Betty’s Baked Scallops

Ingredients:

• 1 pound sea scallops, rinsed and patted dry
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter and minced garlic.
3. Make the Bread Crumb Mixture: In another bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.
4. Coat the Scallops: Dip each scallop into the garlic butter mixture, then coat generously with the bread crumb mixture. Place the coated scallops in a baking dish.
5. Top with Extra Crumbs: Sprinkle any remaining bread crumb mixture over the scallops in the dish.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven until the scallops are firm and opaque, about 18-20 minutes.
7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the baked scallops with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Variations & Tips:

• Add a Kick: For a bit of heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the bread crumb mixture.
• Herb Variations: Substitute parsley with chopped fresh basil or dill for a different herby flavor.
• Cheesy Twist: Mix some shredded Gruyère with the Parmesan for a richer taste.