What Is Scrapple?
Last updated on Jun 26, 2025Jason KurtzScrapple, also known as pannhaas, is a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch food with a rich history in American cuisine. While scrapple can be enjoyed at any time of day, it is most commonly served as a breakfast dish. Its savory and hearty flavors make it a popular choice for a morning meal, often paired with eggs, toast, or pancakes. Whether you're looking for a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch experience or want to try something new on your breakfast menu, scrapple is worth exploring.
Shop All Scrapple
What Is Scrapple Made Out Of?
This unique dish is made from fried pork scraps and trimmings, mixed with cornmeal, wheat flour, and a blend of spices. At its core, scrapple was introduced as a way to make the most out of the pig, utilizing leftover meat that would have otherwise gone to waste in a butcher shop or kitchen. The combination of ingredients is cooked together to form a loaf, which is then sliced and fried until crispy on the outside.
Where Did Scrapple Originate?
The origins of scrapple can be traced back to German colonists who settled in Eastern Pennsylvania during the 16th and 17th centuries. It is believed that these early settlers introduced the first recipes for scrapple, which have been passed down through generations. Today, it is most popular in the Mid-Atlantic United States, particularly in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland, and is still closely associated with its Amish and Mennonite roots.
How to Cook Scrapple
The key to the perfect scrapple is achieving a crispy outside while maintaining a soft interior. There are three main methods commonly used to cook scrapple: in the oven, the fryer, or on the stovetop. Each offers a slightly different consistency and level of browning, but the result is always delicious.
When preparing scrapple, it is generally recommended to cook it pre-sliced rather than attempting to cook the entire loaf at once. The preferred approach is to slice the scrapple into pieces, usually between 1/4" and 1/2", to ensure even cooking and optimal texture. However, you can adjust the thickness of the slices based on your personal preferences.
How to Cook Scrapple In the Oven
If you want to cook scrapple in the oven, start by preheating it to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place your scrapple slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced evenly for consistent cooking results. Bake the scrapple in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, depending on how crispy and brown you want it. To ensure that the scrapple cooks evenly on both sides, remember to flip it halfway through the cooking time.
How to Cook Scrapple On the Stove
To cook scrapple on the stove, start by adding roughly 1/4" of oil to a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is heated, carefully place the scrapple slices in the skillet. Let the scrapple cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of browning. Make sure you only flip it once for even cooking and to keep the scrapple from sticking to the skillet.
How to Deep Fry Scrapple
To deep fry scrapple, preheat your fryer to 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit, then carefully place the slices in a fry basket and submerge it, making sure not to overcrowd the oil. Allow the scrapple to fry for 3-5 minutes, or until they reach your preferred level of doneness. Keep an eye on the scrapple as it fries, adjusting the heat as needed to maintain a steady temperature. Once the scrapple is cooked to your liking, to remove the fry basket from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.
Scrapple FAQ
While it is simple to make, there are many questions when it comes to serving and preparing scrapple in a commercial setting. To help you feature the best possible scrapple on your menu, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions.
Can You Freeze Scrapple?
If stored properly, frozen scrapple can last up to 9 months in the freezer. While scrapple can remain safe to eat for an extended period, it may start to lose its freshness and quality after about 5 months. Some people prefer to freeze the scrapple loaf as a whole, while others find it more convenient to slice it before freezing. Freezing scrapple in its loaf form can help preserve its shape and structure. On the other hand, slicing the scrapple before freezing can make it more convenient for portioning and quick preparation.
Is Scrapple Precooked?
In most cases, scrapple is fully cooked before it is packaged and sold. This makes it safe to consume and ready for quick preparation in commercial kitchens.
How Long Does Scrapple Last in the Refrigerator?
When it comes to storing scrapple in the refrigerator, the key factor is how it is packaged. If you have sealed or vacuum-packed scrapple, you can expect it to last up to 90 days in the refrigerator. Conversely, if you have unsealed scrapple, it is best to consume it within a week of purchase. Without the protective barrier of sealed packaging, unsealed scrapple is more susceptible to bacteria growth and spoilage.
If you're looking to add a savory and hearty option to your menu, consider incorporating scrapple into your offerings. Whether you fry it up until golden brown or slice it thinly and pan-fry it until crispy, scrapple offers a delicious twist on traditional breakfast fare. Its combination of flavors and textures is sure to be a hit with diners looking for a satisfying breakfast option.
