If you’ve ever wanted to bring restaurant-style seafood home without the fuss, this Easy Baked Scallops Recipe with Garlic Butter Sauce is your answer. It’s rich, buttery, and full of flavor—yet surprisingly simple to prepare. All you need is a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes to get this impressive dish on the table. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to switch up your usual dinner routine, this recipe is an excellent way to enjoy the delicate texture and natural sweetness of scallops. The garlic butter sauce adds richness, while the breadcrumb and Parmesan topping gives it a golden, lightly crisp finish. And let’s not forget the fresh parsley and lemon—it’s those little extras that really brighten everything up. The best part? Everything bakes together in one dish, with no stovetop searing or complicated prep. You’ll be amazed how much flavor you can get with just a few pantry staples. Let’s get started by prepping the scallops and making that savory garlic butter.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

• 1 ½ lbs large sea scallops
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

These simple ingredients work together to bring out the best in the scallops—rich, flavorful, and just a little indulgent. STEP 1: PREHEAT THE OVEN Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature to cook scallops quickly while allowing the breadcrumb topping to turn golden and crisp. STEP 2: PREP THE SCALLOPS Rinse the scallops under cold water and then pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. This is a key step—dry scallops will bake more evenly and give you a better texture.

  STEP 3: ARRANGE IN A BAKING DISH Place the scallops in a single layer in a greased baking dish. Avoid overcrowding the pan so the scallops cook evenly and don’t steam.

  STEP 4: MAKE THE GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter and minced garlic. Pour this mixture evenly over the scallops in the baking dish, making sure each one gets a little love.

  ADD THE TOPPING, BAKE UNTIL GOLDEN, AND SERVE You’ve got your scallops arranged and covered in that buttery garlic goodness—now it’s time to build that crisp, flavorful topping and finish off this dish with a quick bake in the oven. The end result? Tender scallops with a golden crust that tastes every bit as delicious as it looks. STEP 5: PREPARE THE BREADCRUMB TOPPING In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix it together well so the parsley and cheese are evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumbs. This topping is what gives the dish that subtle crunch and cheesy finish, so don’t skip it! STEP 6: SPRINKLE THE TOPPING OVER THE SCALLOPS Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the scallops that are already swimming in garlic butter. Try to get a little topping on each scallop so every bite has that cheesy, crisp texture.

  STEP 7: SEASON WITH SALT AND PEPPER Season everything lightly with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. This enhances all the flavors and ties the dish together. STEP 8: BAKE UNTIL GOLDEN AND BUBBLY Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and just cooked through. If you want that breadcrumb topping extra golden and a little crispier, switch the oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes—but watch carefully so it doesn’t burn. You’ll know they’re done when the scallops are firm but still tender and the top is lightly browned and bubbling at the edges. STEP 9: SERVE HOT WITH LEMON WEDGES Once out of the oven, serve the scallops immediately with a few fresh lemon wedges on the side. A squeeze of lemon right before eating brightens up the richness of the garlic butter and brings the whole dish to life.

TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS

• Use large sea scallops for even cooking. If using smaller bay scallops, reduce the bake time slightly.
• Dry your scallops well—this helps them roast rather than steam in the oven.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a hint of heat if you like a little spice.
• Make it a full meal by serving alongside pasta, rice, or a crisp green salad.

 

FAQS & FINAL THOUGHTS ON EASY BAKED SCALLOPS RECIPE WITH GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE

You’ve just created a restaurant-worthy seafood dinner with minimal ingredients and almost no prep. Whether you served it with a side salad, some buttery pasta, or just enjoyed it straight out of the baking dish, this recipe is an easy win. Let’s go over some of the most common questions and wrap up with why this dish belongs in your regular dinner rotation. 1. CAN I USE FROZEN SCALLOPS? Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before using. Extra moisture can prevent them from cooking evenly or getting that nice golden topping. 2. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SEA SCALLOPS AND BAY SCALLOPS? Sea scallops are larger and better for baking or pan-searing, while bay scallops are smaller and cook much faster. If using bay scallops, reduce your bake time to around 8–10 minutes. 3. CAN I MAKE THIS AHEAD OF TIME? You can prep everything (up to adding the breadcrumb topping) a few hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving. 4. WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO REHEAT LEFTOVERS? Scallops are best eaten fresh, but you can reheat leftovers gently in a 300°F oven for 10–12 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible—it can make them rubbery. 5. CAN I ADD OTHER SEAFOOD TO THIS DISH? Definitely. Shrimp or chunks of firm white fish like cod or haddock would bake well alongside scallops using the same method. 6. IS THERE A GLUTEN-FREE OPTION? Yes—just use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds as a topping alternative.

FINAL THOUGHTS: WHY THIS BAKED SCALLOP RECIPE IS A MUST-TRY

This Easy Baked Scallops Recipe with Garlic Butter Sauce is exactly the kind of recipe that’s great to keep in your back pocket. It’s elegant enough for date night or entertaining, but so simple that you can pull it off on a weeknight without breaking a sweat. The garlic butter and cheesy breadcrumb topping give the scallops richness and flavor without overpowering them, while the lemon adds just the right amount of brightness to balance the dish. It’s satisfying, flavorful, and comes together in under 30 minutes with only one baking dish. If you try this recipe, be sure to let me know what you think in the comments! Did you swap in shrimp or use a different herb? I’d love to hear how you made it your own. And if you’re looking for more easy seafood dinners, I’ve got plenty more to share—simple, flavorful, and always a hit. Let’s keep cooking together! Print