If you love a good seafood dinner, this garlic butter shrimp and scallop bake is a lovely one to try. Tender shrimp and scallops get coated in a bright garlic lemon butter, then topped with melted cheese for a dish that feels special without much fuss, all ready in just 25 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Shrimp and scallops together. Both cook gently in the same buttery bake.
- That golden cheese topping. Parmesan and mozzarella melt together for a rich, savory finish.
- Bright garlic lemon butter. Coats every piece of seafood with flavor.
- Ready in 25 minutes. A simple, elegant dinner that comes together fast.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb sea scallops, side muscles removed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Scallop Seafood Bake
1. Prep the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish and pat the shrimp and scallops dry.
2. Make the garlic butter. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using.
3. Arrange the seafood. Place the shrimp and scallops in a single layer in the baking dish. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the seafood and gently toss to coat.
4. Add the cheese. Sprinkle the Parmesan and mozzarella evenly over the shrimp and scallops.
5. Bake until tender. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and opaque, the scallops are cooked through, and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
6. Finish and serve. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve the garlic butter seafood bake hot with lemon wedges.
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp and Scallop Bake
- Pat the seafood very dry before baking. This helps the garlic butter coat evenly and prevents excess liquid in the dish.
- Keep the seafood in a single layer. This helps everything cook evenly and the cheese melt properly over each piece.
- Watch closely near the end of baking. Scallops can turn rubbery if overcooked, so check for doneness starting around the 12-minute mark.
- Toss gently when coating in the garlic butter. This ensures even flavor without breaking up the seafood.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp and Scallop Bake
This dish pairs well with rice, crusty bread, or a simple green salad. Since the garlic butter is so flavorful, something to soak it up is always a good idea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp and scallops?
Yes, just thaw both completely and pat very dry before baking so they cook evenly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best baked fresh, since the seafood can turn rubbery if reheated. You can prep the garlic butter mixture ahead of time, though.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, Gruyère or a Parmesan-Romano blend would also work well in place of mozzarella.

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Scallop Seafood Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish and pat the shrimp and scallops dry.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Place the shrimp and scallops in a single layer in the baking dish. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the seafood and gently toss to coat.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan and mozzarella evenly over the shrimp and scallops.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and opaque, the scallops are cooked through, and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve the garlic butter seafood bake hot with lemon wedges.
