🐚 Baked Scallops with Garlic Butter & Cheese

⏱ Time:

• Prep: 15 minutes

• Bake: 12–15 minutes

• Serves: 3–4

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🧾 Ingredients

• 8 large fresh scallops (on the half shell, cleaned)

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

• Lemon wedges (for serving)

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🔪 Preparation

1️⃣ Prepare the Scallops

• Rinse scallops gently under cold water.

• Pat dry with paper towels.

• Keep scallops attached to one half of the shell.

• Remove any grit or shell fragments.

2️⃣ Prepare Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, mix:

• Melted butter

• Olive oil

• Minced garlic

• Lemon juice

• Salt and pepper

• Paprika (optional)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Line a baking tray with foil.

• Arrange scallops on the tray.
  (Tip: Use crumpled foil to stabilize shells if needed.)

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Step 2: Season

• Spoon about 1–2 teaspoons of garlic butter over each scallop.

• Sprinkle mozzarella evenly on top.

• Add a light layer of Parmesan cheese.

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Step 3: Bake

• Bake for 10–12 minutes until:

  • Scallops are opaque and cooked through

  • Cheese is melted and lightly golden

👉 For extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.

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Step 4: Finish & Serve

• Remove from oven.

• Sprinkle chopped parsley on top.

• Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

• Optional: Add a few drops of hot sauce for extra flavor.

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🔥 Cooking Tips

✔ Do not overcook — scallops become rubbery
✔ Use fresh scallops for best flavor
✔ Dry scallops thoroughly before baking
✔ Freshly grated cheese melts better

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🌟 Variations

• Add breadcrumbs for a crispy topping

• Add cooked shrimp for a seafood combo

• Use Gruyère cheese for a richer flavor

• Add a splash of white wine to the butter mixture