If you're looking for a hearty breakfast option with a bit of a twist, then look no further than scrapple. This traditional pork dish has been a staple in American cuisine for centuries, and for good reason. At just 130 calories per serving (2 oz) scrapple with bacon is a budget-friendly meal that offers big flavor and plenty of protein.
While it may not be the healthiest option out there, a serving of scrapple is packed with nutrients like iron and protein. Plus, it's a versatile ingredient that can be cooked up in a variety of ways.
In this article, we'll explore the many benefits of scrapple and share tips and tricks for cooking and serving it up in style.
What is Scrapple and Why is it So Popular?
Scrapple is a type of pork dish that originated in the Pennsylvania Dutch country. It is made by combining pork scraps with cornmeal, flour, and spices, then shaping it into a block and slicing it for cooking. While it may not sound appealing to some, scrapple is a beloved dish in many parts of the US thanks to its rich, earthy flavor and versatility in the kitchen. Scrapple is often served as part of a hearty breakfast, alongside eggs, bacon, and toast. But it can also be used in other dishes, like sandwiches or even as a topping on pizza. Despite its humble beginnings, scrapple has become a popular dish among foodies and chefs alike, who appreciate its unique flavor and texture.
The Nutritional Profile of Scrapple
While scrapple may not be the healthiest option out there, it does contain a number of important nutrients. A 2 oz serving of scrapple with bacon contains around 10 grams of protein and 15% of your daily recommended intake of iron. However, it is also high in sodium and saturated fat, so it should be consumed in moderation. To make a more nutritious meal, try pairing scrapple with some fresh fruit or vegetables, like sliced avocado or tomato. You can also experiment with different cooking methods to limit the amount of added fat in your dish.
Flavorful Ways to Cook and Serve Scrapple
One of the great things about scrapple is its versatility in the kitchen. Whether you prefer it crispy or soft, there are many ways to prepare and serve this tasty pork dish. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
- Fry it up in a pan until crispy and golden brown, then serve alongside eggs and toast for a classic breakfast option.
- Crumble it up and use it as a topping for pizza or baked potatoes.
- Slice it and fry it like bacon for a flavorful addition to sandwiches and burgers.
- Pair it with some sautéed apples or onions for a savory-sweet flavor combo.
Don't be afraid to get creative with your scrapple recipes – the possibilities are endless!
Scrapple: A History and Tradition
Scrapple has a long history in America, dating back to colonial times. It was originally created as a way to use up the leftover scraps of pork after the more desirable cuts had been taken. The tradition of making scrapple was passed down through generations of families, and today it is still a beloved dish in many parts of the country. In fact, there are many regional variations of scrapple, each with its own unique flavor and ingredients. Some recipes call for the addition of cornmeal or flour, while others use buckwheat or even oats. And while pork is the most common meat used in scrapple, some recipes also call for chicken or beef scraps. Despite its humble beginnings, scrapple has endured as a beloved comfort food among many Americans, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
What's in a Serving of Scrapple with Bacon?
A 2 oz serving of scrapple with bacon contains around 130 calories. It also has 7 grams of fat and 14 grams of carbohydrates, as well as 10 grams of protein and 15% of your daily recommended intake of iron. While scrapple may not be the healthiest choice out there, it can be a great option for those on a budget who want a filling and flavorful meal. Just be sure to watch your portion sizes and pair it with some fresh produce to balance out your plate.
The Ultimate Breakfast Combination: Scrapple and Eggs
One of the most popular ways to enjoy scrapple is with a side of eggs. Whether you prefer them scrambled, fried, or poached, the combination of savory scrapple and rich, creamy eggs is hard to beat. To take your scrapple and eggs to the next level, try adding some fresh herbs or veggies to your eggs. You can also experiment with different cooking methods for your scrapple – try pan-frying it in a little bit of olive oil for a healthier option, or oven-baking it for a crispy, crunchy texture. However you choose to prepare it, scrapple and eggs is a classic breakfast combo that is sure to satisfy your hunger and your taste buds.
Scrapple: A Budget-Friendly Meal Option
One of the great things about scrapple is that it is a very affordable ingredient. Because it is made from pork scraps, it is often much cheaper than other cuts of meat. This makes it a great option for anyone on a budget who still wants to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. In addition to being affordable, scrapple is also very versatile. It can be used in a variety of dishes, from breakfast burritos to sandwiches, making it a great option for meal prep or feeding a large family.
Healthy Eating with Scrapple: Tips and Tricks
While scrapple is certainly not the healthiest food out there, there are some ways to make it a bit more nutritious. Here are a few tips:
- Pair it with fresh veggies or fruit for a balanced meal.
- Limit portion sizes and watch your intake of saturated fats and sodium.
- Try baking or grilling your scrapple instead of frying it for a healthier option.
Scrapple vs. Bacon: Which One is Healthier?
When it comes to breakfast meats, bacon is one of the most popular options out there. But how does scrapple stack up in terms of nutrition? Here's a basic comparison:
- A 2 oz serving of scrapple with bacon contains around 130 calories, while 2 strips of bacon contain about 80 calories.
- Scrapple is higher in protein and iron than bacon, but it is also higher in sodium and saturated fat.
- If you're looking for a healthier breakfast option, bacon may be the better choice. But if you're looking for something a bit more filling and hearty, scrapple may be a better option for you.
Ultimately, the choice between bacon and scrapple comes down to personal preference and dietary needs.
The Best Recipes for Cooking Scrapple
If you're looking for some inspiration on how to cook and serve scrapple, here are some of the best recipes to try:
- Scrapple Hash: Fry up some diced potatoes and onions with crumbled scrapple, then top with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast option.
- Scrapple Sliders: Grill some mini burgers and top with a slice of crispy scrapple, then serve on slider buns with your favorite toppings.
- Scrapple Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out some bell peppers and stuff with a mixture of cooked scrapple, rice, and cheese. Bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
Whether you're a scrapple newbie or a seasoned pro, there is no shortage of creative and delicious ways to use this versatile ingredient.
Scrapple is a beloved dish in many parts of the US thanks to its rich, earthy flavor and versatility in the kitchen.
Scrapple with Bacon: 5 FAQs Answered
1. What is scrapple made of?
Scrapple is a type of pork product that is made from the leftover meat and trimmings after the more desirable cuts of meat have been removed. The meat is combined with cornmeal, flour, and spices to create a sausage-like loaf that is sliced and fried before serving.
2. How many calories are in scrapple with bacon?
One serving of scrapple with bacon (2 oz) contains approximately 130 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie breakfast option. However, it is high in fat and sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
3. Is scrapple a healthy food?
Scrapple is not considered a particularly healthy food due to its high fat and sodium content. However, it can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet in moderation. It is also a good source of protein and iron.
4. How is scrapple typically served?
Scrapple is typically sliced and fried until crispy on the outside and served as part of a breakfast sandwich or alongside eggs and other traditional breakfast fare. It can also be diced and added to soups or stews for added flavor and texture.
5. Is scrapple a regional food?
Yes, scrapple is primarily found in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, particularly in Pennsylvania Dutch and other Pennsylvania-based cuisine. However, it can also be found in other nearby states such as Maryland, New Jersey, and Delaware.