“Everything but the oink” is often used to describe scrapple, which is usually made from pig heads, hooves, hearts, livers, tongues, and any other parts that aren’t used in other pork products. This is where the name scrapple comes from – scraps.
It was brought to the United States by Germans who are the ancestors of the Pennsylvania Dutch. It’s one of those types of food that doesn’t seem to be too well known outside of local circles. It may be one of those cultural foods that tends to put people off due to what it’s made from or how it’s made. And since it uses so many parts of the pig that aren’t considered “prime” meat, it’s not too surprising why people aren’t too excited about it.
But, if you’ve ever tried it, you know that it’s quite tasty and the salty and savory dish certainly fills you up, which is why it was often eaten throughout the wintertime.
If you tried making it yourself you might have ended up with quite a bit extra. So, can you freeze scrapple? It turns out that yes, you certainly can!
The Quick Answer – Can Scrapple Be Frozen?
Yes, scrapple can be frozen.
It freezes very well and lasts in the freezer for quite a long time. And freezing scrapple can actually be beneficial for cooking it later on. Freezing scrapple before slicing and frying it can really help make it easier to cook. Scrapple has to be set to somewhat harden so that it doesn’t come apart while frying the individual pieces. And when you freeze scrapple, you speed up the process.
So, freezing scrapple not only helps to keep it fresh and edible for a prolonged length of time, but it may also be useful when you’re ready to fry it up and serve it as a meal.
How to Freeze Scrapple
Freezing scrapple is quite easy and you can freeze it either before you fry it or after you fry it.
However, I think that you get the best results if you freeze it before frying it because it helps it to set. But, I will go through both of the methods.
(After a simple homemade scrapple recipe? Check out this one from Honest Food.)
Freezing Scrapple Before Frying
- First, before freezing your scrapple, decide whether you want to freeze the entire loaf or individual pieces. If you wish to freeze in slices, slice your desired pieces before proceeding with the next steps.
- Then, wrap the loaf in plastic wrap or freezer paper. Do the same for each scrapple slice if you’re freezing individual pieces.
- Place the wrapped scrapple in a heavy-duty freezer bag or an airtight freezer-safe container – both work equally well.
- Make sure to label your bag or container then place them in the freezer.
Freezing Scrapple After Frying
While this method isn’t the best way, it also works. So don’t worry, you can still freeze any leftover scrapple you have that has already been fried.
- First, allow the cooked scrapple slices to cool.
- Next, gently pat each scrapple slice dry with a paper towel to absorb any extra oil or moisture from the frying process.
- Wrap each piece individually in freezer-safe plastic wrap. You should wrap it as tight as possible.
- Then, place the slices in a heavy-duty freezer bag or an airtight freezer-safe container.
- Label the bag or containers and then place them in the freezer.
How Long Does Scrapple Last in the Freezer?
Storing scrapple in the freezer is probably the best way to store it.
Due to the composition and texture of it, you won’t notice any significant changes in the taste or texture after it’s been frozen.
But, how long it lasts in the freezer (for the best results) depends on if it’s been fried or not fried.
If it’s not fried then scrapple can last upward of one year in the freezer. If it’s been fried then it can last up to about six months.
Both of these numbers are for the best results. It will be safe to eat past these dates, but you may notice the development of freezer burn or a change in the texture.
How to Defrost Scrapple
The best way to defrost scapple is by doing it in the fridge. Simply take it out and place the bag or container on a plate in the fridge and allow it to defrost.
One thing to keep in mind is that for the best cutting, you should only allow it to slightly defrost so it’s still firm and easy to cut. If you let it defrost fully then it may become softer and less easy to cut cleanly.
How to Cook Frozen Scrapple
If you fried your scrapple before freezing it, simply take out the pieces you wish to cook and use at the time. You may either let them defrost or reheat them straight from the freezer.
When it comes to freezing and reheating, scrapple is fairly adaptable. You can certainly freeze your scrapple, and in this rare case, it could actually come out better!
Now for the method if you didn’t fry your scrapple. The good news is that you can use scrapple that is still mostly frozen. In fact, having a frozen loaf may be beneficial. When you’re frying the slices, it helps them hold together better.
You just need to defrost it once it has been frozen. You can defrost scrapple in the fridge overnight, but I don’t suggest that. The best method to use scrapple is when it is mostly frozen. This method allows for the easiest cutting
You’ll need to be able to cut into that frozen scrapple loaf, so let it thaw in the fridge for just long enough for you to be able to slice into it. You don’t want it completely defrosted, just somewhat softened.
Since scrapple is typically a breakfast food, you should serve it along with other breakfast favorites like breakfast casserole, hash, scrambled eggs, fried egg, an omelet, or hash browns. Heck, you can even make a super tasty breakfast sandwich out of it! If you fancy eating it later in the day, serve with apple butter for the perfect accompaniment.
Can You Refreeze Scrapple?
If you fully defrost scrapple then it’s not recommended to refreeze it.
However, if you only allow it to partially defrost to be able to cut it, then it’s fine to put it back in the freezer. But, if you do this, you shouldn’t leave it at room temperature.
You should leave it in the fridge only for long enough to allow for easy cutting. Then, promptly return it to the fridge.
If you leave it at room temperature you can expose it to bacterial growth. And if you let it fully defrost in the fridge, then the texture may change even more after you refreeze it.
