Oh friend… if you’re craving something a little indulgent, a little elegant, and totally foolproof, these Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are about to steal your heart. I’m genuinely so happy you’re here because this recipe is one of those rare dishes that feel fancy enough for a date night but easy enough for a Tuesday. And the smell—THE SMELL—when these beauties are in the oven is absolutely incredible!!
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What This Recipe Is All About
We’re talking tender, juicy sea scallops bathed in rich garlic butter, kissed with lemon, topped with Parmesan breadcrumbs, and baked until golden and irresistible. Simple ingredients, minimal prep, maximum “wow.”
Whether you’re hosting, celebrating, or just treating yourself (and you should!), this dish brings restaurant magic right to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
- Ready in under 20 minutes
- Restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort
- Garlic butter + Parmesan = pure perfection
- Elegant enough for holidays, date night, or special occasions
- Simple, fresh ingredients you probably already have
- Pairs well with pasta, rice, or a simple green salad
What Do They Taste Like?
Every bite is buttery and tender, with the natural sweetness of scallops shining through. The garlic butter melts into the scallops as they bake, while the Parmesan breadcrumbs get beautifully golden on top. It’s silky, savory, fresh, and bright with just a whisper of lemon.
This dish is anything but boring!!
Benefits of This Recipe
- Quick and no-fuss
- Naturally low-carb and gluten-free (just swap the breadcrumbs!)
- Impressively elegant with little effort
- Perfect for small gatherings or romantic dinners
- Minimal dishes and cleanup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb sea scallops (patted dry)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking dish
- Small bowls
- Spoon
- Oven
- Broiler (optional, for crisping)
Optional Add-Ins & Substitutions
Mix-It-Up Ideas
- Add red pepper flakes for a little heat
- Swap seasoned breadcrumbs for panko for extra crunch
- Add a splash of white wine to the butter mixture
- Use “everything bagel” seasoning for a fun twist
Substitutions
- Use ghee instead of butter for a richer, nutty flavor
- Replace Parmesan with asiago or pecorino
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs
- Try bay scallops (reduce bake time by 4–5 minutes)
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
Step 1 — Prep the Oven
Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Step 2 — Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
Step 3 — Season the Scallops
Place scallops in a single layer in the baking dish. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4 — Add the Butter
Spoon the garlic butter mixture evenly over the scallops.
Step 5 — Add the Topping
In another bowl, mix seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan. Sprinkle over the scallops.
Step 6 — Bake
Bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes, until scallops are opaque and topping is golden.
Step 7 — Optional Broil
Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra crispiness—watch closely!
Step 8 — Garnish & Serve
Finish with chopped parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges.
What to Serve With These Scallops
- Buttered pasta
- Creamy risotto
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Fresh green beans or asparagus
- Crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter
- A crisp white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio!)
Tips for the Best Results
- Pat scallops very dry for proper browning.
- Avoid overbaking—scallops turn rubbery if cooked too long.
- Use fresh garlic for optimal flavor (powder doesn’t compare here).
- If using frozen scallops, thaw fully and drain excess liquid.
- Add a pinch of paprika for a gorgeous golden color.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of butter—avoid microwaving, which can make scallops tough.
General Information
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
- Total Time: ~20 minutes
- Servings: 2–3
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes! Just thaw completely and pat them very dry.
Do scallops need to be flipped while baking?
Nope—baking them in butter cooks them evenly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the topping and garlic butter, but bake just before serving.
Are bay scallops okay for this recipe?
Yes! Just reduce baking time by a few minutes.
Conclusion
These Garlic Butter Baked Scallops are the kind of recipe that brings pure joy to the table—simple, elegant, buttery, and full of flavor. Whether it’s a holiday, a celebration, or just a night when you want to feel fancy, this dish will never let you down.
If you try it, please leave a review and share your gorgeous scallop photos on Pinterest! I love seeing your kitchen magic.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: ~260
- Fat: ~16g
- Carbs: ~4g
- Protein: ~23g
Enjoy your beautifully baked scallops! 🧄🧈🍋🐚
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