Pork Sandwiches: Best Cheeses To Pair With Taylor Pork

The Taylor pork sandwich is a popular breakfast sandwich that originated in New Jersey. It is made with Taylor ham (also known as pork roll), a fried egg, and cheese, all piled onto a toasted kaiser roll or bagel. The sandwich is said to be the ultimate breakfast sandwich, with the perfect amount of yolk so that it doesn't drip down your shirt while eating. The key to this sandwich is scoring the Taylor ham before cooking to prevent curling and assembling the sandwich in the correct order so that it stays together when cut.

What is Taylor pork?

Taylor pork, also known as Taylor ham, is a processed pork product made with a mixture of spices and a salt and sugar cure. It was developed in 1856 by John Taylor of Trenton, New Jersey, and sold as "Taylor's Prepared Ham" until 1906. After the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 was passed, the product did not meet the new legal definition of "ham", and so the name was changed to "Taylor's Pork Roll" or "Trenton Pork Roll".

Taylor pork is generally sold in one-, three-, and six-pound sizes, as well as six-ounce boxes containing eight single-thickness slices or four double-thickness slices. It is typically eaten sliced and grilled, like Canadian bacon, and is often included in a breakfast sandwich with egg and cheese. The sandwich is usually served on a hard roll, bagel, or English muffin.

The "Is it pork roll or Taylor ham?" question is a notable element of New Jersey culture, with the division over what name one uses dividing the state along roughly north–south geographic regions. People in northern New Jersey tend to refer to it as "Taylor ham", while those in southern New Jersey and Philadelphia use the term "pork roll".

What is the history of the Taylor pork sandwich?

The Taylor pork sandwich, also known as the Taylor ham sandwich, is a beloved breakfast staple in New Jersey. The sandwich's history can be traced back to the mid-19th century and the creation of its key ingredient, Taylor pork roll or Taylor's ham. Here is a detailed look at the history of this iconic sandwich:

Origins of Taylor Pork Roll

The exact origins of pork roll are a bit murky. Some claim that it dates back to the Revolutionary War, with the Continental Army carrying rolls of salted, cured ham during the Battle of Trenton. However, the generally accepted origin story begins in 1856 with John Taylor, a butcher from Trenton, New Jersey. Taylor developed a unique process for curing pork with salt, sugar, and spices, and then smoking it over hickory wood.

Taylor's Prepared Ham

Taylor initially sold his pork product under the name "Taylor's Prepared Ham." However, he soon encountered legal issues as the term "ham" was legally reserved for products made from whole pieces of meat, not ground meat scraps like Taylor's. This issue would come to a head in 1906 with the passing of the Pure Food and Drug Act, forcing Taylor to change his product's name.

The Name Change

Due to the new food labelling regulations, Taylor was required to rename his product, and thus "Taylor's Pork Roll" was born. This name change, however, did not stick with everyone. People in North Jersey continued to refer to the product as "Taylor ham," creating a divide in the state between those who used the new name and those who stuck with the original. This divide even led to legal battles, with Taylor suing competitors who used similar names like "Rolled Pork" or "Trenton-style Pork Roll." Ultimately, he lost these cases, as it was ruled that "pork roll" could not be trademarked.

The Rise of the Taylor Pork Sandwich

While Taylor pork was originally marketed as a breakfast meat, it quickly found its way into sandwiches. The first Taylor pork sandwich is believed to have originated in the early 1900s in Trenton, combining sliced pork roll with eggs and cheese on a roll. This simple yet delicious combination soon spread throughout the state, becoming a beloved regional specialty.

Variations and Controversies

Over time, the Taylor pork sandwich has evolved, with people adding their own twists. Some prefer it with just cheese, while others like to add toppings like ketchup or hot sauce. The pork itself can be fried until crispy or left soft and chewy. Despite these variations, the core elements remain the same: Taylor pork, egg, and cheese on a roll.

The proper name for the product remains a controversial topic in New Jersey, with passionate fans of both "Taylor ham" and "pork roll" insisting their preferred term is correct. This controversy has even sparked legislative action, with attempts to declare the sandwich the official state sandwich of New Jersey, using both names, proving unsuccessful.

A Cultural Icon

Despite the disagreements over its name, the Taylor pork sandwich is a beloved part of New Jersey culture. It has inspired festivals, songs, and even a cameo in a commencement speech by President Barack Obama. It is a source of pride for New Jerseyans and a true regional delicacy.

What kind of cheese goes on a Taylor pork sandwich?

The Taylor pork sandwich is a popular breakfast sandwich that is a staple in New Jersey. It is made with Taylor pork roll, eggs, cheese, and a bagel or roll. The type of cheese used in a Taylor pork sandwich is a matter of personal preference, but American cheese is a classic choice due to its superior melting ability and texture. Other types of cheese that can be used include Fontina, which melts beautifully and pairs well with salty meat, or any other melting cheese.

The Taylor pork sandwich is a popular breakfast option and is considered by many to be the ultimate breakfast sandwich. It is said to be the perfect combination of salty, crispy meat, a fried egg, and melted cheese piled onto a toasted roll or bagel. The sandwich is typically served with ketchup and sometimes hot sauce.

The Taylor pork sandwich has a rich history and is a source of fierce debate among locals in New Jersey. The sandwich was originally created by John Taylor in 1856 and was called "Taylor's Prepared Ham." However, due to legal issues with the use of the word "ham," the name was later changed to "Taylor's Pork." This change sparked a debate between North and South Jersey, with people in North Jersey calling it "Taylor ham" and those in South Jersey referring to it as "pork roll."

The Taylor pork sandwich is typically made with a few simple ingredients: Taylor pork roll, eggs, cheese, and a roll or bagel. The pork roll is scored and pan-fried or seared to give it a crispy texture. The eggs are fried to the desired doneness, and the cheese is melted on top of the eggs. The sandwich is then assembled by stacking the pork roll, egg, and cheese on the roll or bagel, adding ketchup and hot sauce if desired, and serving it whole or cut in half.

Overall, the Taylor pork sandwich is a delicious and iconic breakfast sandwich that is beloved by many in New Jersey and beyond. While the type of cheese used may vary depending on personal preference, American cheese is a classic choice that complements the other ingredients well.

What other ingredients are used in a Taylor pork sandwich?

The Taylor pork sandwich is a popular breakfast sandwich that is a favourite among people from New Jersey. The sandwich is made with a variety of ingredients, including:

Pork Roll or Taylor Ham

The pork roll is the star of the Taylor pork sandwich. It is a processed pork product made with a mixture of spices and a salt and sugar cure. It has a flavour most comparable to Spam and is typically served cut into thick slices like Canadian bacon. However, it is saltier than regular ham and has a unique salty, spicy, and smoky flavour. The pork roll is usually scored before cooking to prevent it from curling up in the pan.

Eggs

The Taylor pork sandwich typically includes fried eggs, cooked over medium so that the yolk is jammy rather than runny. This helps to prevent mess when eating the sandwich. The eggs are seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.

Cheese

American cheese is a classic choice for the Taylor pork sandwich, as it has superior melting ability and texture. However, other types of cheese, such as Fontina, can also be used. The cheese is placed on top of the fried egg so that it melts and creates a gooey layer in the sandwich.

Bread

The Taylor pork sandwich is typically served on a kaiser roll, which is a crusty, round roll with a plush interior. However, some people prefer to use a bagel or an everything bagel, a hard roll, or a toasted English muffin. The bread is usually buttered and toasted before the sandwich is assembled.

Condiments

The Taylor pork sandwich is often served with ketchup and sometimes hot sauce.

Where can you buy Taylor pork?

Taylor ham, also known as Taylor pork roll, is a type of processed pork product made with a mixture of spices, a salt and sugar cure, and a flavour most comparable to Spam. It is typically found in New Jersey, but it can also be found in some delis in New York and Pennsylvania.

If you're looking to buy Taylor pork, you can find it in many places, depending on where you live. Here are some options:

In-Store

If you live in New Jersey, you can find Taylor pork in many diners, delicatessens, coffee shops, food trucks, supermarkets, and grocery stores. It is a staple in many of these establishments and can be easily purchased.

For those in other states, particularly those east of the Mississippi River, you can also find Taylor pork in selected stores and restaurants. Some grocery stores like Bristol Farms and Wegmans carry packaged Taylor ham, although it will need to be hand-sliced. Your local deli should also be able to slice it for you; just ask for thicker slices rather than shaved.

Online

If you don't live in an area where Taylor pork is readily available, you can always order it online. Websites like Jersey Pork Roll, The Taylor Ham Man, and Original Taylor Pork Roll offer various sizes and packages of Taylor pork for sale. They ship their products frozen to maintain freshness and can deliver to many places across the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii, USVI, and Puerto Rico.

So, whether you're in New Jersey or elsewhere, you have several options for buying Taylor pork and enjoying its salty, crispy goodness in your favourite sandwich.

Frequently asked questions