There’s something truly irresistible about the sweet-spicy kick paired with smoky bacon and tender scallops, which is exactly why this Bacon Wrapped Scallops with Pepper Jelly Recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen. The combination of flavors and textures feels fancy but comes together so easily—you’re going to want to make these again and again!

The image shows several round scallops wrapped in crispy bacon arranged closely on a cooking surface with a dark texture. Each scallop has a golden-brown top with a slightly glazed look, sprinkled with small red and green bits that add color and shine. The bacon forms a caramelized, slightly charred ring around each scallop, giving a contrast of textures. The right edge shows a white bowl partially filled with a chunky red sauce, its surface shiny and textured. The setting is bright and the colors of the food stand out vividly against the dark cooking surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Bacon Wrapped Scallops with Pepper Jelly Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Bacon Wrapped Scallops with Pepper Jelly Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Bacon Wrapped Scallops with Pepper Jelly Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember serving these at a holiday party and watching everyone’s eyes light up with the first bite. The balance of savory bacon and sweet, slightly spicy pepper jelly is downright addictive. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make even if you don’t consider yourself a pro in the kitchen.

Perfect appetizer: Bite-sized and elegant, these scallops are showstoppers at any gathering.
Quick to prepare: From start to finish, it takes about 30 minutes—ideal when you want something impressive, fast.
Flavor explosion: The pepper jelly adds a zing that complements, not overpowers, the scallops and bacon.
Versatile dish: Serves beautifully as finger food or plated with sides for a meal.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This dish is a perfect example of how simple ingredients come together to create magic. The richness of bacon, sweetness and heat from the pepper jelly, and delicate scallops combine beautifully. When shopping, look for fresh, large sea scallops and good-quality bacon for the best results.

Flat lay of large fresh sea scallops with a slightly translucent, plump texture, a pile of uncooked streaky bacon slices with visible marbling of pink and white fat, a small white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant glossy red hot pepper jelly, and a small white ceramic bowl containing coarse kosher salt crystals, all arranged in perfect symmetry and realistic proportions on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Sea scallops: Choose large scallops for even cooking and a satisfying bite.
Kosher salt: Enhances natural flavors without overpowering.
Bacon: The smoky, salty wrap that crisps perfectly when pre-cooked and broiled.
Hot pepper jelly: Adds that irresistible sweet-spicy kick that's the star of the show.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

What’s great about this Bacon Wrapped Scallops with Pepper Jelly Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to your taste or occasion. I love adding a little fresh lime zest on top for an extra layer of freshness, but you can also experiment with mild or extra spicy pepper jelly based on your heat preference.

Variation: For a milder bite, swap out the hot pepper jelly for a sweet apricot jelly combined with a dash of chili flakes.
Dietary tweak: Use turkey bacon for a leaner option, though cooking time might differ slightly.
Make it a meal: Toss the scallops over a fresh green salad or creamy risotto instead of serving as an appetizer.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Bacon Wrapped Scallops with Pepper Jelly Recipe

The image shows four golden brown scallops wrapped in crispy reddish-brown bacon, arranged in a circle on top of a smooth, creamy white mashed potato base that fills most of the plate. There are small green herb bits sprinkled over the scallops, adding a fresh touch. To the right, part of a group of bright green, fresh green beans is visible, placed directly on the white mashed potatoes. The meal is served on a white ceramic plate with a dark rim, set on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and fresh look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Get your prep going

Start by adjusting your oven rack to the upper-middle position and preheating your broiler. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray it with nonstick cooking spray—trust me, it makes cleanup a breeze. While that’s heating up, gently remove the side muscle from each scallop; it’s that small rectangular piece on the side. Give the scallops a quick pat dry with a paper towel, then season lightly with kosher salt for a subtle lift of flavor.

Step 2: Precook the bacon just enough

Here’s the key to perfectly crisp, yet tender bacon around your scallops: microwave it before wrapping! Lay 8 slices of bacon between layers of paper towel on a microwave-safe plate, and microwave on high for about 1½ to 2 minutes. You want the bacon fat to start melting but still be flexible enough to wrap without breaking. Do the same for the remaining bacon slices.

Step 3: Wrap and top with pepper jelly

Cut each slice of par-cooked bacon to perfectly wrap a scallop with a slight overlap—this ensures it stays secure during cooking. Use toothpicks to hold each bacon-wrapped scallop together. Arrange them on your prepared baking sheet and generously top each with a teaspoon of that delicious hot pepper jelly. The jelly will melt under broiling and caramelize beautifully.

Step 4: Broil to perfection

Pop the scallops under the broiler for 3-4 minutes, but here’s a pro tip: halfway through cooking, rotate the tray to ensure even browning. You’re looking for crisp, browned bacon edges and scallops that turn opaque and bounce back slightly when pressed. Don’t overcook them—the texture should remain tender and juicy.

Step 5: Serve immediately

Once done, transfer your scallops onto a serving dish and dive in while they’re warm for the best texture and flavor. These beauties disappear fast, so don’t wait too long to serve!

Top Tip

After a few tries, I found a handful of tricks that really take this Bacon Wrapped Scallops with Pepper Jelly Recipe to the next level. Whether you’re new to broiling or a seasoned cook, these tips will save you time and guarantee a delicious result.

Precook bacon carefully: Don’t skip the par-cooking step or the bacon won't crisp properly when broiled, leaving you with chewy, underdone bacon.
Avoid overcrowding: Give each scallop some space on the baking sheet—crowding causes uneven cooking and sogginess.
Use toothpicks as your friends: Secure wraps firmly but remember to remove toothpicks before serving.
Keep a close eye: Broilers can vary greatly, so watch carefully after 3 minutes to prevent overcooking.

How to Serve Bacon Wrapped Scallops with Pepper Jelly Recipe

bacon wrapped scallops - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a few chopped fresh chives or finely sliced green onions on top to add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green color. A tiny squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving also brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing zing that cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I’ll usually serve these scallops alongside a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a creamy risotto for an indulgent touch. Steamed asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts also make excellent veggies on the side without overwhelming the delicate scallop flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try skewering 2-3 bacon-wrapped scallops each on cocktail picks and arranging them on a wooden board with small bowls of extra pepper jelly for dipping. It feels festive and makes for easy, mess-free snacking. I once even used mini cast iron skillets to serve individual portions warm and stylishly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any) keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just make sure the scallops cool completely before sealing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze these after cooking because bacon texture can suffer, but if you want to prep ahead, you can wrap the scallops in bacon and freeze uncooked portions on a tray. Transfer them to a bag once frozen and broil straight from frozen with a few extra minutes of cooking time.

Reheating

To reheat, pop leftover scallops under a broiler or in a hot oven (about 375°F) just until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Avoid the microwave to prevent rubbery scallops and soggy bacon.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular jelly instead of hot pepper jelly?

Absolutely! Regular pepper jelly or even apricot jelly mixed with a pinch of chili flakes works well if you prefer less spice. Just adjust the topping amount to balance sweetness and heat to your liking.

How do I know when the scallops are cooked perfectly?

When cooked properly, scallops will turn opaque and feel firm but still have a little bounce when gently pressed. Keep cooking time short to avoid tough rubbery scallops—3 to 4 minutes under the broiler is usually spot on.

Can I prepare this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely—this recipe scales up easily. Just arrange the wrapped scallops on multiple baking sheets and broil them in batches. Keep the first batch warm in a low oven while you finish the rest.

What’s the best bacon to use?

Use a thick-cut bacon for more substantial bites and better crispness, but watch for cooking times. If you prefer, center-cut bacon strips have less fat and won’t shrink as much around scallops.

Final Thoughts

This Bacon Wrapped Scallops with Pepper Jelly Recipe holds a special place for me because it truly feels like a little celebration every time I make it. It’s effortless enough for weeknights but elegant enough for parties, and every forkful bursts with flavor. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear how it becomes a favorite in your home, just like it did mine!