Make these easy Parmesan Crusted Scallops for a delicious seafood dinner the whole family will love! Scallops make a beautiful presentation for a special dinner or celebration.
Parmesan Crusted Scallops
Easy Parmesan Baked Scallops
These fabulous parmesan crusted scallops are buttery, tender, and delicious. They taste like they came from an upscale restaurant, but their simple ingredients and preparation gets them on your table in 30 minutes or less.
Ingredients Needed for Parmesan Crusted Scallops:
- Olive oil – extra virgin
- Large scallops (approximately 22-23 pieces)
- Butter – salted butter
- Fresh lemon juice
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Fresh parsley
How to Make Delicious Parmesan Crusted Scallops
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 13 casserole dish with 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Rinse scallops and pat dry with a paper towel. Arrange them in a single layer in the baking dish.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the butter, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, paprika, and garlic powder. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Add a dollop of the lemon parmesan mixture on top of each scallop. Cover with aluminum foil and place in the oven to bake until the scallops are cooked through and opaque, 15-20 minutes depending on size.
- Remove scallops from oven, remove the aluminum foil, and switch the oven to broil. Broil the scallops until the tops turn golden-brown and crispy, 2-3 minutes. Do not walk away from oven. Scallops can burn easily so watch them carefully.
- Remove the scallops from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately, adding fresh lemon wedges for extra flavor if desired.
- Enjoy!

Make these easy yet fancy Parmesan Crusted Scallops for a delicious dinner
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1-1/2 lbs. large scallops approximately 22-23 pieces
- 1/4 cup butter softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 13 casserole dish with one teaspoon of olive oil.
-
Rinse scallops and pat dry with a paper towel. Arrange them in a single layer in the baking dish.
-
In a small bowl, whisk together the butter, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, paprika, and garlic powder. Add salt and pepper to taste.
-
Add a dollop of the lemon parmesan mixture on top of each scallop. Cover with aluminum foil and place in the oven to bake until the scallops are cooked through and opaque, 15-20 minutes depending on size.
-
Remove scallops from oven, remove the aluminum foil, and switch the oven to broil. Broil the scallops until the tops turn golden-brown and crispy, 2-3 minutes. Do not walk away from oven. Scallops can burn easily so watch them carefully.
-
Remove the scallops from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
-
Serve immediately, adding fresh lemon wedges for extra flavor if desired.
-
Enjoy!
- Raw Scallops Tips: There can be a small fibrous muscle located on the side of your scallops that should be removed prior to baking. Just pinch the muscle with your thumb and index finger and pull away to remove. Scallops should all be about the same size to cook evenly. Be sure to adjust the baking time if you use smaller scallops to prevent overcooking. Fish and shellfish such as scallops are considered cooked through and safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 145°F using an instant read thermometer.
- Add a dollop of the lemon parmesan mixture on top of each scallop. Cover with aluminum foil and place in the oven to bake until the scallops are cooked through and opaque, 15-20 minutes depending on size. What’s A Dollop? A small amount or a small spoonful.
What Side Dishes to Serve with Parmesan Crusted Scallops
Rice and noodles both make for a great side dish for any baked fish or scallops: Also read What to Serve with Tilapia
Rice Pilaf or an Easy Rice Dish like Yellow Basmati Rice
An easy noodle or spaghetti dish – Buttered Spaghetti
Healthy Salad – Salad Toppings – What to Put In Your Healthy Salad
Health Benefits to Eating Fresh Scallops
Scallops are rich in nutrients: Scallops are a good source of essential nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are particularly rich in vitamin B12, which is important for nerve function and the production of red blood cells. Scallops also contain minerals such as selenium, zinc, and magnesium.
Low in calories – Scallops are relatively low in calories, making them a suitable choice for those watching their calorie intake. A 3-ounce (85-gram) serving of scallops contains around 100 calories, making them a good option for individuals aiming to maintain a healthy weight.
High in protein – Scallops are an excellent source of high-quality protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall health. Including scallops in your diet can help meet your protein needs.
Omega-3 fatty acids – Scallops are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These healthy fats have been linked to numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation, promoting heart health, and supporting brain function.
Low in mercury – Compared to some other seafood, scallops have lower levels of mercury contamination, which can be a concern when consuming fish and shellfish. This makes scallops a safer choice for regular consumption, especially for pregnant women and young children.
Heart health – The omega-3 fatty acids found in scallops can help lower the risk of heart disease by reducing inflammation, improving blood lipid profiles, and promoting healthy blood pressure levels.
Source of antioxidants – Scallops contain various antioxidants, including vitamin E and selenium, which help protect the body against oxidative stress and may have anti-inflammatory properties.
You will Love Some of Other Seafood Recipes:
Parmesan Crusted Cod
Shrimp Scampi Salad
Lemon Baked Cod
Easy Shrimp Tacos