Do Share Recipe

I have to tell you, making this Easy Baked Scallops Recipe was such a delight! I had never tried baking scallops at home, but this recipe made it surprisingly easy. The creamy, buttery sauce paired with the perfectly tender scallops had me coming back for seconds. I loved how simple ingredients could transform into such a decadent dish.

After trying it once, it quickly became one of my go-to seafood dinners. You can also enjoy similar flavors in my Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini Recipe, which brings a sweet and savory twist to your weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this easy baked scallops recipe. I included some tips on why each ingredient works best.

2 pounds sea scallops (about 4 cups), fresh or thawed if frozen, dry-packed – I prefer fresh scallops; dry-packed ones give a better flavor without excess water.
1 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc) – This adds a subtle acidity and depth to the sauce.
1/4 teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter) – Balances flavors without overpowering.
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided – Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness of the dish.
1 1/2 cups finely chopped onion – Fresh onions provide a natural sweetness; avoid pre-chopped for the best taste.
2 1/2 tablespoons flour – Helps thicken the sauce smoothly.
1/2 cup fine breadcrumbs – Adds a golden, crunchy topping; I always use fresh breadcrumbs if possible.

Note: several servings

Variations

You can adjust this recipe to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences:

For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with vegan margarine or olive oil.
Add garlic or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for extra aroma.
Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make it gluten-free.
Replace white wine with chicken or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic option. You might also enjoy a comforting pasta side like One Skillet Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Bake Recipe alongside the scallops.

Cooking Time

Here’s a breakdown of how long it takes to make this dish:

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Equipment You Need

Medium sauté pan – For simmering the scallops and cooking onions.
1 1/2-quart casserole dish – To bake scallops evenly in the oven.
Whisk – To mix sauce smoothly and avoid lumps.
Spatula – To transfer scallops from pan to baking dish.
Measuring cups and spoons – For precise ingredient measurements.

How to Make Easy Baked Scallops Recipe?

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This ensures your scallops cook evenly and get that golden, buttery finish.

Simmer the Scallops

Place scallops in a sauté pan with white wine and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 4 minutes. This gentle cooking keeps them tender.

Prepare Onions

Melt 3 tablespoons butter in the same pan and sauté onions until soft, about 2 minutes. The onions give the sauce a natural sweetness that complements the scallops perfectly.

Make the Sauce

Sprinkle flour over the butter and onions, cooking briefly. Whisk in the reserved cooking liquid to create a smooth, creamy sauce. This sauce is what makes these scallops irresistible.

Bake the Scallops

Arrange the scallops in the casserole dish and pour the sauce over them. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

From my experience, these tips make the dish even more delicious:

I like using fresh scallops whenever possible; frozen ones can work but should be thawed properly.
Don’t overcook the scallops; they should be just opaque and tender.
I often add a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving for a bright finish.
Toasting the breadcrumbs lightly before topping gives an extra crunch.

How to Serve Easy Baked Scallops Recipe?

These scallops are versatile when it comes to serving. I usually:

Serve with a wedge of lemon for freshness.
Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
Spoon the creamy sauce over pasta or rice for a hearty meal.
Garnish with fresh parsley for a visually appealing presentation.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough estimate for one serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories: 280 kcal – A moderate calorie seafood option.
Protein: 25g – High in protein, perfect for a light dinner.
Carbohydrates: 10g – Mostly from breadcrumbs and onions.
Fat: 14g – From butter and the natural fats in scallops.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing: You can refrigerate baked scallops in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Freezing: Not ideal after baking, but you can freeze the scallops before baking for up to 1 month.

Reheating: Warm gently in the oven at 350°F for 5–10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make scallops tough.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here’s why I keep coming back to this easy baked scallops recipe:

Quick and Simple – Takes under 40 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy nights.
Tender and Flavorful – The scallops are never rubbery and soaked with a creamy, buttery sauce.
Customizable – Easy to make gluten-free, dairy-free, or add herbs and spices.
Elegant Dish – Feels fancy enough for date nights or dinner parties.
Minimal Ingredients – Uses simple pantry staples that elevate scallops naturally.

Ben Carraoli