Bacon wrapped scallops are a crowd-pleasing appetizer combining the briny sweetness of seared scallops with the smoky, salty crunch of crispy bacon. While fresh scallops are ideal frozen bacon wrapped scallops can be conveniently cooked straight from the freezer with delicious results using the oven.

Follow this simple guide for foolproof frozen bacon wrapped scallops baked in the oven

Ingredients

• 1 lb frozen bacon wrapped scallops
• 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 1⁄4 tsp salt
• 1⁄4 tsp pepper
• Lemon wedges for serving

Prep and Brush with Oil

• Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Arrange frozen scallops on the baking sheet, spaced apart.
• Brush the tops of the bacon and scallops lightly with oil. This helps promote browning.

Season and Bake

• Sprinkle the scallops evenly with the salt and pepper.
• Bake for 15-18 minutes, until bacon is browned and sizzling.

The bacon wrapping helps insulate the scallops, so they cook gently to perfection.

Rest and Serve

• Remove pan from oven and let scallops rest 2-3 minutes before serving.
• The resting period allows juices to reabsorb for tender, juicy scallops.
• Transfer scallops to a platter and squeeze lemon wedges over the top before serving.

Enjoy as a stellar appetizer or light meal with crusty bread!

Oven Temp Tips

• 425°F creates crispy, browned bacon. Go lower (400°F) if bacon browns too fast.
• Conventional oven or convection setting both work well.
• Position scallops on middle oven rack for optimal air circulation.

Bacon Pointers

• Look for thinly sliced bacon to wrap scallops. Thick bacon takes longer to crisp.
• Regular sliced bacon works well. Use thinner center-cut for extra crispness.
• Whole bacon slices wrapped around scallops are ideal. Minimizes unraveling.
• Partially frozen bacon is easier to wrap smoothly around scallops.

Cooking Straight from Frozen

Cooking frozen bacon wrapped scallops straight from the freezer offers advantages:

• No thawing saves time and avoids moisture loss.
• Frozen state helps bacon stay wrapped tightly.
• Extends shelf life compared to thawing/refreezing.
• Helps scallops retain moisture for tenderness.

Just pop them in the oven frozen – no thawing required!

Handling Raw Seafood Safely

When working with raw scallops:

• Wash hands and prep surfaces before and after handling.
• Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw seafood.
• Discard any scallops with an off odor. Should smell like the ocean.
• Cook scallops thoroughly until opaque in center.

Follow these safety tips for healthy enjoyment of bacon wrapped scallops.

Common Baking Questions

Get tips for ensuring bacon wrapped scallop perfection:

How do I know if they’re done?

• Look for bacon to be browned and sizzling. Scallops should be opaque throughout.

Can I season the scallops too?

• Yes, add spices or zesty citrus juice and zest before baking.

What if the bacon unwraps?

• Rearrange back into place with tongs. Securing with a toothpick can help too.

Should I flip them midway?

• No need to flip. The bacon shields the delicate scallops from direct heat.

Can I use a broiler to crisp the bacon?

• Yes, broil 1-2 minutes at the end to finish crisping the bacon as needed.

With these handy tips, you’ll be enjoying tender baked bacon wrapped scallops from your freezer in no time!

Complementary Sauces for Drizzling

Take your bacon wrapped scallops up a notch with delicious dipping sauces:

• Lemon garlic aioli – Blend mayonnaise, lemon zest and juice, garlic, olive oil, and salt.

• Pesto – Purée basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, parmesan, and salt and pepper.

• Honey mustard – Whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and olive oil.

• Teriyaki glaze – Simmer soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic and ginger, then thicken with cornstarch.

• Chimichurri – Mix parsley, cilantro, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and spices like oregano and red pepper flakes.

• Tzatziki – Whip Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, and minced garlic.

Take your pick of any of these flavor-packed sauces to serve alongside for drizzling or dipping.

Getting Creative with Leftovers

Leftover baked bacon wrapped scallops can be reinvented into tasty new dishes:

• Toss with pasta, olive oil, spinach, and parmesan
• Top a salad of mixed greens and grape tomatoes
• Fill an omelet or breakfast sandwich
• Dice and add to fried rice or ramen noodles
• Layer on crackers or bruschetta with goat cheese
• Fold into quiche or frittata along with veggies
• Mix into creamy dips and spreads for chips or veggies

With a little creativity, you can give leftover baked bacon wrapped scallops new life. They’re delicious rewarmed or served chilled in recipes.

Cooking frozen bacon wrapped scallops in the oven results in tender, juicy scallops and crisp, flavorful bacon every time. With a few simple tips, you can enjoy this crowdpleasing appetizer even with scallops straight from the freezer.