Baked Scallops with Bacon and Mozzarella

 

This indulgent dish can be served as a main dish with a salad or an appetizer over a bed of arugula.

• 5 slices of bacon 
• 5 T olive oil 
• 1 lb. sea scallops, patted dry 
• 1 T minced garlic 
• 1 t salt 
• 1 T parsley, minced 
• 1 ½ T seasoned breadcrumbs 
• 1 T fresh lemon juice  
• 1 ball fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced in thin slices

Line a dish with paper towel and set aside.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  

Place the bacon in a skillet and cook without making crispy.  Drain on prepared dish.  When able to handle, cut into pieces and set aside.

Place 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a baking dish and place scallops in baking dish. 

In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, salt, parsley and remaining tablespoon of oil.  Drizzle mixture over scallops in baking dish.  Sprinkle cooked bacon.  Next sprinkle on the breadcrumbs, lemon juice and mozzarella in that order.  Drizzle with some olive oil and bake in oven for about twenty five minutes.  Remove from oven and enjoy!