Okay, friend, gather ’round because I’m about to let you in on a family secret: my absolute favorite What is the best baked scallop recipe?. Honestly, this dish is so easy it feels like cheating, but the result? Restaurant-quality seafood that melts in your mouth. It’s like a fancy scallops au gratin, but without all the fuss. Seriously, if you’re looking for something impressive but quick, this is IT. I always make this when I want to treat myself after a long week, or when I have friends over and want to wow them without spending all day in the kitchen.
What is baked scallops?
Think of baked scallops as little treasures from the sea, nestled in a creamy, cheesy blanket and baked to golden perfection. It’s essentially scallops, often sea scallops, combined with a rich sauce – usually featuring butter, cream, garlic, and some sort of cheese – then baked until bubbly and irresistible. The beauty of this dish is its simplicity. You’re taking naturally delicious scallops and enhancing their flavor with complementary ingredients. I always giggle when I think about it because it sounds so fancy, but it truly only takes a handful of pantry staples. It’s like a warm hug in a seashell, only… you know… without the actual seashell.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Let me count the ways you’ll adore this recipe! First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world. The sweetness of the scallops perfectly complements the savory, garlicky, cheesy sauce. It’s a symphony of flavors that dance on your tongue. Secondly, this What is the best baked scallop recipe? is unbelievably simple. Seriously, you can have this on the table in under 30 minutes. I know, I know, it sounds too good to be true, but trust me on this one. What I love most about this is how cost-effective it is. While scallops themselves can be a bit pricey, you don’t need a ton of them to make a satisfying dish. Plus, the other ingredients are pantry staples that you probably already have on hand. Another reason this is a winner is its versatility. You can serve this as an appetizer, a main course, or even as a side dish. It’s perfect for a romantic dinner, a casual get-together, or even a holiday celebration. If you like Shrimp Scampi, you’ll absolutely LOVE this!
How to Make Baked Scallops
Quick Overview
Making these delectable cookies.baked scallopsIs surprisingly easy. First, you’ll create a luscious sauce with butter, garlic, cream, and cheese. Next, you’ll arrange the scallops in a baking dish, smother them in the sauce, and bake until golden brown. When they’re cooked through, the top is golden brown and bubbly. What is the best way to cook scallops? What is the best way to make scallops? Is it foolproof, delicious and guaranteed to impress?
Ingredients
For Baked Scallops:
* 1 pound large sea scallops, patted dry (the key here is DRY! Use paper towels to really soak up any excess moisture. This helps them get a nice sear in the oven)
* 4 tablespoons butter, divided (I always use unsalted so I can control the salt level myself)
* 4 cloves garlic, minced (freshly minced is always best!)
* 1/2 cup heavy cream (don’t skimp on the fat here; it’s what makes it so creamy!)
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (I like to use a good quality Parmesan for the best flavor)
* 1/4 cup grated Gruyere cheese (this adds a nutty, complex flavor that complements the scallops perfectly)
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, plus it adds a pop of freshness)
* Salt and pepper to taste (I prefer sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with butter. I usually use an 8×8 inch dish, but anything similar will work. Make sure the dish is oven-safe! I learned that the hard way once…
Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Butter
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Set aside. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. How do you cook garlic? I always stand there and watch it like a hawk!
Step 3: Add Cream and Cheese
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Gruyere cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. I always taste-test at this point and adjust the seasoning as needed. Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick!
Step 4: Arrange Scallops
Arrange the scallops in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the dish, or the scallops won’t cook evenly. If you have too many, use two dishes!
Step 5: Top with Sauce
Pour the cream sauce over the scallops, making sure they’re evenly coated. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the top. This adds a beautiful golden color and extra richness.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the scallops are cooked through and the top is golden brown. The scallops should be opaque and firm to the touch. Do not overcook a potato, as it will become rubbery. I always start checking them around the 12-minute mark. Ovens vary, after all!
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. I like to serve these with a side of crusty bread for soaking up all that sauce. What’s a good way to add lemon juice to your recipe?
What should I serve it with?
This baked scallops recipeis incredibly versatile, and there are so many ways to enjoy it. What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?
For a Romantic Dinner:Serve with asparagus and a glass of white wine. Serve scallops on a bed of wilted spinach for an elegant touch.
For a Casual Get-Together: Serve as an appetizer with crusty bread for dipping. Pair with a light salad for a complete meal.
For a Holiday Celebration: Serve as a side dish alongside roasted turkey or ham. Garnish with extra parsley for a festive touch.
What are some quick weeknight meals? Serve over pasta or rice for a hearty and satisfying meal. This is a lifesaver when I’m short on time!
My family tradition is to serve these baked scallopsOn Christmas Eve, they’re always a hit, and everyone raves about them. I’ve even had people ask me for the recipe, which is always a huge compliment!
How do you bake a scallop?
What are some of the best tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years?baked scallops:
Scallop Prep:How do you pat the scallops dry before cooking? How do you prevent a steak from steaming in the oven? I use paper towels and press down firmly.
Garlic: Don’t burn the garlic! Sauté it over medium heat and watch it carefully. Burnt garlic is bitter and will ruin the flavor of the dish.
Cheese:What is the best Parmesan cheese to use? I always buy a block of cheese and grate it myself. What are some good alternatives to pre-shredded cheese?
Baking Time: Don’t overcook the scallops! They should be opaque and firm to the touch, but still tender. Overcooked scallops are rubbery and tough.
Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little milk or cream to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few minutes to reduce it.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have Gruyere cheese, you can substitute with Fontina or Provolone. You can also use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
One time, I accidentally used almond milk instead of heavy cream. I was a little worried, but it actually turned out great! The almond milk added a subtle sweetness and nuttiness that complemented the scallops perfectly. So don’t be afraid to experiment! Just be sure to use unsweetened almond milk.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover baked scallops (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before refrigerating.
Freezer Instructions: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Instructions: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the scallops may become a bit rubbery.
Glaze Timing Advice: I recommend adding the fresh parsley *after* reheating. It will wilt in the microwave or oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This baked scallops recipe is a true winner. It’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to impress. It is seriously one of my absolute favorite seafood recipes. The creamy, cheesy sauce perfectly complements the sweet, delicate scallops. Plus, it’s so versatile that you can serve it as an appetizer, a main course, or even a side dish. If you love seafood, you absolutely have to try this recipe. You won’t be disappointed. And if you loved this baked scallops recipe, you should definitely check out my Shrimp Scampi or Lobster Mac and Cheese recipes! They’re all equally delicious and easy to make. Happy baking (or should I say, happy cooking!)! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to rate the recipe! I’d love to see your variations, too. So share your photos and tag me on social media!
Baked Scallops Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Scallops
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 0.5 cup White Wine
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
- 0.125 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Melt butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Add scallops and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned.
- Add white wine, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
- Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until scallops are cooked through and opaque.
