Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

You just can't beat the cozy feel of super-soft scallops soaked in melted butter with garlic. These baked scallops with garlic butter are a total upgrade—easy enough to whip up on a random Tuesday, but also fancy enough that your friends will talk about it for days. What's great is how quick it all comes together but still feels over-the-top. A little sweet, a lot savory, buttery and garlicky, this is the kind of dinner you'll crave again soon. I've pulled this together even when I was wiped out midweek, and it still feels like a special meal. You can't beat how simple it is.

Essential Ingredients and What They Do

Scallops: They're the big deal here. Go for dry-packed and fresh—they taste way better.Garlic: Chopped up fresh, it gives the butter loads of flavor.Butter: Makes everything rich and silky, plus it ups the flavor of the scallops.Lemon Juice: Throws in a bit of brightness to balance all that butter.Parsley: Gives your plate color and a fresh bite at the end.

Simple Garlic Butter Baked Scallops

Get Garnishing and ServingPull from the oven and toss on some chopped parsley. Serve them right away for the best experience.Time to BakeSlide your loaded dish into the oven you already heated and let it go for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch for the scallops turning white and just firming up—don't overdo it or they'll get tough.Arrange Those ScallopsLay your scallops down in one flat layer inside a baking dish. Spoon every drop of your garlic butter sauce on top so every scallop gets coated.Whip Up the Garlic Butter SauceMelt butter in a bowl. Add your minced garlic, squeeze of lemon, shake of salt, pepper, and mix. Let it get nice and fragrant, maybe toss in some red pepper flakes if you like a kick.Dry the ScallopsTake a paper towel and blot the scallops dry. This helps them bake instead of steam.Preheat the OvenCrank your oven up to 400°F (200°C) before doing anything else, so it's hot and ready when you need it.

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Ways to Enjoy ThemThese are awesome next to a tangy salad with fresh lemon dressing for something light. Can't go wrong dipping bread in the buttery sauce either. If you want more of a meal, pile them on rice or plate with roasted veggies like green beans or asparagus.

Make It Yours

Go Winey: Splash a spoonful of white wine into your garlic butter for a new twist.Try Different Herbs: Trade the parsley for chives or dill if you're feeling adventurous.Crank Up the Heat: Just use more red pepper flakes or a squirt of hot sauce to spice things up.

Leftovers and Reheating

Stick leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for two days tops. Heat them back up in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. Skip the microwave—scallops get chewy fast that way. These garlicky, buttery scallops are proof you don't need lots of fancy stuff to make something special. It's quick, feels a little bit fancy, and always hits the spot. Whether you're solo or have friends over, these always wow. Dig in and enjoy!

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Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I prep this early?

Mix up the toppings ahead of time and just pop in the oven right before it’s time to eat for best flavor.

→ Is this gluten-free?

It is if your breadcrumbs are gluten-free.

→ What do I do if I can’t use Parmesan?

Try another grated hard cheese or skip it to make it dairy free.

→ Will fresh breadcrumbs work?

Yep, homemade crumbs give the topping a nice extra bite.

→ How long should these bake?

Stick them in at 400°F and cook 10-12 minutes till the tops get a golden crisp.