Scrapple is a traditional dish that has stood the test of time, beloved for its crispy exterior and savory interior. Originating from Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine, scrapple is made from pork trimmings, cornmeal, and a blend of flavorful seasonings. Whether you’re new to this dish or a seasoned cook, this guide will provide all the steps, tips, and tricks you need to master the art of cooking scrapple.
What is Scrapple?
At its core, scrapple is a mixture of pork scraps, cornmeal, and spices such as pepper, thyme, and sage. These ingredients are simmered together, creating a loaf-like consistency that is then sliced and fried. When done right, the outside of the scrapple becomes crispy and golden, while the inside remains soft and savory.
While scrapple is commonly found in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and other Mid-Atlantic states, its appeal has grown far beyond these areas. It’s especially loved for breakfast, often paired with eggs, toast, or even in sandwiches.
History of Scrapple
Scrapple has deep roots in American history, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic region. Pennsylvania Dutch settlers, primarily of German descent, developed this dish as a way to make use of every part of the pig. Known for their resourcefulness, these settlers created scrapple to utilize leftover pork scraps that would otherwise go to waste.
Scrapple was traditionally prepared after hog butchering, using the leftover parts of the pig like the head, liver, and other trimmings. These parts were boiled down, mixed with cornmeal, and seasoned with herbs and spices to create a loaf that could be fried or baked for future meals. The dish was economical, hearty, and flavorful, which is why it has remained popular to this day.
Nutritional Information and Health Benefits
Scrapple may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of health food, but it does have some nutritional benefits. Depending on the brand or homemade recipe, scrapple typically contains:
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 calories per serving (2-3 slices)
- Protein: About 8-10 grams of protein per serving
- Carbohydrates: Around 15-20 grams of carbohydrates per serving
- Fats: 8-12 grams of fat, largely from the pork
While scrapple is high in fats, it’s also a good source of protein. Eating it in moderation can be part of a balanced diet, especially when paired with healthier sides like vegetables or whole grains. If you want to learn more about similar dishes that can be part of a balanced meal, check out the ultimate chicken brine recipe to elevate your proteins with flavorful seasoning techniques.
Ingredients in Scrapple
Whether store-bought or homemade, the ingredients in scrapple generally remain the same:
- Pork trimmings (including offal)
- Cornmeal or buckwheat flour
- Spices: Commonly thyme, sage, salt, pepper, and occasionally nutmeg or cayenne for extra kick
- Water or broth to create the right consistency when boiling the ingredients
For homemade scrapple, the meat can vary based on availability, and the seasonings can be adjusted to suit your taste. Some recipes even include onions or other vegetables for additional flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cook Scrapple
There are several ways to cook scrapple, each with its benefits depending on your preferences for texture and convenience. Below, we’ll cover how to pan-fry, bake, grill, and air-fry scrapple to get that perfect golden crust.
1. Pan-Frying Scrapple
Pan-frying is the most traditional method for cooking scrapple and results in a crispy exterior with a tender inside. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
- Sliced scrapple (1/4 to 1/2 inch thick)
- Butter, oil, or non-stick spray
Instructions:
- Heat the skillet: Use medium heat to warm up a non-stick skillet. Add a small amount of butter or oil.
- Slice the scrapple: Cut the scrapple loaf into slices about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Thinner slices will be crispier, while thicker slices will retain a softer interior.
- Fry the scrapple: Place the slices into the hot skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side, flipping only once to ensure even browning. The goal is to achieve a crispy, golden-brown crust.
- Serve hot: Once both sides are crispy, remove the slices from the skillet and place them on a paper towel to drain excess grease. Serve with eggs, toast, or in a breakfast sandwich.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan! This ensures each slice gets evenly cooked and crispy.
2. Oven-Baking Scrapple
If you want a healthier alternative with less oil, oven-baking scrapple is a great option. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
- Sliced scrapple (1/4 to 1/2 inch thick)
- Cooking spray or parchment paper
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat it with cooking spray.
- Slice the scrapple: Cut the scrapple into 1/4 to 1/2 inch slices.
- Bake the scrapple: Place the scrapple slices on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until both sides are golden and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Make sure to watch the scrapple closely, as it can burn quickly under the broiler.
3. Grilling Scrapple
Grilling adds a smoky flavor to scrapple that’s perfect for outdoor breakfasts or brunches. Here’s how to grill scrapple:
Ingredients:
- Sliced scrapple (1/2 inch thick)
- Oil for brushing the grill
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush with oil: Lightly brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the scrapple: Place the scrapple slices on the grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until grill marks form and the slices are crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the grill and serve with your favorite sides.
Pro Tip: Thicker slices work best for grilling to prevent the scrapple from falling apart.
4. Air-Frying Scrapple
The air fryer is a modern marvel for achieving crispy foods with little to no oil. Here’s how to air-fry scrapple:
Ingredients:
- Sliced scrapple (1/4 to 1/2 inch thick)
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the scrapple slices in the basket: Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook the scrapple: Air-fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
- Serve hot: Once crispy and golden, remove the scrapple slices and serve.
Pro Tip: Air-frying produces less greasy scrapple, making it a slightly healthier alternative to pan-frying.
Creative Scrapple Recipes
Now that you’ve mastered the basics of cooking scrapple, why not try some creative recipes that elevate this humble dish?
Scrapple and Eggs Breakfast
A classic breakfast combination, scrapple pairs perfectly with eggs. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2-3 slices of scrapple
- 2 eggs
- Toast or hash browns (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the scrapple: Pan-fry, bake, or air-fry the scrapple until crispy.
- Cook the eggs: While the scrapple is cooking, fry or scramble your eggs.
- Serve: Plate the scrapple with the eggs and add toast or hash browns for a complete breakfast.
Pro Tip: Drizzle a little maple syrup over the scrapple for a sweet-and-savory flavor combination.
Scrapple Breakfast Sandwich
Turn your scrapple into a hearty breakfast sandwich:
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of scrapple
- 1 egg, fried or scrambled
- Cheese (optional)
- Toasted bread or a bagel
Instructions:
- Cook the scrapple and egg: Pan-fry the scrapple until crispy, and cook the egg to your liking.
- Assemble the sandwich: Layer the scrapple, egg, and cheese (if using) on toasted bread or a bagel.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately while warm.
Scrapple Tacos
If you’re looking for a fun twist on a classic, try making scrapple tacos:
Ingredients:
- 2-3 slices of scrapple, cooked
- Flour or corn tortillas
- Salsa, avocado, and cheese
Instructions:
- Cook the scrapple: Pan-fry or grill the scrapple until crispy.
- Assemble the tacos: Fill the tortillas with slices of scrapple, top with salsa, avocado, and cheese.
- Serve: Enjoy your tacos with a side of scrambled eggs or hash browns.
Pro Tip: Add some hot sauce for an extra kick!
Common Issues with Cooking Scrapple and How to Fix Them
Even experienced scrapple lovers can run into problems when cooking this dish. Here are some common issues and how to solve them:
Scrapple Falls Apart
One of the most common problems with cooking scrapple is that it falls apart during frying. This can happen if:
- The slices are too thin: Make sure your slices are at least 1/4 inch thick.
- The pan is overcrowded: Cook the scrapple in small batches to ensure even cooking.
- The heat is too high: Use medium heat to allow the scrapple to crisp without burning or breaking apart.
Soggy Scrapple
Soggy scrapple can ruin the dish. Here’s how to avoid it:
- Preheat the skillet or oven: Make sure your pan or oven is hot before adding the scrapple.
- Don’t use too much oil: A little bit of oil or butter goes a long way. Too much can make the scrapple greasy instead of crispy.
- Let it rest on a paper towel: Once cooked, place the scrapple on a paper towel to drain excess grease before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to cook scrapple?
- Pan-frying: 3-5 minutes per side
- Oven-baking: 15-20 minutes
- Grilling: 4-5 minutes per side
- Air-frying: 10 minutes
Can I freeze scrapple?
Yes, scrapple freezes well. You can store it in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Make sure to thaw the scrapple in the refrigerator before cooking.
Is scrapple healthy?
While scrapple does contain fats, it is also a good source of protein. When enjoyed in moderation and paired with healthy sides, it can be part of a balanced diet.
Conclusion
Cooking scrapple is a delicious way to enjoy a slice of American culinary history. Whether you prefer pan-frying, oven-baking, grilling, or air-frying, there’s a method to suit your taste and lifestyle. With a variety of serving ideas and recipes, scrapple can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or even as a creative dish like tacos.
Now that you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to get in the kitchen and start cooking! Whether you’re serving it with eggs, in a sandwich, or as part of a hearty brunch, scrapple is sure to become a favorite.