Taylor Ham, Egg, And Cheese Sandwich (The NJ Classic)
If you've never been to New Jersey, you've probably never had a chance to enjoy a Taylor Ham, egg, and cheese sandwich. If that's the case, I'm truly sorry. You just don't know what you're missing.
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The Taylor Ham, egg, and cheese sandwich is more than just breakfast. It's a New Jersey institution. You take crispy Taylor Ham (also known as pork roll), perfectly fried or scrambled eggs, some sliced American cheese, and a fresh roll. Maybe sprinkle on a little salt and pepper or a squirt of ketchup...and you've got the most deliciously salty and savory breakfast sandwich known to man.
What is Taylor Ham?
Taylor Ham, or pork roll, is a cured pork breakfast meat that's salty, smoky, savory, and slightly sweet. It has a texture somewhere between Canadian bacon, ham, and bologna, but with a flavor that's distinctly its own. When pan-fried, the edges crisp up and caramelize while the center stays tender and juicy.
The first bite delivers a crispy, caramelized edge followed by a juicy, savory center packed with smoky pork flavor. Paired with a fried egg and melted American cheese, Taylor Ham creates a breakfast sandwich that's completely unforgettable.
Related: What's the difference between Taylor Ham and pork roll?
Ingredients
- Taylor Ham - Also known as pork roll, Taylor Ham is a processed pork product that was invented in New Jersey in the mid-1800's. It can be difficult to find outside of the state, but here in NJ it's famous. It's shape may remind you of Canadian bacon, but it tastes more like Spam. Taylor ham has a salty, smoky flavorand crisps up nicely when pan-fried. If you ever hear people argue “Taylor ham vs pork roll,” they’re talking about the same thing!
- Eggs - Fried egg is the standard here and that's how you'll see a Taylor Ham, egg, and cheese sandwich prepared in bagel shops and diners across New Jersey.
- Cheese - American cheese often gets a bad wrap because its really a "processed cheese product" instead of real cheese. But it’s a staple in classic comfort foods like cheeseburgers and breakfast sandwiches because it melts smoothly without separating or getting greasy.
- Kaiser Roll - A round, crusty roll with a soft, fluffy inside. New York style kaiser rolls are a regional specialty.
Step By Step
Toast the rolls face down in a pan with butter, then set aside until you're ready to assemble the sandwich.
Score the edges of the Taylor ham (pork roll) in four places so it will lay flat while it cooks. Add to a pan over medium-high heat and cook for one or two minutes per side, or until browned to your liking
Stack two slices of taylor ham and add the cheese. Continue cooking until the cheese melts.
Fry two eggs and cook to your liking. (Everyone in my house prefers them cooked a different way!)
Next, simply assemble the sandwich. Stack the tayor ham, egg, and cheese onto the roll and slice it in half. Serve immediately or wrap in either parchment paper or aluminum foil to enjoy later.
Substitutions And Variations
- Taylor Ham - If you don't want Taylor Ham (or can't find it!) try Canadian bacon, smoked ham, or thick cut bacon instead.
- Extra Meat - My oldest daughter prefers to skip the eggs altogether and double up the Taylor ham. We call it "The Gabby Special"
- Eggs - Fried eggs are the standard, usually served "over hard" at the deli or bagel shop. I prefer mine "over medium" or even "over easy" though that can make for a messy sandwich!
- Cheese - American cheese is traditional and it provides that perfect melt. But feel free to swap in Swiss, cheddar, or Monteray Jack.
- Bread - A hard roll, or "Kaiser" roll is the most common option for this classic breakfast sandwich. I also love it on an everything bagel, an English muffin, or a croissant.
- Condiments - I prefer to skip the condiments and let the main ingredients do the heavy lifting. But ketchup is a popular addition. You might also try hot sauce or dijon mustard, and I think I could get behind a good garlic aioli. A former coworker of mine used to put malt vinegar on his Taylor ham, egg, and cheese sandwich. He swore it was delicious, but I always thought it sounded bizarre!
Storage and Reheating
Obviously, a Taylor Ham, egg, and cheese sandwich is best enjoyed fresh. But they're also a great option for a "to-go" breakfast. You can make a batch of breakfast sandwiches and then wrap them up in parchment paper and aluminum foil. Enjoy in the car on the way to work or pop it in the microwave to reheat it when you get to the office. We like to pack a bunch in a cooler bag whenever we have a soccer tournament or all-day track meet with the kids.
Taylor Ham, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich
Ingredients
Method
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Place a buttered Kaiser roll face down on the hot surface and toast until golden brown
- Score the edges of the Taylor ham (pork roll) in four places so it will lay flat while it cooks. Add to the pan and cook for 1 to 3 minutes per side, or crisped to your liking
- Stack two slices of Taylor ham and then place two slices of cheese on them so the cheese melts. Remove from the skillet and place onto a toasted roll
- Crack the eggs and add to the skillet to fry. Cook to your liking and then assemble the sandwiches and enjoy!
It's pork roll!! never taylor ham! LMAO
I'm betting you're not from Northern NJ! 🙂