Looking to shake up your breakfast routine? Amish Apple Scrapple might just be the hearty and flavorful dish you never knew you needed. Hailing from the Pennsylvania Dutch tradition, this savory and slightly sweet dish combines sausage, apples, and cornmeal for a breakfast that’s as comforting as it is unique. While it does require some overnight prep, the result is well worth the wait.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Amish Apple Scrapple has a flavor-packed ingredient list that blends savory and sweet. Here’s what to gather:
- Pork sausage
- Onion
- Apples
- Fresh herbs like thyme and sage
- Salt, pepper, and flour
- Cornmeal
- Butter
- Water
Step-by-Step: How to Make Amish Apple Scrapple
Step 1: Sizzle and Save
Begin by cooking the sausage and onions in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir until the sausage is browned to perfection. Once done, set aside the sausage mixture and reserve about 2 tablespoons of drippings—these will come in handy later.
Step 2: Soften the Apples
Add butter to the drippings in the skillet, then toss in diced apples, thyme, sage, and a pinch of pepper. Cook gently over low heat until the apples are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Blend It Together
Remove the apple mixture from the heat and stir it into the sausage and onions. This deliciously savory mix will soon be the heart of your dish.
Step 4: Prepare the Cornmeal Base
In a heavy saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal and salt. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pan, and let it cook for about an hour. Be sure to stir occasionally to avoid clumps.
Step 5: Combine and Chill
Once the cornmeal is ready, grease a loaf pan and mix the cornmeal with the sausage and apple blend. Pour it into the pan, smooth it out, and cover it before refrigerating for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Final Step: Slice and Fry
After chilling, the mixture will set into a firm loaf. Slice it into ½-inch pieces, dust each slice lightly with flour, and fry in butter over medium heat until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
A Breakfast Worth Sharing
Amish Apple Scrapple is more than just food—it’s an experience. Serve it with eggs, toast, or a drizzle of maple syrup for a touch of sweetness. It’s perfect for weekend brunches or anytime you want a little Amish-inspired comfort on your plate.
Other Amish Delights You Should Try
The Amish are known for creating dishes that are simple yet unforgettable. If Apple Scrapple has you curious, try these staples:
Shoofly Pie
A gooey molasses-based dessert pie with a crumbly top, Shoofly Pie is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. Its dense texture and rich flavor make it a perfect pair with coffee.
Dutch Cabbage Rolls
These hearty rolls are made by stuffing cabbage leaves with seasoned ground beef, onions, and rice, then simmering them in a tangy tomato sauce. They’re ideal for cozy dinners on chilly nights.
Chow-Chow
This tangy relish combines chopped vegetables like green beans, cauliflower, and carrots with a vinegar-based brine. It’s a versatile condiment that adds a zing to meats, stews, and sandwiches.
More Than Food: The Amish Lifestyle
Amish cuisine reflects their values: simplicity, tradition, and a focus on quality. Beyond the table, their handmade quilts, wooden furniture, and clothing demonstrate their dedication to craftsmanship. Their meals, like their lives, are steeped in tradition, connecting the past to the present in a meaningful way.
If you’re ready to explore a bit of this tradition, start with Amish Apple Scrapple—you won’t be disappointed!