Bruschetta Scotty Thompson – A Carrabba’s Copycat Recipe

 

If you’re craving a simple yet irresistible appetizer that pairs perfectly with a glass of Chianti or an Italian meal, this Bruschetta Scotty Thompson recipe, a Carrabba’s copycat, is your answer. Named after a Carrabba’s employee, this dish combines warm, garlicky bread with a luscious marinara and goat cheese dip that’s both easy to make and a crowd-pleaser. After friend Linda from Texas Quilt Gal, in a comment on my blog post about another Carrabba’s copycat recipe  — Pollo Rosa Maria — raved about her family’s love for this dish, I set out to recreate it. While the Carrabba’s cookbook didn’t have the exact recipe, a little research and creativity led me to this gem. I opted for homemade garlic bread for extra flavor, but store-bought works just as well. The star of the show is the dipping sauce simply made from goat cheese melted into rich marinara, creating a dip that’s perfect for any occasion.

Bruschetta Scotty Thompson

1 pkg. frozen garlic bread (or homemade garlic bread, baguette, or Italian bread)
24 oz. marinara sauce, I used Rao’s
1 8-oz. goat cheese log (plain or herbed)

Preheat your oven and bake the garlic bread according to package directions. If using a baguette or Italian bread, slice, brush with olive oil, and toast at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until golden.

In an oven-safe skillet, warm the marinara sauce over low-medium heat for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until evenly heated. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of garlic powder if desired.

Slice the goat cheese log into 8-10 thick coins using dental floss for clean cuts, or crumble it if preferred. Place the goat cheese coins evenly in the warm marinara. Transfer the skillet to the oven (alongside the bread) and bake for 5-7 minutes until the cheese softens and spreads easily.

Remove from the oven and serve immediately with the warm garlic bread. For a creamier dip, stir the goat cheese into the marinara before serving.

This Bruschetta Scotty Thompson is perfect for a cozy night in, a dinner party appetizer, or a side to complement a fresh salad or pasta dish. The warm, cheesy marinara dip paired with crusty garlic bread is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.