Name: Ina Garten Scallop Gratin Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh sea scallops; 1/4 cup dry white wine; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup olive oil; 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred); 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; Lemon wedges (for serving)

Ina Garten’s Scallop Gratin is a luxurious and flavorful seafood dish that’s easy to prepare yet elegant enough to impress at a dinner party. Juicy scallops are baked in a rich, buttery topping with a golden, crispy crust, making it the perfect appetizer or main course for special occasions.

What is Ina Garten Scallop Gratin?

Ina Garten Scallop Gratin is a classic French-inspired dish featuring tender sea scallops baked in a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs. The dish is broiled to golden perfection, creating a crisp topping that pairs beautifully with the soft, succulent scallops underneath.

Other Popular Recipes

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Scallop Gratin

Elegant yet simple: A gourmet dish that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Rich and flavorful: Combines buttery scallops with a savory breadcrumb topping.
Perfect for entertaining: Ideal for dinner parties or holiday meals.
Quick to prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes.
Customizable: Adjust the seasonings or add vegetables for variety.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Scallop Gratin

1 pound fresh sea scallops
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup olive oil
3/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Scallop Gratin

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease an ovenproof baking dish or gratin dish.
Prepare the scallops: Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Pour the white wine over the scallops.
Make the topping: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand.
Top the scallops: Spoon the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the scallops, ensuring they are fully covered.
Bake the scallops: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the scallops are just cooked through and the topping is golden brown.
Broil for a crispy finish: For an extra-crispy topping, turn on the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
Serve immediately: Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve hot as an appetizer or main course.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Scallop Gratin

Serve with crusty bread: Use it to soak up the flavorful juices.
Pair with a fresh salad: A simple green salad or arugula with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the scallops.
Add a side of rice or quinoa: These grains soak up the buttery sauce beautifully.
Include roasted vegetables: Serve alongside roasted asparagus or green beans for a complete meal.
Enjoy with white wine: Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Scallop Gratin

Choose fresh scallops: Use fresh, high-quality sea scallops for the best flavor and texture.
Dry the scallops well: Patting them dry helps the topping adhere and ensures even cooking.
Don’t overcook the scallops: Scallops cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid a rubbery texture.
Use panko breadcrumbs: Panko provides a lighter, crispier topping compared to regular breadcrumbs.
Customize the herbs: Swap or add herbs like chives, dill, or tarragon for a flavor twist.
Finish with lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon enhances the dish’s flavors.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Scallop Gratin

Add shrimp: Combine scallops with shrimp for a mixed seafood gratin.
Use different cheeses: Replace Parmesan with Gruyère or Pecorino Romano for a unique flavor.
Include vegetables: Add sautéed spinach or leeks to the dish before baking.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for some heat.
Try individual servings: Bake the gratin in ramekins for a personalized touch.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Scallop Gratin

Refrigerate leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat carefully: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes to maintain the texture. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the scallops rubbery.
Freezing not recommended: Scallops can become watery when frozen and reheated, so it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Scallop Gratin

Reheat in the oven: Warm leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Avoid the microwave: Microwaving can result in uneven heating and a rubbery texture.
Broil briefly: For a crispy topping, place the dish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen scallops for Ina Garten Scallop Gratin?

Yes, frozen scallops can be used, but ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry to remove excess moisture before cooking. This helps achieve the best texture and prevents the dish from becoming watery.

How do I know when scallops are fully cooked?

Scallops are done when they turn opaque and firm to the touch. They should not feel rubbery or overly firm. Typically, this takes 12–15 minutes in the oven at 425°F.

Can I prepare Scallop Gratin ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to 4 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving. Add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if the dish is cold.

What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese in this recipe?

You can use Pecorino Romano, Gruyère, or Asiago cheese as a substitute for Parmesan. These cheeses provide a similarly rich and savory flavor.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Scallop Gratin is a dish that combines elegance and simplicity in every bite. With its buttery, golden topping and tender scallops, this recipe is sure to impress family and guests alike. Perfect for special occasions or a delightful weeknight treat, this dish is a must-try for seafood lovers. Give it a go and enjoy restaurant-quality dining at home!

Other Ina Garten Recipes