What is Scrapple?
At its core, scrapple is a savory loaf made from pork scraps, cornmeal, and spices. It’s a thrifty dish that originated with German settlers in Pennsylvania, who sought to make use of every part of the pig after butchering. The result is a unique and flavorful food that’s deeply rooted in the region’s agricultural history. The key ingredients in traditional scrapple recipes include:
- Pork scraps and offal (organ meats)
- Cornmeal and/or buckwheat flour
- Pork broth
- Spices such as sage, thyme, black pepper, and nutmeg
These ingredients are combined and cooked down into a thick, porridge-like mixture, which is then poured into loaf pans and chilled until firm. The resulting loaf is sliced and fried until crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, making for a hearty and satisfying meal.
The History of Scrapple
Scrapple’s origins can be traced back to the 17th and 18th centuries, when German settlers began arriving in Pennsylvania. These immigrants brought with them a tradition of making the most of every part of the pig, including the less desirable cuts and offal. By combining these scraps with cornmeal and spices, they created a filling and flavorful dish that could sustain them through long, cold winters.
Over time, scrapple became a staple of Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine, with each family and region developing its own unique recipe and preparation methods. The dish’s popularity spread throughout the Mid-Atlantic states, particularly in areas with strong German and Dutch influences, such as Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey.
Today, scrapple remains a beloved part of Pennsylvania’s food culture, with dedicated fans and annual festivals celebrating this humble yet delicious dish.
How to Prepare and Serve Scrapple
While scrapple is fully cooked when it comes out of the loaf pan, it’s typically sliced and fried before serving. Here’s a simple method for preparing scrapple at home:
- Cut the chilled scrapple loaf into 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick slices.
- Heat a small amount of oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the scrapple slices for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until crispy and golden brown.
- Serve hot, either on its own or as part of a larger breakfast spread.
Many scrapple enthusiasts enjoy their slices with a drizzle of maple syrup, apple butter, or ketchup, which helps to balance the richness of the pork and spices. Others prefer to enjoy it plain, savoring the crispy exterior and creamy interior on its own.
Scrapple is most commonly served as a breakfast food, often alongside eggs, toast, and home fries. However, it’s also a versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into a variety of dishes, such as:
- Scrapple and egg sandwiches
- Scrapple hash with potatoes and onions
- Scrapple-stuffed mushrooms or peppers
- Scrapple-topped pizza or flatbread
The possibilities are endless, and many chefs and home cooks have put their own creative spin on this classic Pennsylvania Dutch dish.
Regional Variations and Brands
While the basic ingredients and preparation methods for scrapple are fairly consistent, there are some regional variations and notable brands that have developed over the years.
In the Philadelphia area, Habbersett and Rapa are two of the most well-known commercial scrapple producers. These companies have been making scrapple for over a century, and their products can be found in grocery stores and diners throughout the region.
In Lancaster County, the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, small butcher shops and family-owned businesses often make their own unique versions of scrapple. These local varieties may include additional spices, such as nutmeg or red pepper flakes, or variations in the ratio of pork to cornmeal.
Some regions also have their own names for scrapple, such as “pon haus” or “pannhaas,” which are derived from the Pennsylvania Dutch term for “pan rabbit,” referring to the dish’s origins as a way to stretch a small amount of meat to feed a large family.
Scrapple Festivals and Events
Given scrapple’s enduring popularity in Pennsylvania, it’s no surprise that there are several annual festivals and events dedicated to celebrating this beloved dish.
One of the most notable is the Annual Scrapple Festival, held each October in the small town of Bridgeville, Delaware. This two-day event features scrapple cooking contests, live music, craft vendors, and plenty of opportunities to sample this regional delicacy.
In nearby Philadelphia, the ScrappleFest is held each year at the Reading Terminal Market, one of the city’s most iconic food destinations. This event brings together scrapple producers from across the region, offering visitors a chance to taste and compare different varieties and preparation methods.
These festivals and events not only celebrate scrapple as a food but also serve to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Pennsylvania Dutch community.
The Nutritional Debate
While scrapple is undeniably delicious, it’s not exactly known for being a health food. The dish’s high fat and sodium content have led some to question its nutritional value, particularly in an era of increasing focus on healthy eating.
A typical 2-ounce serving of scrapple contains around 120 calories, 6 grams of fat (including 2 grams of saturated fat), and 340 milligrams of sodium. While this may not seem like much, it’s important to keep in mind that scrapple is often eaten as part of a larger breakfast or meal, and the calories and fat can quickly add up.
However, proponents of scrapple argue that it’s a valuable part of the region’s food culture and that, like many traditional foods, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. They also point out that scrapple is often made with high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients and that it represents a sustainable and nose-to-tail approach to cooking that minimizes food waste.
Ultimately, the decision to indulge in scrapple is a personal one, and many Pennsylvanians continue to enjoy this beloved dish as a special treat or a comforting reminder of their heritage.
Scrapple in Popular Culture
Scrapple’s unique flavor and texture, as well as its quirky name and regional specificity, have made it a subject of fascination and curiosity in popular culture.
In the hit TV show “The Office,” which is set in Scranton, Pennsylvania, scrapple makes a memorable appearance in the episode “The Merger.” When the Scranton branch of Dunder Mifflin merges with the Stamford branch, the Scranton employees try to introduce their new colleagues to the wonders of scrapple, with mixed results.
Scrapple has also been featured on numerous food and travel shows, including “Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern,” “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives,” and “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations.” These shows have helped to introduce scrapple to a wider audience and have sparked interest in this regional delicacy among food enthusiasts across the country.
In addition to its appearances on TV, scrapple has also inspired a range of merchandise, from t-shirts and hats to magnets and even scented candles. These products celebrate the unique place that scrapple holds in Pennsylvania’s food culture and serve as a way for fans to show their love for this beloved dish.
Conclusion
Scrapple may not be the prettiest or most glamorous food, but it’s a true gem of Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine. This humble dish, born out of necessity and thrift, has become a beloved part of the region’s culinary heritage, enjoyed by generations of Pennsylvanians and intriguing to visitors from around the world.
Whether you’re a lifelong scrapple fan or a curious newcomer, there’s no denying the appeal of this unique and flavorful dish. From its crispy exterior to its creamy, savory interior, scrapple is a true comfort food that speaks to the ingenuity, resourcefulness, and culinary traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch community.
So the next time you find yourself in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, be sure to seek out a slice of scrapple and taste this beloved regional delicacy for yourself. Whether you enjoy it plain or with a drizzle of syrup, as part of a hearty breakfast or incorporated into a creative new dish, scrapple is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds and your appreciation for the rich food culture of this unique and fascinating region.
