National Scrapple Day

National Scrapple Day is observed every year on November 9. The holiday celebrates scrapple, a traditional American dish made from pork trimmings, cornmeal or buckwheat flour, and seasonings. The mixture is formed into a loaf, sliced, and fried until crisp on the outside and soft inside.

History of National Scrapple Day

Scrapple has strong roots in Pennsylvania Dutch cooking. German-speaking settlers brought similar meat-and-grain dishes to Pennsylvania, where they adapted their recipes to local ingredients and farming traditions.

The dish developed as a practical way to use as much of the pig as possible after butchering. Pork scraps and organ meat were simmered, finely chopped, and mixed with broth, grain, and spices. The mixture was then poured into molds and allowed to cool before being sliced and fried.

Scrapple became especially associated with Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and parts of New Jersey. It remains a familiar breakfast food in the Mid-Atlantic region and is still produced by local butchers and commercial brands.

Interesting Facts About National Scrapple Day

• Scrapple is sometimes known by the Pennsylvania Dutch name Pon Haus.
• Traditional recipes may include pork, cornmeal, buckwheat flour, broth, sage, pepper, and other seasonings.
• Scrapple is usually sliced and fried until the edges become crisp.
• It is commonly served with eggs, toast, maple syrup, apple butter, ketchup, or mustard.
• Goetta, a regional dish from Cincinnati, combines meat with oats rather than cornmeal or buckwheat.
• Livermush is a related Southern dish made with pork liver, cornmeal, and spices.
• The Apple Scrapple Festival is held annually in Bridgeville, Delaware.

How to Take Part in National Scrapple Day

Celebrate National Scrapple Day by ordering scrapple at a local diner or preparing it at home. Try it with a traditional breakfast, serve it in a sandwich, or compare different toppings and regional recipes. You can also learn about Pennsylvania Dutch food traditions or visit a market, butcher shop, or festival where scrapple is sold.

When Is National Scrapple Day in 2026?

National Scrapple Day is observed on November 9 each year.

Observations