Baked Italian Scallops

Baked Italian Scallops are a remarkably elegant yet simple dish, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dinner party starter.

This preparation method highlights the natural sweetness of the scallops by baking them in a rich and aromatic sauce, often featuring classic Italian ingredients like garlic, white wine, fresh herbs, and a buttery, crisp topping

We are huge fans of scallops, and with this buttery baked breadcrumb topping with a hint of Marsala and lemon, these are the best scallops ever, well, ok, second to Julia Child's Coquilles Saint Jacques recipe

Seriously, there are just a few ingredients in this recipe, using herbs and some seasoning,s and that's all you will need to make these amazing seafood-baked scallops that you will truly never forget after taking that first bite.

If you're making this to host a dinner party, you just better double the recipe; this dish will go quickly and be left wanting more, I promise you.

Why You Will Love This Recipe for Italian Baked Scallops

• Flavorful and Balanced: The natural sweetness of the scallops (often called "sea candy") is enhanced by the rich, savory garlic-butter sauce, while the lemon juice, white wine/sherry, and fresh herbs provide a bright, acidic balance that prevents the dish from being too heavy.
• Wonderful Texture Contrast: The combination of Italian-flavored breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese creates a crunchy, cheesy crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft, delicate, and moist interior of the cooked scallops.
• Simple & Quick: The preparation time is minimal, and the cooking time is usually just 10-20 minutes, making it an excellent option for a fast weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you don't want to spend hours in the kitchen.
• Elegant Presentation: This dish feels and tastes luxurious, making an impressive presentation, especially if baked and served in individual scallop shells or a nice baking dish.
• Versatile Serving Options: The final dish can be served in many ways: as an elegant appetizer, over a bed of pasta or risotto to soak up the delicious juices, or alongside simple roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
• Accommodates Both Scallop Types: The baking method and robust flavor profile work well for both small, tender bay scallops and larger, firmer sea scallops, offering flexibility based on availability and preference (though cook times need adjusting for size).

Tips and Suggestions

• Scallops are cooked internally at 125 degrees if you want to ensure they're cooked all the way. Depending on the size you purchase, use an instant-read thermometer to be certain
• Scallops will keep 2 days in the refrigerator, covered
• best reheated in the oven, foil-covered
• Keep the scallops covered for the first 20 minutes
• Do not add the wine to the breadcrumbs; only around the bottom of the baking dish
• Broil the top after the scallops of cooked for a crispy topping
• Serving ideas we like are Grilled Asparagus, Parmesan Baked Tomatoes, Twice-baked Potatoes, white rice, buttered noodles, or our Shrimp Risotto








Ingredients You Will Need(for exact measurements, scroll to the recipe card below)

• scallops (sea scallops or bay) 
• Italian-flavored breadcrumbs
• freshly ground black pepper
• granulated garlic or use 2 cloves of minced fresh garlic 
• grated Parmesan cheese 
• salted butter, melted 
• freshly squeezed lemon juice 
• white wine or dry sherry 
• Garnish: chopped fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley, or fresh dill, lemon wedges








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Easiest Scallop Seafood Recipe Ever!



This easy recipe for baked scallops topped with our buttery crunchy Italian-flavored breadcrumbs is the perfect elegant meal for any party you're hosting.


This delectable sauce of butter, lemon, Marsala wine, and Parmesan cheese makes this casserole, but it's so super simple you'll fool everyone you didn't order this dish from a 5-star restaurant!


It's ready in about 20 to 30 minutes, and very little work is involved, plus it's one of our favorites during the Christmas Eve Holiday and part of the 7 Fishes we make in our Italian family.


If you're a seafood lover and not fond of scallops, we also have to use shrimp, lobster, and a medley of all three!




Baked Italian Scallops



Yield: 6

Author: Claudia Lamascolo

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 30 MinTotal time: 45 Min

Crispy Baked Italian Scallops are buttery and super easy to make. We use breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese garlic, butter, and Marsala wine. This casserole is baked in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of scallops (sea scallops or bay)
• 1 cup Italian-flavored breadcrumbs, regular or Panko
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic, or use 2 cloves of minced fresh garlic
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/3 cup white wine or dry sherry
• Garnish: chopped fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley or fresh dill, lemon wedges

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
2. Arrange scallops in a greased baking dish or in a cast-iron skillet.
3. In a small bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs, cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Sprinkle the scallops evenly with the crumb mixture
5. Pour the butter over all, then sprinkle the sides of the baking dish not touching the crumbs with the lemon juice and Marsala.
6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes.
7. For the crispiest topping, broil this on high for 3 minutes, watching carefully so it doesn't burn.
8. Serve garnished with lemon wedges and fresh flat-leaf parsley.

Notes

Tips and Suggestions

• Scallops are cooked internally at 125 degrees if you want to ensure they're cooked all the way, depending on the size you purchase, use an instant-read thermometer to be certain
• scallops will keep 2 days in the refrigerator, covered
• best reheated in the oven foil foil-covered
• keep the scallops covered for the first 20 minutes
• do not add the wine to the breadcrumbs, only around the bottom of the baking dish
• broil the top after the scallops of cooked for a crispy topping
• serving ideas we like are Grilled Asparagus, Twice-baked Potatoes, and white rice, or our Shrimp Risotto




Nutrition Facts

Calories

352.4

Fat (grams)

18.21

Sat. Fat (grams)

10.78

Carbs (grams)

20.72

Fiber (grams)

0.9

Net carbs

19.83

Sugar (grams)

2.24

Protein (grams)

22.15

Sodium (milligrams)

920.65

Cholesterol (grams)

80.58

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https://www.whatscookinitalianstylecuisine.com/2010/04/pasta-scallops-with-italian-bread.html

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Disclosure: This recipe was originally shared in 2010. It was edited and re-published in 2022.