Baked Scallops with Cheddar Crust

The caramelized cheese and crispy panko make a flavorful crust for the tender scallops.

Baked Scallops with Old Bay Cheddar Crust

Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds large sea scallops, patted dry
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup panko
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 1/2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Parsley, for garnish
Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions
Preheat oven to 400, Lightly grease a baking sheet.

Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking dish.  Season the scallops lightly with salt and pepper.

In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, garlic, Old Bay, paprika and cayenne pepper. Brush or spread a small amount of the mixture lightly over the top of each scallop.

In another bowl, combine cheddar cheese, panko, melted butter and a pinch of sPress the cheddar-panko mixture firmly onto the top of each scallop, creating a thick, visible crust that covers the scallop completely.

Bake in preheated oven for 10-20 minutes, until the scallops are opaque throughout and cooked through, and the cheddar-panko crust is melted and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.