkey bacon and cut it in half. Wrap each scallop tightly with half a slice of turkey bacon, securing it with a toothpick to hold the bacon in place. Be sure to leave a small part of the scallop exposed at the top so it can crisp up during cooking. If the bacon is too long for the scallop, you can trim it to fit or slightly overlap it to ensure it stays secure while baking.

STEP 4: Heat the Pan

In a large oven-safe skillet, add a tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the wrapped scallops in the pan. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Sear the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bacon begins to crisp up and turn golden brown.

STEP 5: Transfer to the Oven

Once the scallops are seared on both sides, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the scallops are cooked through (they should be opaque and firm to the touch). The turkey bacon will be crispy and the scallops will be perfectly tender.

STEP 6: Rest and Garnish

Once the scallops are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps to retain their juices. Remove the toothpicks carefully and place the scallops on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley and a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or balsamic glaze if desired.

How to Serve

• As an Appetizer: Serve these turkey bacon-wrapped scallops on a platter as a starter for your Thanksgiving meal. Pair them with a light green salad or crispy crostini for an added touch of elegance.
• As a Main Dish: You can easily turn this dish into a main course by serving it with sides like roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a quinoa salad.
• With a Dipping Sauce: Serve with a side of tangy lemon aioli, garlic butter, or a sweet chili dipping sauce to complement the flavors of the scallops.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the richness of the scallops and the smokiness of the turkey bacon.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Scallops: Always use fresh or thawed scallops for the best flavor. Frozen scallops can have a watery texture when cooked, so make sure to pat them dry thoroughly.
2. Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to add a touch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the seasoning for a spicy kick.
3. Don’t Overcook the Scallops: Scallops cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Once they’re opaque and firm, they’re done.
4. Use Toothpicks to Secure the Bacon: If you’re worried about the bacon unraveling, secure it with toothpicks, but be sure to remove them before serving.
5. Opt for Thin-Cut Bacon: Thin-cut turkey bacon works best for wrapping the scallops as it crisps up faster and doesn’t overpower the delicate flavor of the scallops.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Buffalo Bacon-Wrapped Scallops: Add a drizzle of buffalo sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes on the bacon before wrapping it around the scallops for a spicy twist.
• Sweet and Savory Bacon-Wrapped Scallops: Brush the bacon with maple syrup or a little honey before wrapping the scallops for a sweet-savory combo.
• Lemon Garlic Bacon-Wrapped Scallops: Enhance the flavor of the scallops with a lemon garlic butter sauce drizzled over the finished dish.
• Herb-Infused Bacon-Wrapped Scallops: Sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary on the scallops before wrapping them in turkey bacon for an herby twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Baked turkey bacon-wrapped scallops pair beautifully with sides like roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potato mash, or wild rice pilaf.
• Beverage Pairing: Serve with a chilled glass of Champagne for a festive feel or a refreshing pinot grigio for a clean, crisp contrast to the richness of the bacon.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Leftover bacon-wrapped scallops can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-8 minutes to retain their crispiness.
• Freezing: You can freeze the bacon-wrapped scallops before or after cooking. To freeze before cooking, arrange the scallops on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. To cook from frozen, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes.

FAQ Section

Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Yes! Regular bacon can be used instead of turkey bacon. However, it will be a bit higher in fat and calories, and you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the bacon crisps up properly.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can wrap the scallops in bacon and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before cooking for even results.

Can I use frozen scallops?
It’s best to use fresh scallops for the best texture. However, if using frozen scallops, ensure they are thoroughly thawed and patted dry before wrapping them in bacon.

Conclusion

Turkey Bacon Wrapped Scallops is a stunning dish that adds a touch of sophistication to your Thanksgiving table. The combination of tender scallops and crispy turkey bacon offers a delightful contrast of flavors that’s sure to impress your guests. Whether you serve them as a light appetizer, a main course, or as part of a larger spread, these bacon-wrapped scallops are bound to be a hit.

Try this recipe for your next holiday gathering, and enjoy the perfect balance of flavors. Don’t forget to share your results on social media or leave a comment below—I’d love to see how it turns out for you. Enjoy your cooking and happy holidays!

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