Few things feel as indulgent as a plate of perfectly cooked scallops, especially when they’re topped with a golden, crispy, lemon-parmesan crust. The best part? You don’t need a reservation at a fancy coastal restaurant to enjoy them—you can make this dish at home in about 30 minutes. These Crispy Butter, Lemon Parmesan Baked Scallops are tender, flavorful, and just the right amount of indulgent. Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner, a weekend treat, or simply want to elevate a weeknight meal, this recipe brings a touch of elegance without the stress.

Reasons You’ll Fall in Love with Crispy Butter, Lemon Parmesan Baked Scallops

Restaurant Quality at Home
Scallops are often thought of as a “special occasion” food, but this recipe makes them easy and approachable while still tasting gourmet.

Quick & Easy
From start to finish, you’ll have dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes—faster than takeout and so much more satisfying.

The Perfect Balance of Flavors
Butter adds richness, lemon juice brings brightness, and parmesan creates a savory crunch. Together, they hit every note.

Crowd-Pleasing
Whether for a family dinner or entertaining guests, baked scallops are impressive, flavorful, and universally loved.

Versatile Main Dish
These scallops pair beautifully with pasta, rice, or fresh vegetables, making them easy to fit into almost any meal plan.

Ingredients for Crispy Butter, Lemon, and Parmesan Baked Scallops

Here’s what you’ll need—and why each one makes a difference:

• 1 teaspoon olive oil (for greasing dish) — Keeps scallops from sticking and adds a subtle base flavor.
• 1½ pounds large scallops (about 22–23 pieces) — Sweet, tender, and naturally rich in protein.
• ¼ cup butter, softened — Melts into a luscious sauce and helps form that golden topping.
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice — Brightens and balances the richness of butter and cheese.
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese — Creates that irresistible crispy crust. Freshly grated works best for melting.
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika — Adds depth and a subtle smoky note.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder — Infuses savory flavor into every bite.
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste — Essential for seasoning and bringing everything together.
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley — Fresh and vibrant, parsley adds color and freshness at the finish.
• Lemon wedges (optional) — A squeeze just before serving gives a fresh zing.

Instructions for Crispy Butter, Lemon, and Parmesan Baked Scallops

Here’s the step-by-step process to ensure perfectly tender scallops with a crisp, golden finish:

Preheat the Oven

Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil. This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.

Prepare the Scallops

Rinse scallops gently under cold water, then pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. This step is key—wet scallops steam instead of baking properly. Remove the small side muscle if it’s still attached (it’s a tougher piece). Arrange scallops in a single layer in the baking dish.

Make the Topping

In a mixing bowl, whisk together softened butter, lemon juice, parmesan, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Season with a little salt and pepper. The mixture should be smooth, fragrant, and easy to spread.

Bake the Scallops

Spoon a portion of the butter-lemon mixture over each scallop, covering the tops evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15–20 minutes, until scallops turn opaque and reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

Broil for Crispiness

Remove foil and set oven to broil. Cook scallops for 2–3 minutes, just until the tops turn golden and crisp. Watch carefully—parmesan can go from golden to burnt quickly!

Finish & Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges. The aroma of butter, lemon, and parmesan will make it hard to wait.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Dry the scallops well before cooking to avoid excess water in the dish.

Uniform size matters: use similarly sized scallops so they bake evenly.

Broil carefully: stay close to the oven while broiling; it only takes seconds for the perfect crisp topping.

Use an instant-read thermometer: scallops are perfect at 145°F—overcooking can make them rubbery.

Upgrade the topping: mix in a tablespoon of panko breadcrumbs with the parmesan before broiling for extra crunch.

Recommended Equipment

9×13-inch casserole dish — Fits scallops in a single layer for even cooking.

Mixing bowl & whisk — For blending the topping quickly and evenly.

Aluminum foil — Keeps moisture in during baking so scallops stay tender.

Instant-read thermometer — Highly recommended to prevent overcooking.

How to Serve Crispy Butter, Lemon, and Parmesan Baked Scallops

Here are some ways to enjoy baked scallops:

With Pasta: Toss linguine or fettuccine in olive oil, garlic, and a touch of lemon for a light, flavorful base.

Over Rice or Risotto: Creamy risotto or simple buttered rice absorbs the scallop juices beautifully.

With Vegetables: Steamed asparagus, roasted Brussels sprouts, or sautéed spinach balance the richness.

As Part of a Surf & Turf: Serve scallops with a small steak or roasted chicken for a hearty, restaurant-style dinner.

Delicious Ideas to Serve with Crispy Butter, Lemon, and Parmesan Baked Scallops

Here’s a fresh of pairings from our Cooking Day recipe collection to serve with your Crispy Butter, Lemon, and Parmesan Baked Scallops — this time with a coastal, cozy, and clean finish:

Shrimp and Corn Rotini – Light, Creamy, and Full of Flavor

Why it works: Keep the seafood theme going! This creamy yet light pasta adds richness and complements the lemony scallops without overpowering them.

Quick and Tasty Carrot Radish Egg Fritters

Why it works: Crisp-edged and savory, these veggie fritters bring a warm, earthy contrast to the bright, buttery scallops — great for texture and balance.

4-Ingredient No-Bake Peanut Nougat (No Flour, No Oven!)

Why it works: A chewy, nutty, lightly sweet treat that ends the meal with something simple yet satisfying — no oven required!

This trio offers a smooth flow from savory to sweet, combining vibrant seafood, crispy vegetables, and a soft dessert bite — perfect for an elevated everyday meal.

Diet-Friendly Options

Low-Carb/Keto: Serve with roasted vegetables or zucchini noodles instead of pasta or rice.

Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with olive oil and skip parmesan, or use dairy-free cheese.

Gluten-Free: Recipe is naturally gluten-free—just ensure your parmesan and any sides are GF.

Low-Sodium: Reduce or skip added salt; lemon juice naturally enhances flavor.

Best Ways to Store

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 2 days.

Reheat gently: Place in a covered dish at 275°F until just warmed through. Avoid microwaving—they’ll overcook and turn rubbery.

Do not freeze: Scallops lose texture when frozen after cooking.

Recipe Variations

Extra Crunch: Add panko breadcrumbs to the parmesan mixture before broiling.

Spicy Kick: Mix in cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes with the topping.

Garlic-Herb Twist: Add fresh thyme or rosemary for an herby upgrade.

Alternate Seafood: Try shrimp or halibut fillets for a similar treatment.

Cheesy Upgrade: Swap parmesan with Gruyère or Asiago for deeper flavor.

Crispy Butter, Lemon Parmesan Baked Scallops are proof that elegant seafood doesn’t have to be intimidating. With a handful of ingredients, one baking dish, and less than half an hour, you can serve a dish that feels straight out of a fine-dining menu. Whether you pair it with creamy rice, fresh veggies, or pasta, these scallops are guaranteed to impress. Try them once—you’ll keep coming back to this recipe whenever you want something special without the stress.

Common Questions Answered