National Scrapple Day: Delaware’s Delicious ‘Weird Meat’ Legacy Lives On
Delawareans are locked in a lively debate: Do you love or loathe scrapple? With National Scrapple Day arriving on November 9, folks across the First State will soon declare their loyalties in this age-old, pork-flavored battle.
Scrapple enthusiasts proudly pass down this local favorite to younger generations, while others have traded in their scrapple forks to join the vegan “resistance.”
What is Scrapple, Delaware’s Favorite Fall Food?
Scrapple, ranked Delaware’s top fall food in a recent poll by Wealth of Geeks, holds a special place in the Mid-Atlantic breakfast menu. This quirky cousin of sausage is a rectangular loaf made from pork scraps, cornmeal, and flour.
Typically sliced and pan-fried to a golden crisp, scrapple offers a crispy crust with a soft, almost mushy center—a contrast as dramatic as any classic romantic comedy.
Delaware’s beloved meatloaf is often enjoyed alongside eggs, pancakes, and grits, or as a sandwich with fried eggs or syrup for extra flavor.
Though scrapple’s origins trace back to 17th-century Germany, where it was called “panhas” or “pan rabbit,” the dish found its American home in Pennsylvania through German immigrants.
By 1863, the first commercial scrapple producer, Isaac S. Habbersett, opened in Pennsylvania, spreading this savory creation throughout the region.
Delaware’s Scrapple Reigns Supreme
While Delaware didn’t invent scrapple, it certainly dominates the global market. Bridgeville’s RAPA Scrapple, founded in 1926 by Ralph and Paul Adams, is now the world’s largest scrapple producer.
Nearly 100 years later, RAPA Scrapple still uses the original recipe, solidifying Delaware’s claim as the scrapple capital of the world. Today, scrapple lovers can find RAPA products in major stores like Walmart, Acme, and Wegmans, or at traditional shops like Haass Family Butcher Shop in Dover and Hughes’ Delaware Maid Scrapple in Felton.
Where to Find Scrapple in Delaware
For those craving scrapple’s iconic taste, Delaware offers plenty of local options. RAPA remains a top choice, available in various grocery chains and through their website.
Other notable brands include Kirby & Holloway in Harrington and Delaware Maid in Felton, both offering scrapple online and in local stores.
So, as National Scrapple Day approaches, Delawareans will celebrate their “weird meat” tradition. Whether you’re a fan or a skeptic, scrapple’s rich history and unique flavor make it an unforgettable part of the First State’s culinary identity.
Curious about scrapple’s history and how it became a Delaware favorite? Visit our homepage for more about this unique meat tradition.
