Maple Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Creamy Chive Sauce
Indulge in an elegant yet simple appetizer that brings together the delicate sweetness of large sea scallops, the savory crunch of bacon, and a luxurious maple cream sauce. Perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a sophisticated snack, these bacon-wrapped scallops are elevated with a drizzle of velvety sauce enriched with Dijon mustard and fresh chives. A delightful fusion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and make you the star of any gathering!
N/A
Servings
60
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
10 (slices)
sea scallops
20 (large)
whipping cream
1 (cup)
maple syrup
2 (tablespoons)
Dijon mustard
1 (tablespoon)
fresh chives
to taste (finely chopped)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lay the bacon slices on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for about 8 minutes until they are pale golden brown but still flexible. Remove them from the oven and cool slightly.
2
Once cooled, cut each bacon slice in half crosswise. Take each scallop and tightly wrap a half slice of bacon around it, securing it with a toothpick. If you wish, you can prepare these ahead of time; just cover and refrigerate for 6 to 8 hours.
3
When ready to cook, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the bacon-wrapped scallops on a baking sheet and bake for about 8 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the bacon is crisp.
4
While the scallops bake, make the maple cream sauce. In a large skillet, bring the whipping cream to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Allow it to reduce to about 3/4 cup, which should take around 3 minutes.
5
Once reduced, stir in the Dijon mustard and maple syrup, then continue to boil for an additional 4 minutes to thicken. Season the sauce with salt and pepper according to your taste.
6
To serve, spoon the creamy sauce onto a serving platter and arrange the hot scallops on top. Finish with a sprinkle of finely chopped chives for added freshness and flavor. Enjoy your delightful appetizers!
Nutrition Information
4.5g
Fat
0.9g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of Maple Bacon-Wrapped Scallops?
The dish features a delicate balance of sweet maple, savory bacon, and a luxurious creamy sauce with a hint of Dijon mustard and fresh chives.
How many sea scallops do I need for this recipe?
You will need 20 large sea scallops for this specific recipe.
How much bacon is required?
The recipe calls for 10 slices of bacon, which are halved to wrap the 20 scallops.
What temperature should the oven be for the initial bacon par-bake?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) for the first stage of baking the bacon.
How long do I bake the bacon on its own?
Bake the bacon slices for about 8 minutes until they are pale golden brown but still flexible enough to wrap.
Why is the bacon baked before wrapping the scallops?
Pre-baking ensures the bacon becomes crisp during the final cooking stage without overcooking the delicate scallops.
How do I secure the bacon to the scallops?
Tightly wrap a half slice of bacon around each scallop and secure it in place with a toothpick.
Can I prepare bacon-wrapped scallops in advance?
Yes, you can wrap the scallops ahead of time, cover them, and refrigerate for 6 to 8 hours before cooking.
What is the final baking temperature for the scallops?
When ready to cook the wrapped scallops, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
How long do the wrapped scallops take to bake?
They take approximately 8 minutes at 400°F, or until the scallops are cooked through and the bacon is crisp.
What are the ingredients for the maple cream sauce?
The sauce is made from whipping cream, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
How do I thicken the cream for the sauce?
Bring the whipping cream to a gentle boil and allow it to reduce to about 3/4 cup, which takes about 3 minutes.
When do I add the maple syrup to the sauce?
Stir in the maple syrup and Dijon mustard after the cream has initially reduced.
How long should the sauce boil after adding the syrup and mustard?
Boil the mixture for an additional 4 minutes to achieve the desired thickness.
How should the dish be plated?
Spoon the creamy sauce onto a platter and arrange the hot scallops on top of the sauce.
What garnish is recommended for this dish?
Finish the dish with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh chives for freshness and flavor.
How many calories are in this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 60 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 4.5 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in the scallops?
This recipe provides 4 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 0.9 grams of carbohydrates.
What kind of mustard is best for the sauce?
Dijon mustard is specifically recommended for its sophisticated tang and smooth texture.
What type of cream is used for the sauce?
Heavy whipping cream is used to create a rich, velvety reduction.
Can I use different types of scallops?
Large sea scallops are recommended; smaller bay scallops may cook too quickly and are difficult to wrap.
Is this recipe considered an appetizer or main course?
This dish is designed as an elegant appetizer or sophisticated snack, often categorized as finger food.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 8 ingredients: bacon, sea scallops, whipping cream, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, chives, salt, and pepper.
What kind of maple syrup should be used?
Pure maple syrup is best for the highest quality flavor in the cream sauce.
How should the chives be prepared?
The chives should be finely chopped before being sprinkled over the final dish.
Does the recipe require salt and pepper?
Yes, the sauce should be seasoned with salt and pepper according to your personal taste.
Is the sauce served on the side or with the scallops?
The sauce is spooned onto the platter first, and the scallops are arranged directly on top of it.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include scallops, bacon, maple, cream sauce, appetizer, finger food, seafood, and gourmet.