National Scrapple Day

National Scrapple Day is a holiday dedicated to a beloved comfort food that has deep roots in American culinary tradition. Scrapple has been enjoyed for centuries and is now recognized as a classic dish in the United States. It is made from pieces of pork combined with buckwheat, cornmeal, and spices, then fried to perfection.

History

Scrapple, also known as Pon Haus, was created by German colonists who settled near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Originally, buckwheat flour was uncommon in America, so early recipes often used cornmeal instead. The dish was born out of necessity, with rural settlers using pork trimmings and offal to make a filling meal. The meat was boiled, stripped from the bones, and then simmered with flour, onions, and spices. Traditionally, scrapple was served with pan-fried bread.

Interesting Facts

• Scrapple is now commonly served with eggs, toast, or in sandwiches.
• Many modern recipes substitute turkey for pork to accommodate healthier diets.
• To try authentic scrapple, visit Philadelphia, where several restaurants still offer the classic version.
• Regional variations exist, such as Goetta in Cincinnati, made with ground meat and oats, and Livermush in the southern United States.

How to Take Part

Celebrate National Scrapple Day by cooking the dish yourself—search for a recipe online, gather the ingredients, and try your hand at making it. Notable brands for scrapple include Habbersett and Rapa. You can also attend the annual Apple Scrapple Festival in Bridgeville, Delaware, for a fun and flavorful experience.

When is National Scrapple Day in 2025?

National Scrapple Day is observed on November 9 each year.

Observations