Bacon-wrapped scallops offer a tantalizing blend of flavors—savory bacon embracing tender, sweet scallops. This dish is not only delicious on its own but also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, sauces, and beverages that can elevate your dining experience to new heights. Whether you're planning a special dinner or hosting a gathering, the right accompaniments can make all the difference. Let's explore a plethora of options to complement and enhance the flavors of bacon-wrapped scallops.
Classic Sides
Steamed Rice Steamed rice serves as a simple and satisfying side dish for bacon-wrapped scallops. Its neutral flavor and fluffy texture provide a perfect backdrop to the rich flavors of the bacon and scallops.
Sautéed Spinach Sautéed spinach with garlic and a hint of lemon juice offers a nutritious and flavorful side dish. Its vibrant flavors and tender texture contrast beautifully with the crispy bacon and tender scallops.
Roasted Potatoes Crispy roasted potatoes, seasoned with herbs like rosemary and thyme, complement the savory notes of bacon-wrapped scallops. The crispy exterior of the potatoes provides a delightful contrast to the soft scallops.
Mixed Green Salad A light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing refreshes the palate between bites of bacon-wrapped scallops. The crisp greens and bright flavors balance the richness of the dish.
Garlic Bread Buttery garlic bread adds a comforting touch to the meal. Its garlic-infused flavor enhances the savory combination of bacon and scallops, making each bite a delight.
Grains and Starches
**1. ** Quinoa Pilaf Quinoa pilaf, with sautéed vegetables and a touch of olive oil, offers a protein-rich and nutritious option. Its nutty flavor and fluffy texture complement the richness of bacon-wrapped scallops.
**2. ** Lemon Rice Lemon rice, flavored with fresh lemon zest and herbs, provides a citrusy and aromatic side dish. Its bright flavors add a zesty twist to the bacon and scallops combination.
**3. ** Couscous Couscous, cooked with roasted vegetables or herbs, offers a light and fluffy alternative. Its mild flavor and tender texture make it a perfect match for bacon-wrapped scallops.
**4. ** Garlic Mashed Potatoes Creamy garlic mashed potatoes offer a comforting and classic pairing. The creamy texture and buttery flavor complement the richness of the bacon and the delicate sweetness of the scallops.
**5. ** Farro Salad Farro salad, with roasted vegetables and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing, provides a hearty and flavorful option. Its chewy texture adds a satisfying element to the dish.
Vegetable Sides
**1. ** Grilled Vegetables Grilled vegetables, such as asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini, offer a smoky and savory side dish. Their charred flavors complement the rich taste of bacon-wrapped scallops.
**2. ** Stir-Fried Broccoli Stir-fried broccoli, with garlic and soy sauce, provides a simple yet flavorful accompaniment. Its tender-crisp texture and umami notes enhance the overall dining experience.
**3. ** Roasted Brussels Sprouts Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts, seasoned with balsamic vinegar and Parmesan cheese, add a depth of flavor to the dish. Their nutty taste and crunchy texture balance the richness of the bacon.
**4. ** Glazed Carrots Honey-glazed carrots, with a touch of cinnamon, offer a sweet and savory side dish. The caramelized flavors complement the bacon-wrapped scallops beautifully.
**5. ** Caprese Salad Caprese salad, with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, provides a refreshing contrast. Its creamy mozzarella and sweet tomatoes enhance the savory flavors of the dish.
Sauces and Condiments
**1. ** Lemon Butter Sauce Lemon butter sauce, with butter, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, adds a bright and creamy flavor to bacon-wrapped scallops. Its citrusy notes complement the seafood and bacon combination.
**2. ** Tartar Sauce Tartar sauce, a classic condiment made with mayonnaise, pickles, and capers, provides a tangy contrast. Its creamy texture enhances the flavors of both the bacon and scallops.
**3. ** Aioli Aioli, a garlic-infused mayonnaise, offers a rich and creamy dipping sauce. Its bold flavors add depth to each bite of bacon-wrapped scallops.
**4. ** Salsa Verde Salsa verde, made with fresh herbs, garlic, capers, and olive oil, provides a vibrant topping. Its herbal flavors enhance the dish's overall taste.
**5. ** Remoulade Remoulade sauce, made with mayonnaise, mustard, pickles, and herbs, offers a tangy and flavorful condiment. Its creamy texture complements the crispy bacon and tender scallops.
Salads
**1. ** Greek Salad Greek salad, with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, offers a tangy and refreshing side dish. Its bright flavors provide a delightful contrast to the bacon-wrapped scallops.
**2. ** Mango Avocado Salad Mango avocado salad, with mixed greens and a lime cilantro dressing, adds a tropical twist. Its creamy and sweet flavors complement the savory bacon and delicate scallops.
**3. ** Tomato Basil Salad Tomato basil salad, with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, and balsamic glaze, offers a classic accompaniment. Its creamy mozzarella and sweet tomatoes enhance the flavors of the dish.
**4. ** Orzo Salad Orzo salad, with roasted vegetables, feta cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette dressing, provides a light and flavorful option. Its citrusy notes add a refreshing element to the meal.
**5. ** Coleslaw Coleslaw, made with shredded cabbage and carrots in a creamy dressing, offers a cool and crunchy side dish. Its tangy flavors balance the richness of the bacon-wrapped scallops.
Desserts
**1. ** Lemon Tart Lemon tart, with a buttery crust and tangy lemon filling, offers a refreshing dessert option. Its citrusy flavors cleanse the palate after enjoying bacon-wrapped scallops.
**2. ** Berry Crisp Berry crisp, with a crunchy oat topping and juicy berry filling, provides a comforting dessert choice. Its sweet and tart flavors complement the savory bacon and scallops.
**3. ** Chocolate Mousse Chocolate mousse, with its silky texture and rich chocolate flavor, adds a touch of indulgence. Its luxurious taste enhances the dining experience after bacon-wrapped scallops.
**4. ** Fresh Fruit Platter A fresh fruit platter, with a variety of seasonal fruits, offers a light and refreshing dessert option. Its natural sweetness provides a satisfying end to the meal.
**5. ** Tiramisu Tiramisu, with layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese, offers a decadent dessert option. Its creamy texture and coffee flavors provide a satisfying finish after enjoying bacon-wrapped scallops.
Beverages
White Wine A crisp and acidic white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors of bacon-wrapped scallops. Its citrusy notes and refreshing acidity enhance the dining experience.
Rosé Wine Rosé wine, with its light and fruity flavors, offers a versatile pairing option. Its crispness and subtle sweetness complement the delicate flavors of bacon-wrapped scallops.
Sparkling Water Sparkling water, with a splash of lemon or lime, cleanses the palate between bites. Its effervescence enhances the overall dining experience.
Iced Tea Iced tea, whether sweetened or unsweetened, provides a cooling and refreshing beverage option. Its mild flavor complements the savory notes of bacon-wrapped scallops.
Herbal Infusions Herbal infusions, such as mint or chamomile tea, offer a soothing and aromatic beverage option. Their subtle flavors provide a relaxing finish to the meal.
Conclusion
Bacon-wrapped scallops are a delightful dish that opens up a world of culinary possibilities. Whether you prefer classic sides like steamed rice and sautéed spinach or more adventurous pairings like lemon butter sauce and orzo salad, there are countless ways to enhance and enjoy this delectable combination. Experiment with these suggestions to create a memorable dining experience that showcases the rich flavors of bacon-wrapped scallops. With the right accompaniments, every bite can be a culinary adventure!
