Savory Scrapple

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Savory Scrapple.

1. Step 1

   Start by placing a smoked ham hock in a large pot and covering it with water.

2. Step 2

   Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil over high heat.

3. Step 3

   Once it’s bubbling away, lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about two hours.

4. Step 4

   This slow cooking will make the pork incredibly tender and flavorful.

5. Step 5

   After the time is up, carefully remove the ham hock and set it aside on a plate to cool.

6. Step 6

   Once it’s cool enough to handle, shred the meat, making sure to discard any fat, skin, and bones.

7. Step 7

   Don’t forget to strain the cooking liquid, reserving about 2 ½ quarts of that delicious broth for later use.

8. Step 8

   Now, return the reserved broth to the pot and bring it back to a boil over high heat.

9. Step 9

   Stir in the chicken soup base until it’s completely dissolved, creating a rich foundation for your scrapple.

10. Step 10

    In a separate bowl, mix together cornmeal with thyme, sage, savory, allspice, nutmeg, clove, black pepper, white pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt.

11. Step 11

    Gradually whisk this fragrant blend into the boiling broth, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring frequently to keep everything well combined.

12. Step 12

    While the cornmeal mixture is cooking, melt some butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

13. Step 13

    Toss in the diced onion and sauté until it’s softened and translucent, which should take about five minutes.

14. Step 14

    Once the cornmeal has simmered for its 15 minutes, stir in the sautéed onion, the shredded ham hock, and if you’re feeling indulgent, some optional Cheddar cheese.

15. Step 15

    Keep cooking and stirring for another 15 minutes until the mixture thickens to the point where a spoon can stand upright in it.

16. Step 16

    Taste and adjust the seasoning to ensure your scrapple is bursting with flavor.

17. Step 17

    Next, prepare three 9x5 inch loaf pans by greasing the bottom and sides with a bit of oil.

18. Step 18

    Pour the scrapple mixture into the pans, cover them with plastic wrap, and pop them in the refrigerator overnight to set.

19. Step 19

    This step is crucial for achieving that perfect sliceable texture.

20. Step 20

    When you’re ready to serve, gently remove the scrapple from the loaf pans and slice it into ¼ to ½ inch thick pieces.

21. Step 21

    Fry these slices in melted butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until they’re golden brown and crispy on both sides, which should take about 10 minutes.

22. Step 22

    Enjoy the delightful crunch and rich flavors of your homemade scrapple, a dish that’s sure to impress!.