Baked Shrimp Scampi With Bread Crumbs Recipe

There's something magical about the scent of garlic and butter mingling in the oven, especially when it's wrapped around tender shrimp and topped with golden, crunchy bread crumbs. This Baked Shrimp Scampi with Bread Crumbs is one of those dishes that feels fancy enough for company but is simple enough to pull off on a weeknight.

I first made this on a whim after craving restaurant-style shrimp scampi without the hassle of stovetop cooking. It quickly became a staple in our home—savory, satisfying, and so incredibly easy. The crisp topping, the juicy shrimp, the buttery sauce—it’s pure comfort in every bite. Whether you're hosting friends or just want something special for dinner, this one's a winner.

Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so irresistible.

Why You'll Love This Baked Shrimp Scampi With Bread Crumbs

Get ready to fall head over heels for this oven-baked twist on a classic seafood favorite. From the crispy topping to the garlicky, buttery sauce, every bite is packed with flavor and texture.

First off, it's incredibly easy to make. No need to babysit a pan over the stove—just prep, layer, and bake. Everything comes together in one baking dish, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

It’s also perfect for entertaining. The presentation is impressive, especially when served with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a side of crusty bread. Your guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen, but only you’ll know it took just 30 minutes.

And let’s talk about the budget-friendly ingredients. Shrimp often feels like a splurge, but this recipe stretches a pound of shrimp into a full meal by pairing it with pantry staples like breadcrumbs, garlic, and butter.

Lastly, it’s wonderfully customizable. Add a splash of white wine, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or swap out the parsley for fresh basil. You can even turn it into a pasta bake if you’re craving some carbs.

Ready to start cooking? Let’s take a look at what you’ll need.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this baked shrimp scampi lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, from the garlic-infused butter to the crunchy, golden topping.

Shrimp are the star here. I recommend using large or extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined, with tails on or off depending on your preference. Fresh is great, but frozen shrimp work beautifully too—just make sure to thaw and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

Garlic brings that signature scampi aroma. You’ll want to use fresh cloves rather than pre-minced garlic from a jar. The difference in flavor is huge. Mince it finely to help it melt into the butter during baking.

Butter is the rich base of our sauce. I use unsalted so I can control the salt level, but salted works in a pinch. The butter melts in the oven, blending with garlic and lemon juice to create that iconic scampi flavor.

Lemon juice and zest add brightness and balance to the richness of the butter and shrimp. Use freshly squeezed juice for the best taste. A bit of zest gives the whole dish a lift and makes it taste even fresher.

Bread crumbs form the crispy, golden topping. I prefer using panko for extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work fine too. Toss them with melted butter and a pinch of salt for that irresistible baked finish.

You won’t need any fancy tools for this recipe—just a baking dish, a mixing bowl, and a microplane zester if you have one. It’s all about simple techniques that let the ingredients shine.

How To Make This Baked Shrimp Scampi With Bread Crumbs

This dish is surprisingly simple to prepare, with all the action happening in the oven. Here's how to make it step by step, along with some tips to make sure it turns out perfect every time.

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms up, prep your shrimp by patting them dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp means better caramelization and less watery sauce. Arrange them in a single layer in a lightly greased baking dish.

In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter with the minced garlic and a pinch of salt and pepper. Once melted, stir in the lemon juice and zest. Pour this buttery mixture evenly over the shrimp, ensuring each piece is coated.

Next, mix your bread crumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter and a little salt. For added flavor, you can toss in a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese or a pinch of dried herbs like oregano or thyme. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the shrimp, covering the surface.

Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Keep a close eye near the end—bread crumbs can go from golden to burnt quickly. If needed, broil for 1-2 minutes for extra crisp on top.

Once out of the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of freshness. Serve immediately with warm baguette slices or over pasta or rice to soak up that delicious garlic-butter sauce.

From start to finish, this dish takes just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you still want something homemade and special.

Storage Options

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), this dish stores surprisingly well. Allow the shrimp scampi to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This helps re-crisp the breadcrumb topping and avoids rubbery shrimp, which can happen if you microwave them.

Freezing isn’t ideal for this dish. Shrimp tend to become tough and dry when frozen after cooking, and the breadcrumb topping will lose its crunch. If you do freeze it, wrap it tightly and consume within a month for best texture.

To enjoy leftovers, try tossing them with pasta or adding them to a warm salad with arugula, white beans, and lemon vinaigrette. It’s a great way to stretch the dish a little further.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about baked shrimp scampi is how easy it is to adapt. You can tweak the ingredients to suit your pantry, preferences, or dietary needs.

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture. It’s a small addition, but it makes a big impact for heat lovers.

Want to make it gluten-free? Just swap out the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version. Many stores carry panko-style GF breadcrumbs now that crisp up beautifully.

If you prefer a non-dairy version, use a vegan butter substitute. It won’t be quite as rich, but the garlic and lemon still shine through. You could also drizzle a little olive oil over the top to help the breadcrumbs brown.

Don’t have lemon? A splash of white wine or even a dash of vinegar can add the needed acidity. It’s not quite the same, but it’ll still be delicious.

And if you’re feeling indulgent, add a handful of grated Parmesan to the breadcrumb topping. It adds a savory, cheesy element that pairs beautifully with the shrimp and garlic.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Once you’ve made this once or twice, you’ll see how easy it is to make it your own. Happy cooking!

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