Trader Joe's Uncured Bacon Wrapped Scallops Review: A Gourmet Appetizer or Overpriced Letdown?

Trader Joe’s Uncured Bacon Wrapped Scallops combine savory bacon with tender scallops for what should be a delightful appetizer or party snack. Packaged in the frozen section, these bite-sized treats are designed to be baked or air-fried, offering an easy-to-prepare option for seafood lovers.

At $9.99 per box, they seem like a promising addition to any party spread. However, my experience with this product left me less than impressed. Now, if you are wondering, yes, they offered a similar, but now-discontinued product.

Review of Trader Joe’s Uncured Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Flavor and Texture

While the idea of scallops wrapped in bacon sounds like a dream team, the execution here fell flat. The scallops themselves tasted a bit fishy, which overshadowed the flavor of the bacon. Even when cooked to the recommended time and temperature, the fishiness lingered, making them less enjoyable. The bacon, while crispy in parts, couldn’t salvage the overall flavor.

Portion Size and Value

The package contained only a few pieces—barely enough for a small gathering or as an appetizer for one or two people. For $9.99, the portion size felt underwhelming and didn’t justify the price. Most of the scallops which should be large, appeared to be cut into half and then wrapped in bacon.

Cooking Experience

The cooking directions suggested a shorter time than what was actually needed to achieve a fully cooked product. It took longer than expected to ensure the scallops were cooked through and the bacon was crisp. This added extra hassle to what should have been a straightforward preparation process.

Commentary on Ingredients

Trader Joe’s Uncured Bacon Wrapped Scallops feature:

• Sea Scallops: The main ingredient, but the fishy flavor detracts from the experience.
• Uncured Bacon: Adds smokiness and crispness but doesn’t balance the overall flavor.

The ingredient list is simple and free from artificial preservatives, which is a plus.

How to Make Trader Joe’s Uncured Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set to 425°F.
2. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Place the scallops evenly on a lined baking sheet.
3. Bake: Cook for 16-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until bacon is crisp and scallops are cooked through.
4. Let Rest: Allow a few minutes to cool before serving.

Or in the Air Fryer.

1. Preheat Airfryer- Set to 400°F
2. Cook: These should take 11-13 minutes and flip halfway.
3. Let Rest: Allow a few minutes to cool before serving.

Recipe Suggestions

Bacon-Wrapped Seafood Platter
Combine these with shrimp or other seafood appetizers for variety—if you can improve their taste!

Scallop Salad
Slice cooked scallops and add to a mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette.

Seafood Pasta
Use the cooked scallops as a topping for linguine with a light garlic butter sauce.

FAQs about Trader Joe's Uncured Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Below is a list of frequently asked questions about this product:

Final Thoughts on Trader Joe’s Uncured Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Trader Joe’s Uncured Bacon Wrapped Scallops had potential but ultimately fell short. The fishy flavor of the scallops, combined with the longer-than-expected cooking time and small portion size, made this product a disappointment. While the concept of bacon-wrapped seafood is always tempting, this execution left much to be desired.

At $7.99 per box, I can’t recommend this product, especially when there are better appetizers available at Trader Joe’s. If you’re craving bacon-wrapped goodness, consider making your own at home with fresh ingredients for a better experience. With it being only 2 ingredients and barely enough of an appetizer to have 2 people snack from (or 1 girl dinner) then I just can't get behind this one.

Do yourself a favor. If you really want these, get some toothpicks, soak them in water. Buy Trader Joe's Sea Scallops and Bacon separately and you'll end up with an outstanding appetizer.