Taylor Ham (NJ)
intro
Iconic New Jersey diner staple: crispy seared Taylor ham, fried egg, and melted cheese on a toasted roll, a beloved quick regional favorite.
Ingredients
Steps
Prep the Taylor ham
Remove the Taylor ham from its outer casing, cut into 4 equal 1/4-inch thick (85g) slices. Cut four 1/2-inch deep notches evenly spaced around the edge of each slice to prevent curling during searing.
Toast the Kaiser rolls
Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C). Split the 4 Kaiser rolls open, spread a thin even layer of softened unsalted butter (using 1 tbsp /14g total) across all cut sides of the rolls. Place rolls cut-side down in the skillet, toast for 1–2 minutes until light golden brown, then transfer to a clean plate and set aside.
Sear the Taylor ham
Do not wipe residual butter or crumbs from the skillet. Increase heat to medium-high (400°F / 205°C). Arrange the notched Taylor ham slices in a single layer in the pan, cook for 2 minutes per side until edges are crispy, deep golden brown, with small caramelized dark spots across the surface. Transfer seared ham to the plate with toasted rolls.
Fry the seasoned eggs
Reduce stovetop heat back to medium (350°F / 175°C). Add the remaining 1 tbsp (14g) of unsalted butter to the skillet, swirling to coat the pan surface evenly. Crack eggs into the pan one at a time, spaced 2 inches apart, then season evenly with 1/4 tsp (1.5g) salt and 1/8 tsp (0.5g) black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes for slightly runny yolks, or 3 minutes for fully firm yolks.
Melt the cheese slices
Top each cooking egg with one 28g slice of American cheese. Turn off the stovetop heat, and let residual pan heat melt the cheese for 30 seconds, until cheese is glossy, soft, and fully draped over the top of each egg.
Assemble the sandwiches
Layer one seared Taylor ham slice and one cheese-topped egg onto the bottom half of each toasted roll, then press the top roll half down firmly to slightly compress the layers. Serve immediately while hot for best texture.
Tips
2.For the most authentic New Jersey flavor, seek out original Taylor brand pork roll (the product locals officially call Taylor Ham) and crusty, soft-centered Kaiser rolls, rather than thin sliced sandwich bread.
3.If you prefer no runny yolk, gently pierce each egg yolk with the tip of your spatula immediately after cracking it into the pan, and cook for the full 3 minutes before adding cheese to avoid messy drips while eating.
Born and raised in North Jersey, I’ve been making these since I was old enough to reach the stovetop! This recipe is exactly the classic I grew up on—don’t skip slicing those little notches in the pork roll so it doesn’t curl up, that’s the pro tip no one tells transplants. SO good, made it for my roommates this morning and they’re already begging for a repeat tomorrow.
Wait, y’all are telling me this Taylor ham stuff isn’t just random deli meat? I saw it at my local grocery store last week and grabbed it on a whim to try this recipe. OMG, game changer! I added a little spicy honey to mine and it slapped. My only question—can I cook the pork roll in the air fryer instead of a pan?
Made these for the kids before school this morning and they ate every single bite! Even my picky 7 year old who turns his nose up at 90% of breakfast foods asked for seconds. Super easy to throw together on a chaotic weekday morning, 10 minute cook time is no joke. Will absolutely be adding this to our weekly rotation.
Hosted a little weekend brunch with my friends yesterday and made a whole platter of these sandwiches. I set out toppings so people could customize: avocado, hot sauce, pickles, even a little cream cheese for the weirdos who love that. Every single sandwich was gone in 15 minutes. 10/10, crowd favorite.
Wait, can I make this in my dorm room with just a mini griddle? I don’t have a full stovetop but I’ve been craving a real NJ sandwich since I left home for school last month. The dining hall breakfasts are so mid.
Curious if these hold up well for meal prep? I usually make my breakfasts for the whole week on Sundays, would I be able to assemble these and reheat them during the week, or does the pork roll get weird?
I’ve chased that perfect Jersey diner pork roll sandwich for years since I moved out west, and this recipe nails it. The saltiness of the Taylor ham, the runny yolk, the melted American cheese on a toasted kaiser roll—exactly what I’ve been missing. Didn’t change a single thing, it’s perfect as written.
Added a few slices of pickled jalapeño and a drizzle of sriracha to mine this morning and WOW. The tang from the peppers cuts through the saltiness of the pork roll so perfectly. If you love a little heat, don’t sleep on that addition.
Wait, hold up—what’s the actual difference between Taylor ham and pork roll? I see both names at the store and I’m confused, is it the same thing? Don’t want to buy the wrong one and mess this up.
Made these over the campfire last weekend on our cast iron griddle and they were a hit with the whole campsite. Everyone kept wandering over asking what smelled so good! Cooked everything right over the open fire, even toasted the rolls on the griddle top. 10/10, easy camp breakfast.
Swapped the American cheese for sharp cheddar on mine because that’s what I had in the fridge, and it was so good. Next time I’m gonna try it with pepper jack for a little kick. The base recipe is so solid you can swap in almost any cheese and it works.
After my long run this morning I was ravenous, so I made this sandwich with an extra egg and a slice of tomato. It hit so hard, the perfect post-workout meal—salty, carby, plenty of protein. Will be making this every Saturday after my long runs from now on.
Wait, why does the recipe say kaiser roll? I always eat these on an everything bagel, is that a NJ faux pas? I know y’all are serious about your sandwich rules over there.
How cheap is this to make? I’m trying to cut down on my takeout breakfast spending, I spend like $15 a day at the deli near my office and it’s killing my budget.
Made these on the Blackstone for the whole family on Father’s Day and everyone raved. Crispy pork roll, fluffy eggs, melted cheese, toasted rolls—cooked everything in one spot on the griddle, no mess, no fuss. Even my father in law who’s from Jersey said it was the real deal. High praise!
Made this with a gluten free kaiser roll this morning and it was absolutely perfect! I was worried the GF bread would be too dry, but toasting it up right in the pan with a little butter made it crispy and delicious. So happy I can enjoy a classic NJ sandwich without the gluten.
Wait, the recipe says to cut 4 notches around the edge of the pork roll slices? I forgot to do that when I made it this morning and they curled up into little cups, is that a big deal? It still tasted good, just looked a little silly.
Made this at 2AM after coming home from a concert last weekend and it was the best late night snack I’ve ever had in my life. Salty, cheesy, warm, exactly what I needed after dancing for 4 hours. Way better than the fast food I usually grab on nights out. Will be keeping pork roll in my fridge permanently for late night cravings.
Brought a big batch of these mini sliders (used smaller rolls, cut the pork roll to fit) to our neighborhood potluck last weekend and they were gone before I even set the platter down! People were asking me for the recipe left and right, I told them all to check this site. So easy to make ahead and keep warm in a slow cooker for parties too.