This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, INC. and The Coca-Cola Company, all opinions are mine alone. #LayerOnLove #CollectiveBias
These bacon wrapped scallops will be the hit of your next party! The bacon is soaked in Coca-Cola™ for an added layer of rich flavor that can’t go wrong!
Welcome to winter!!
When the cold hits the Midwest, it hits with a vengeance. I do everything possible to keep warm! Layers of clothing, fuzzy socks, hot food and beverages, you name it. I’m one of those that chills easily anyway, so you’ll frequently find me in a light jacket, even in my house.
We have had an unseasonably warm start to winter the last month or so, but it has finally hit and it IS COLD. BRRRR!!!!! Even as I type this, snow flurries are fluttering past my window! For entertaining during the cold winter, I switch to hot appetizers and warm comfort foods. These bacon wrapped scallops are always a huge hit!
You want to know the true secret to these scallops? The bacon is soaked in Coca-Cola™!
The flavor of the the cola adds a richness in flavor that is seriously delicious.
Cut your bacon strips in half, then soak in Coca-Cola™, covered, in the fridge for about 2 hours. This lets the flavor seep in. I personally use Coke Zero™ for that real Coke taste but with zero calories and zero sugar!
Now let’s make those bacon wrapped scallops!
Once your bacon strips are thoroughly soaked, rinse your scallops in cold water and pat dry. Lightly season with coarse salt. Don’t forget to pre-heat your oven to 425 while you assemble your bacon wrapped scallops.
Drain a can of water chestnuts. Now it’s time to wrap!
Center the scallop on the bacon strip, and top with either a large water chestnut, or a few smaller ones. Roll the bacon over the scallop stack and secure with a toothpick. Easy peasy!
Next, season the rolls generously with smoked paprika before basting them with plain old ketchup. It adds an extra tang to these savory bites!
Pop your scallops into the oven. I used the thick bacon we had in the fridge, so I cooked for 45 minutes to get a crispier bacon layer, but thin bacon would only cook for 25 minutes. I was a littler nervous that my scallops might be rubber at such a long cooking time, but they were delicious! (And disappeared fast!)
Now that you have a warm belly, let’s think about warming your heart!
Living in Chicago, winters are brutal. We also have a very large homeless population, spread across the city and suburbs. Nearly 15% of Americans are living in poverty, without access to a proper winter coat each year. I’m trying to teach my children how to give back and #LayerOnLove this year by donating to the One Warm Coat Charity campaign. It’s so easy to text “LOVE to 501501 and donate $5!
Warm your heart this holiday season by giving back to those in need!
Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Ingredients
- 8 strips bacon, cut in half
- 1 can water chestnuts, drained
- 16 sea scallops rinsed and patted dry
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- coarse salt, kosher or sea to taste
Instructions
- Place bacon strips in a container and pour in Coca-Cola. Refrigerate, covered, for 2 hours. Rinse scallops in cold water and pat dry. Season lightly with coarse salt and let sit for about ten minutes. Preheat oven to 425. Place one scallop on the center of one bacon slice and top with water chestnut. Roll bacon over the stack and secure with a toothpick. Repeat until done. Season wraps with paprika and baste with ketchup. Bake for 25 minutes. (For thicker cut bacon, extend to 45 minutes, or until crispy.)
What a great cause to donate to this holiday season! And that appetizer looks delicious. Thanks for sharing!
Yum! Bacon and scallops sound divine. Pinned and will be featuring this on today’s Merry Monday.
Thank you so much for featuring me!!