National Scrapple Day
Celebrate National Scrapple Day on November 9!
November 9 marks National Scrapple Day, a chance to enjoy a distinctive Mid-Atlantic food tradition. Scrapple is a savory pork-and-cornmeal loaf, usually sliced and pan-fried. Whether you already enjoy it or are trying it for the first time, here are a few ways to learn about and celebrate this regional favorite.
What is Scrapple?
Scrapple is a savory loaf especially popular in the Mid-Atlantic region and associated with Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine. Traditionally, it was made with pork scraps and other trimmings cooked with cornmeal and seasonings, then formed into a loaf. It is typically sliced and pan-fried, and often served at breakfast.
A Brief History of Scrapple
According to N.C. Cooperative Extension, scrapple has roots in Germany: an old-world dish called pan rabbit, or panhas, used pork parts left over from butchering and was served for breakfast. German immigrants brought the tradition to America, where they exchanged food traditions with English settlers and the scrapple loaf developed. Farmers’ Almanac says scrapple was made to help rural immigrants make use of available foodstuffs. Its exact development is not well documented, but it became a regional favorite in the Mid-Atlantic.
Why National Scrapple Day Matters
National Scrapple Day is a chance to appreciate a regional food tradition and the resourcefulness behind making use of available ingredients. It also offers an opportunity to explore the distinctive culinary heritage of the Mid-Atlantic and Pennsylvania Dutch communities.
Fun Facts About Scrapple
- Regional Delicacy: Scrapple is especially popular in the Mid-Atlantic, including parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and eastern Virginia.
- A Pennsylvania Dutch Name: Farmers’ Almanac notes that scrapple is also known by the Pennsylvania Dutch name pon haus.
- Modern Twists: Scrapple can be made with alternatives such as turkey or beef, and some heritage-based menus feature a vegetarian mushroom version.
- How to Serve: Scrapple is commonly pan-fried and served at breakfast. Traditional accompaniments include eggs and toast, or apple butter, ketchup, mustard, honey, or maple syrup.
Ways to Celebrate National Scrapple Day
Get in on the celebration with these ideas for National Scrapple Day!
- Cook Your Own: Try making scrapple at home. It takes time and patience, or you can look for ready-made options at grocery stores in the Mid-Atlantic.
- Visit a Local Eatery: Support local businesses by visiting a restaurant or diner that serves scrapple. Ask your server how they recommend enjoying it.
- Scrapple Tasting: Share different kinds of scrapple with friends and family, including pork, turkey, or beef versions.
- Experiment: Try traditional accompaniments such as apple butter, ketchup, mustard, honey, or maple syrup.
- Share the Love: Share your scrapple experience on social media using hashtags like #NationalScrappleDay and #ScrappleLove, and invite others to join in.
When is National Scrapple Day?
National Scrapple Day: Every year on November 9.
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | November 9 | Monday |
| 2027 | November 9 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | November 9 | Thursday |
| 2029 | November 9 | Friday |
| 2030 | November 9 | Saturday |
Reviewed by the Holiday List editorial team on October 20, 2026 · Last updated October 20, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
When is National Scrapple Day in 2026?
National Scrapple Day is on Monday, November 9, 2026. After that, it falls on Tuesday, November 9, 2027. Every year on November 9.
Is National Scrapple Day a public holiday?
No. National Scrapple Day is an observance, not an official public holiday, so schools and businesses stay open as usual.
What is scrapple?
Scrapple is a savory pork-and-cornmeal loaf associated with Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine and popular in the Mid-Atlantic. It is usually sliced, pan-fried, and served at breakfast.
How did scrapple begin?
Scrapple has roots in the German dish panhas, which used pork parts left over from butchering. German immigrants brought the tradition to America, where it developed into the scrapple loaf; its exact development is not well documented.
How can you celebrate National Scrapple Day?
Try cooking scrapple at home, order it at a local restaurant, or share a tasting of different versions. It is commonly served with eggs and toast or with apple butter, ketchup, mustard, honey, or maple syrup.
Sources
- N.C. Cooperative Extension: National Scrapple Day
- Farmers’ Almanac: National Scrapple Day: Love It Or Hate It?
✓ Date matches N.C. Cooperative Extension: National Scrapple Day (checked automatically on October 18, 2026).
