Are you planning a party or hosting a dinner and looking for a delicious appetizer that can be made ahead of time?
Look no further than bacon wrapped scallops! These tasty morsels are easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
But can you make them ahead of time? The answer is yes! With a little bit of prep work, you can have these appetizers ready to go in the refrigerator until it’s time to cook them.
In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to prepare and store bacon wrapped scallops ahead of time, as well as tips for reheating leftovers.
So let’s get started!
Can You Make Bacon Wrapped Scallops Ahead Of Time?
As mentioned earlier, you can definitely make bacon wrapped scallops ahead of time. The key is to focus on the prep work rather than the cooking.
Start by partially cooking the bacon, then wrap each scallop with a piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick. Place the prepared scallops in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them.
When it’s time to cook, simply pop them in the oven for a few minutes until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are cooked through.
It’s important to note that while you can make them ahead of time, scallops are best when cooked and eaten within a day or two of buying them. So if possible, try to prepare them on the same day as your event.
Preparing Bacon Wrapped Scallops For Make-Ahead
If you do decide to make bacon wrapped scallops ahead of time, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure they turn out perfectly.
First, make sure to use “dry” sea scallops, which means they haven’t been soaked in sodium tripolyphosphate to make them heavier. This will ensure that your scallops are fresh and flavorful.
Next, partially cook the bacon before wrapping it around the scallops. This will help the bacon cook evenly and ensure that it’s crispy when you’re ready to serve.
Once you’ve wrapped the scallops in bacon, secure them with a toothpick and place them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them. It’s best to cook them within a day or two of preparing them, so plan accordingly.
When it’s time to cook, preheat your oven and transfer the prepared scallops to a baking sheet. Drizzle them with butter and roast them for 18-20 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are cooked through.
If you have leftover scallops, you can reheat them in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a low oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes. Just be careful not to overcook them, as this can make them tough and rubbery.
Storing Bacon Wrapped Scallops In The Refrigerator
If you have any leftover bacon wrapped scallops, it’s important to store them properly to ensure they remain safe to eat. The best way to store cooked scallops is in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
Refrigerate the cooked scallops within two hours of cooking, and they will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. However, it’s important to note that scallops don’t reheat well, so it’s best to enjoy them right away.
When reheating bacon wrapped scallops, do so gently on the stovetop. It’s also important to note that scallops are best when cooked and eaten within a day or two of buying them.
If you’re planning to make bacon wrapped scallops ahead of time, it’s best to focus on the prep work rather than the cooking. Partially cook the bacon, wrap each scallop with a piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick, then place them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them.
By following these tips for storing bacon wrapped scallops in the refrigerator, you can ensure that your leftovers remain safe and delicious for as long as possible.
Tips For Reheating Bacon Wrapped Scallops
If you have leftover bacon-wrapped scallops, reheating them can be a bit tricky. You want to make sure that the bacon doesn’t burn and that the scallops are heated through without becoming overcooked. Here are some tips for reheating bacon-wrapped scallops:
1. Use the oven: The best way to reheat bacon-wrapped scallops is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the scallops in a lightly greased baking dish. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are heated through.
2. Don’t overcrowd the pan: When reheating bacon-wrapped scallops in the oven, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. If the scallops are too close together, they won’t cook evenly and the bacon may burn.
3. Use a non-stick pan: If you prefer to reheat your scallops on the stovetop, use a non-stick pan to prevent sticking. Heat the pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil or butter.
4. Keep an eye on the bacon: Whether reheating in the oven or on the stovetop, keep a close eye on the bacon to ensure it doesn’t burn. If you notice that the bacon is getting too crispy before the scallops are heated through, cover the pan with a lid or foil.
5. Check the internal temperature: To ensure that your bacon-wrapped scallops are safe to eat, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The minimum safe temperature for seafood is 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious and perfectly reheated bacon-wrapped scallops every time. Just remember to handle your seafood with care and always prioritize food safety.
Other Make-Ahead Appetizer Ideas
In addition to bacon wrapped scallops, there are many other make-ahead appetizer options that are perfect for entertaining. Here are a few ideas:
1. Stuffed Mushrooms: You can prepare stuffed mushrooms ahead of time by cleaning and removing the stems from the mushrooms, then stuffing them with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. Place them on a baking sheet and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook them.
2. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with a mixture of diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and balsamic vinegar is a classic and easy appetizer that can be prepared ahead of time. Simply toast the bread and prepare the topping, then store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and serve.
3. Deviled Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs filled with a mixture of egg yolks, mayonnaise, mustard, and spices are always a crowd-pleaser. You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in a piping bag or ziplock bag until you’re ready to fill the eggs.
4. Cheese Platter: A cheese platter with various types of cheeses, crackers, and fruits is an easy appetizer that can be prepared ahead of time. Simply arrange the cheeses and other accompaniments on a platter and cover with plastic wrap until you’re ready to serve.
5. Spinach Dip: A creamy spinach dip made with spinach, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic, and parmesan cheese is always a hit. You can prepare the dip ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to heat it up and serve with crackers or vegetables.
These make-ahead appetizer ideas will save you time and stress when entertaining guests. Just remember to follow food safety guidelines and store them properly in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
