A Savory Southern Breakfast Classic
Simple, hearty, and deeply satisfying, Sausage Scrapple is a traditional breakfast dish that transforms humble pantry ingredients into a crispy, comforting meal. Combining cornmeal with seasoned sausage, this classic recipe is chilled into a loaf, sliced, lightly floured, and pan-fried until beautifully golden on both sides. The result is a savory breakfast favorite that’s perfect alongside eggs, biscuits, or even a drizzle of maple syrup.
Featured in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, this recipe reflects the resourcefulness that has long defined African American home cooking. By stretching simple ingredients into a filling family meal, Sausage Scrapple became a practical and flavorful staple throughout many Southern kitchens, preserving traditions that continue to be enjoyed today.
Ingredients
(Listed exactly as they appear in the cookbook.)
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups boiling water
- ½ pound seasoned sausage, cooked
- All-purpose flour
- Crisco Shortening or Crisco Oil
Makes: 6 to 8 servings
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, cold water, and salt until smooth.
- Bring the boiling water to the top of a double boiler. Slowly stir in the cornmeal mixture, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens, then cover and steam over hot water for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Fold the cooked seasoned sausage into the thickened cornmeal mixture until evenly combined.
- Rinse a loaf pan with water, then fill it with the scrapple mixture. Cover and refrigerate until completely firm.
- Once chilled, remove the loaf from the pan and slice it into ¼-inch-thick slices.
- Lightly coat both sides of each slice with all-purpose flour.
- Heat Crisco Shortening or Crisco Oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the slices until browned and crisp on both sides. Serve immediately while hot.
Pro Tips & Suggestions
- Chill the loaf thoroughly before slicing for cleaner, more even pieces.
- Use a well-seasoned breakfast sausage for the richest flavor.
- Dust lightly with flour to create an extra crispy exterior when frying.
- Cook over medium heat to allow the inside to warm through while developing a golden crust.
- Serve with eggs, biscuits, maple syrup, or hot pepper sauce for an authentic Southern breakfast.
About the Creator
The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) compiled The Black Family Reunion Cookbook to preserve African American culinary traditions through family recipes, regional specialties, and treasured food memories. The cookbook celebrates the recipes that have nourished generations of families while honoring the cultural heritage, resilience, and creativity found throughout Black American cooking.
The Black Family Reunion Cookbook | National Council of Negro Women
Where to Find This Recipe
This recipe is adapted from The Black Family Reunion Cookbook: Recipes & Food Memories by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. This celebrated cookbook features hundreds of family favorites, heritage recipes, regional specialties, and historical food traditions that continue to inspire home cooks today.
