The New Jersey Taylor Ham/Pork Roll Egg & Cheese sandwich is a beloved breakfast staple in the Garden State, featuring Taylor Ham (also known as pork roll), a savory, slightly smoky processed meat product that’s a regional icon. Sliced and griddled until crispy, it’s paired with a perfectly fried egg and melted American cheese, all nestled in a hearty Kaiser roll. This sandwich is a quick, satisfying morning meal that embodies New Jersey’s diner culture and culinary pride.
Ingredients (Serves 1):
- 1 Kaiser roll, sliced in half
- 3 slices Taylor Ham/pork roll (about ¼-inch thick)
- 1 large egg
- 1 slice American cheese (or cheddar, if preferred)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Ketchup or hot sauce (optional, for serving)
- Optional: “SPK” (salt, pepper, ketchup) seasoning, a Jersey diner tradition
Step-by-Step Recipe:
Step 1: Prepare the Taylor Ham/Pork Roll
- Using a sharp knife, make 3–4 small radial cuts around the edges of each Taylor Ham slice (like small notches). This prevents the slices from curling up as they cook.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. No need to add oil, as the pork roll will release its own fat as it cooks.
- Place the Taylor Ham slices in the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges. The notches will cause the slices to fan out slightly. Once done, transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Toast the Kaiser Roll
- In the same skillet, add ½ tbsp of butter and let it melt over medium heat.
- Place the Kaiser roll halves cut-side down in the skillet. Toast for 1–2 minutes until golden and slightly crispy. Remove the roll and set it on a plate, cut-side up.
Step 3: Cook the Egg
- Add the remaining ½ tbsp of butter to the skillet and let it melt over medium heat.
- Crack the egg into the skillet. For a classic Jersey-style sandwich, cook the egg sunny-side up or over-easy: let it cook for 2–3 minutes until the whites are set but the yolk is still runny. If you prefer a firmer yolk, flip the egg and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Season the egg with a pinch of salt and black pepper while it cooks.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich
- Place the fried egg on the bottom half of the toasted Kaiser roll.
- Stack the 3 slices of cooked Taylor Ham on top of the egg.
- Lay the slice of American cheese over the Taylor Ham. The residual heat from the pork roll and egg will start to melt the cheese. If you want the cheese extra melty, you can place the cheese on the pork roll while it’s still in the skillet for the last 30 seconds of cooking.
- If using ketchup or hot sauce, spread a thin layer on the top half of the Kaiser roll. Alternatively, sprinkle the “SPK” seasoning (a pinch of salt, pepper, and a drizzle of ketchup) over the cheese.
- Place the top half of the roll on the sandwich to close it.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the sandwich immediately while warm, with extra ketchup or hot sauce on the side if desired.
- Optional: Wrap the sandwich in foil for an on-the-go breakfast, a common practice in New Jersey diners.
Tips:
- Taylor Ham vs. Pork Roll: The name depends on where you’re from in New Jersey—northerners call it Taylor Ham (after the brand), while southerners call it pork roll. Either way, it’s the same product and can be found in most grocery stores in the region or online.
- Kaiser Roll: A Kaiser roll is traditional for its sturdy texture and slightly crusty exterior, but you can substitute with a hard roll or bagel if needed.
- Egg Style: A runny yolk adds richness to the sandwich, but cook the egg to your preference. Some Jersey diners offer scrambled eggs as an option.
- Add-Ons: For a heartier sandwich, add a hash brown patty or a few slices of crispy bacon. Some also like a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Storage: This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the Taylor Ham slices ahead of time and reheat them in a skillet before assembling.
Enjoy your New Jersey Taylor Ham/Pork Roll Egg & Cheese sandwich, a quintessential breakfast that captures the heart of Jersey diner fare!
