Baked Shrimp Scampi With Bread Crumbs Recipe

There’s something magical about the smell of buttery garlic and lemon wafting through a cozy kitchen. This Baked Shrimp Scampi with Bread Crumbs delivers all that aromatic goodness with a golden crunch that takes it to the next level.

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I first whipped this up on a chilly Sunday when I was craving something warm and satisfying, but didn’t want to spend all evening at the stove. Fast forward to today, and this dish has become my go-to for quick weeknight dinners or impressive last-minute hosting. It’s elegant, comforting, and blissfully easy to make.

Let’s dive into why this baked version of shrimp scampi might just become your new favorite too.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Shrimp Scampi with Bread Crumbs

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite seafood recipe. This Baked Shrimp Scampi with Bread Crumbs is bursting with bold flavors, easy steps, and a texture you’ll want to savor bite after bite.

First, it's incredibly fast to prepare. With just a few minutes of prep and under 15 minutes in the oven, this dish proves that elegance doesn’t have to take all night.

Second, it’s seriously low-maintenance. No stovetop juggling or complicated sauces. Just layer, bake, and serve. It’s perfect for beginners and pros alike.

Third, this recipe is wallet-friendly. Shrimp is the star, but the supporting cast—like pantry-staple bread crumbs, butter, and garlic—keeps the grocery list short and budget in check.

Finally, it’s versatile. Serve it over pasta, spoon it on top of rice, or just pair it with crusty bread and a side salad. Whether it’s date night, family dinner, or solo indulgence, this dish fits the vibe.

Now, let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to bring it all together.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Baked Shrimp Scampi with Bread Crumbs lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each one contributes to the balance of brightness, richness, and crunch.

Shrimp is the undeniable star. Go for large or extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined. I prefer tail-on for presentation, but feel free to remove them for easier eating. Fresh is great, but frozen works beautifully—just make sure to thaw completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture during baking.

Garlic brings boldness and depth. You’ll need fresh garlic cloves, finely minced. This is not the place for pre-minced jarred garlic; the flavor won’t be the same. For extra punch, sauté the garlic in butter for a minute before combining with the rest of the topping.

Butter gives this dish its luxurious mouthfeel. Use unsalted butter so you can better control the seasoning. Melted and mixed into the bread crumbs, it creates those irresistible golden edges as the dish bakes.

Lemon juice and zest add brightness and cut through the richness. Fresh lemon is essential here—the bottled stuff won’t do it justice. A little zest in the bread crumb topping is a small touch that makes a big impact.

Bread crumbs provide that golden, crispy finish. I recommend panko for extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs will also work. Toss them with melted butter, lemon zest, parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

As for tools, all you’ll need is a mixing bowl, a small baking dish, and a microplane for zesting. A citrus juicer is a nice bonus, but not required.

How To Make This Baked Shrimp Scampi with Bread Crumbs

Creating this stunning shrimp scampi couldn’t be easier. Here’s how it comes together step by step.

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, prep your shrimp—peel, devein, and pat them dry with paper towels. Arrange them in a single layer in a small baking dish. You want them snug but not overlapping too much, so everything bakes evenly.

In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, a bit of salt, and black pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the shrimp, ensuring every piece gets coated in that buttery citrus goodness.

Next, it’s time for that golden topping. In another bowl, mix your bread crumbs with more melted butter, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and a little extra lemon zest if you want to double down on citrus. Scatter this mixture generously over the shrimp.

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The shrimp should be pink and opaque, and the topping golden and crisp. If you want an extra-crunchy finish, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes—just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

From start to finish, the whole process takes about 25 minutes. Expect a bubbling, fragrant, lemony masterpiece that looks as good as it tastes.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (though we rarely do), this dish stores quite well. Transfer the shrimp and crumbs to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Just know that the topping may lose some of its crispness.

Freezing isn’t recommended for this dish, as shrimp tend to become rubbery once thawed and reheated. Plus, the texture of the bread crumb topping will suffer.

To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the shrimp in an oven-safe dish for 10 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. You can uncover during the last few minutes and broil briefly to re-crisp the topping.

For best results, enjoy freshly baked—but if needed, the reheated version still hits the spot.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re working with dietary restrictions or simply out of a certain ingredient, you’ve got options.

If you’re avoiding gluten, swap the bread crumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers. The texture won’t suffer, and the flavor stays fantastic.

Want to add more veggies? Scatter halved cherry tomatoes or thin slices of zucchini among the shrimp before baking. They’ll roast alongside the seafood, soaking up the sauce.

No fresh parsley? No problem. Dried parsley works in a pinch, or you can try chopped basil or chives for a different herbaceous note.

For a dairy-free version, replace the butter with olive oil or a vegan butter substitute. It’ll still be delicious—just a bit less rich.

Feel like amping up the flavor? Add a splash of white wine or dry vermouth to the baking dish with the shrimp. It adds a subtle sophistication that’s perfect for date night or special occasions.

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own. Whether you're adding spice, herbs, or experimenting with textures, this shrimp scampi is your playground. Have fun with it!

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