📝 About This Recipe
A legendary staple of the Garden State, this Taylor Ham recipe delivers a masterclass in the perfect balance of salty, smoky, and tangy flavors. Often debated but universally loved, this processed pork delicacy transforms into a crispy, caramelized breakfast icon when prepared with the traditional 'Pac-Man' cuts. Whether you call it Taylor Ham or Pork Roll, this dish is the soul of a true Mid-Atlantic morning, offering a unique texture that bridges the gap between Canadian bacon and high-quality bologna.
🥗 Ingredients
The Star Ingredient
- 1 6oz log Taylor Ham (Pork Roll) (sliced into 8-12 even rounds, about 1/4 inch thick)
The Cooking Fat
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (for the griddle)
- 1 teaspoon Neutral Oil (such as canola or vegetable oil to prevent butter from burning)
The Classic Sandwich Assembly
- 4 pieces Kaiser Rolls (freshly baked, soft interior with a slight crust)
- 4 Large Eggs (fried over-easy or medium)
- 4-8 slices American Cheese (the classic yellow variety for maximum meltability)
- 1 pinch Kosher Salt (to season the eggs)
- 1 pinch Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
The 'Jersey Style' Toppings
- 4 tablespoons Tomato Ketchup (the essential sweet-acidic finish)
- 1 dash Hot Sauce (optional, for a spicy kick)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Begin by slicing your Taylor Ham log into uniform rounds approximately 1/4 inch thick. Consistency ensures even cooking and browning across all pieces.
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2
Perform the 'Jersey Cut': Take each slice and make 3 to 4 small radial slits from the outer edge toward the center, about 1/2 inch deep. This prevents the meat from 'doming' or curling up like a bowl, ensuring total contact with the pan.
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3
Place a large cast-iron skillet or flat-top griddle over medium-high heat. Add the butter and oil, swirling to coat the surface until the butter is foamy and just beginning to shimmer.
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4
Arrange the sliced pork roll in the skillet in a single layer. Do not crowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
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5
Sear the meat for 3-4 minutes on the first side. You are looking for deep golden-brown edges and a slight charring on the surface.
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6
Flip the slices using a thin spatula. The slits should have opened up, resembling a 'Pac-Man' shape. Cook for another 2-3 minutes on the second side.
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7
While the meat finishes, slice your Kaiser rolls in half and place them face down on a clear spot on the griddle to toast until light brown and warm.
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8
Stack 2 or 3 slices of the cooked meat on one side of the pan and place a slice of American cheese on top of the stack. Cover with a lid for 30 seconds to facilitate a perfect melt.
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9
In the same pan (using the rendered fat from the meat), crack your eggs. Season with a tiny pinch of salt and black pepper.
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10
Fry the eggs until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny (over-easy). This 'liquid gold' acts as a natural sauce for the meat.
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11
Transfer the cheesy meat stacks onto the bottom half of the toasted Kaiser rolls.
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12
Carefully place one fried egg on top of each meat stack.
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13
Apply a generous swirl of ketchup to the top half of the roll. If you like heat, add a dash of your favorite hot sauce now.
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14
Close the sandwich, press down gently to break the yolk slightly, and serve immediately while steaming hot.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always make the radial cuts (the 'Pac-Man' technique) or the meat will curl and cook unevenly. Use a cast-iron skillet if possible; the heat retention creates a superior crust compared to non-stick pans. Don't over-salt the eggs—the Taylor Ham is naturally quite salty, so let the meat provide the primary seasoning. For the most authentic experience, look for 'Taylor' brand specifically, though any 'Pork Roll' will suffice for the flavor profile. If you prefer a crispier texture, slice the meat thinner (1/8 inch) and cook slightly longer on high heat.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of crispy home fries or tater tots seasoned with paprika. Pair with a large cup of hot black coffee or a classic orange juice. For a lighter side, a simple fruit salad of melon and berries cuts through the richness of the meat. A cold chocolate milk is a nostalgic and surprisingly perfect companion to this salty sandwich. Add a hash brown patty directly inside the sandwich for the ultimate 'Jersey Breakfast' experience.