Name: Garlic Butter Baked Scallops
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb sea scallops (cleaned and patted dry); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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These garlic butter baked scallops are tender, buttery, and full of rich flavor. I love how the garlic, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs create a golden crust that perfectly complements the delicate sweetness of the scallops. It’s an elegant dish that comes together in minutes.

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it feels fancy enough for a special dinner but is surprisingly easy to make. The garlic butter adds richness, the breadcrumbs give a crunchy topping, and the Parmesan ties everything together. I also like that the scallops bake quickly, making this a simple yet impressive seafood dish.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb sea scallops (cleaned and patted dry)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

I preheat my oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
In a small bowl, I mix the melted butter with minced garlic.
In another bowl, I combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
I place the scallops in the baking dish, drizzle with the garlic butter, and top evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
I bake for 12–15 minutes, until the scallops are opaque and the topping is golden brown.
I serve them immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It usually takes me 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to bake, so the dish is ready in around 25 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add fresh parsley or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor. For a little spice, I mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes. I also like swapping half the breadcrumbs for panko for an even crispier topping.

Storage/Reheating

I recommend enjoying these scallops fresh, as seafood doesn’t reheat well. If I do have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until just warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use bay scallops instead of sea scallops?

Yes, but I reduce the cooking time since bay scallops are smaller and cook more quickly.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

I assemble the scallops with the garlic butter and breadcrumb topping, then refrigerate for a few hours before baking.

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

What should I serve with baked scallops?

I like serving them with rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, I use gluten-free breadcrumbs as a substitute.

How do I know when scallops are done?

They should be opaque, tender, and springy to the touch. Overcooking makes them rubbery, so I watch closely in the last few minutes.

Conclusion

These garlic butter baked scallops are a rich, flavorful dish that I love making when I want something elegant yet easy. With their golden crust and buttery flavor, they always impress at the dinner table.