Cornmeal Scrapple
Cornmeal Scrapple offers a hearty, comforting dish with a crispy exterior and tender interior, featuring savory pork sausage and subtle sweetness from cornmeal. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, it appeals to those who enjoy flavorful, filling comfort foods with a crispy bite and rich taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the cornmeal, milk, sugar, and salt; gradually stir in boiling water.
- Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook, covered, 10 minutes longer or until very thick, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cooked, drained, and crumbled sausage.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered loaf pan.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm.
- To serve, cut 1/3-inch slices and dip in flour on both sides.
- Fry in a skillet in melted butter over medium heat until browned on both sides.
- Serve warm with syrup.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade sausage instead of store-bought. You can also substitute the pork sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version. If you want a vegetarian option, try adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers in place of the sausage. Make sure to stir the mixture continuously to avoid lumps as it thickens. This dish is perfect for brunch alongside scrambled eggs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with maple syrup drizzled over the top for a sweet contrast. It pairs beautifully with scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad for a complete breakfast. For a savory twist, try serving alongside a side of sautéed greens or roasted potatoes. This dish also complements a hearty breakfast spread featuring other American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover scrapple can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, slice the scrapple and fry it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it may result in a soggy texture. For longer storage, consider freezing slices in a single layer and then transferring to a freezer bag.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cornmeal Scrapple contains roughly 422 calories, with 12g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), protein (24% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1885mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make scrapple without sausage?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of scrapple by omitting the sausage and adding vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for flavor. You might also want to enhance the seasoning with herbs and spices to compensate for the missing meat.
What can I use instead of cornmeal?
If you don't have cornmeal, you can use polenta or finely ground corn flour as a substitute. However, note that the texture and flavor may vary slightly. Be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as some alternatives may thicken differently.
How can I make scrapple crispy when frying?
To achieve a crispy texture, ensure that your skillet is hot enough before adding the scrapple slices. Dust the slices lightly with flour before frying to create a nice crust. Fry them in a generous amount of melted butter and avoid overcrowding the pan, which can trap steam and hinder browning.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).