There is nothing better than a Pork Roll, Egg and Cheese breakfast sandwich.While you can order one at most diners or deli's, there is none better than making your own. Learn how to cook pork roll and put together this legendary sandwich.
If NJ had an official breakfast sandwich it would be pork roll, egg and cheese. Have you ever had one before? If not, you are missing out!
This south Jersey staple is a delicacy served in many diners and really popular at breakfast restaurants at the Jersey shore. Today I am going to give you my secrets so you can make this indulgent sandwich at home. My vacations at the beach would not be complete if I didn't have a pork roll, egg and cheese sandwich at least one morning of the week.
What is Pork Roll?
Pork roll (also referred to as Taylor ham) is a processed meat product shaped into a log then sliced. It may look like Canadian bacon but has a different texture and is made from pork, salt, spices and sugar. It goes great on a hard roll and pairs well with eggs and cheese. In my opinion, it is one flavorful breakfast meat.
This pork product was developed by a businessman John Taylor and originally called Taylor ham. Since then people in the New Jersey area still refer to it as Taylor ham although it's also called Trenton pork roll as Trenton is where it was manufactured. Now it's required to be labeled pork roll on the packaging, however, there is a divide on what to call it depending on if you reside in north, south or central NJ.
Ingredients Needed
- Rolls - I love a hard kaiser roll but you can use soft rolls, bagels or even an English muffin to make your sandwich.
- Taylor pork roll - This New Jersey staple can be purchased at a grocery store or deli in the garden state. You can also purchase it online. While the original pork roll was made by Taylor Provisions now there are many other brands to purchase.
- Olive oil or unsalted butter - You could also use peanut oil or another type of oil for frying your slices of meat.
- large eggs - make them scrambled or fried depending on how you like them. My husband does not like runny yolks so I make his fried eggs over hard.
- cheese - A slice of American cheese is traditional in making a pork roll sandwich but you can change things up and use cheddar or pepper jack cheese.
- salt and pepper
- optional: ketchup
How to Make a Pork Roll Egg and Cheese Sandwich:
- Heat butter or olive oil then score the pork roll slices and fry on medium-high heat in a single layer in a large skillet.
- Lightly scamble or fry individual eggs on medium heat.
- Top eggs with a slice of cheese and melt.
- Assemble sandwich by adding the pork slices, fried egg, and cheese to the bun. Slice in half and serve with ketchup if desired.
(Complete instructions and exact ingredients are in the recipe card below.)
Best Cooking Tips
- For best results, use a large nonstick skillet. Pork roll and eggs turn out best when using this kind of pan.
- Make a 1 to 2 inch split in the side of each slice of pork roll. This will prevent it from curling up.
- Add a little bit of water to the pan after the pork roll is browned so that it cooks all the way through.
- Rest cooked pork roll on paper towels to remove any extra grease.
- Cook the eggs individually if your family has different tastes. My son likes a runny yolk while my husband prefers his eggs cooked well done.
More Breakfast Sandwich Recipes
- Philadelphia Cheesesteak Breakfast Sandwich
- Prosciutto, Egg and Avocado Wrap
- Steak and Eggs Breakfast Wrap
- Low Carb Waffle Egg Sandwiches via Grumpy's Honeybunch
If you like this pork roll breakfast sandwich recipe, please give it a 5 star rating below.
RECIPE
Pork Roll Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich
Equipment
- frying pan
Ingredients
- 8 slices pork roll
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter
- 6 large eggs, lightly scrambled
- 4 slices cheddar or American cheese
- 4 round rolls
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Score each slice of pork roll by making a two inch slit in the side. Heat a non stick pan on medium high heat and add pork roll to the pan. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side or until edges are browned. remove from pan and keep warm.
- Add olive oil to lightly coat pan. Add eggs and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes or until they start to get solid. Flip the pan of eggs over so they are cooked on both sides. Cover with slices of cheese and cook for another minute on low heat or until cheese melts.
- Place ¼ of the egg mixture and two slices of pork roll on each bun. Top with remaining bun half and serve with ketchup if desired.
Nutrition
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The Japanese Redneck
Wonder if it's the same thing as our souther bologna?
That's my kind of breakfast.
Have a great weekend.
Nutmeg Nanny
I never had pork roll until I moved to NJ. I learned to like it but I still prefer bacon 🙂
Charlene
That looks tasty. Pork roll in your picture reminds me of Canadian bacon.
theresa
There's nothing like pork roll (Taylor Ham), omg! Loved the pics, I prefer mine w/o ketchup 'tho!
Lonnie
I read this Saturday at work and got the craving. This morning I put on the coffee and ran out to get the pork roll. Then made myself the perfect pork roll, egg & cheese sandwich ever, with one exception: I wasn't eating it on the boardwalk!
Thanks for putting the idea in my head!
PS - Looks like you slice yours thin. I like my pork roll sliced nice and thick!
Pam
I'd love this for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! It looks tasty.
Niki
As a jersey girl myself, this happens to be my favorite breakfast sandwich. And your right, people from out of state never heard of pork roll, or they call it taylor ham.
Marine1967
I found that beyond Bucks County and its rare there also, you will never find it. Same in New York, beyond a few NYC delis, hard commodity to find. NJ, everywhere. Kentucky loves their pork, but no pork roll, Im going to talk to the local butcher and see if he can match it.
Val
This looks so tasty!!
Julie
I don't think I've ever even seen pork roll, but I'd love some of that sandwich!
John and Lisa Howard-Fusco
It's the breakfast of Jersey champions! - John
Bill
I can't count how many pork roll sandwiches I've eaten over the years. I like mine on an English Muffin which is usually the exact same diameter as the port roll.
Megan
MMM I love a good pork roll, egg and cheese sammy! I think I might have to go get one at the Allenwood General Store this weekend!!!
black eyed susans kitchen
Lisa, You really made me laugh with this recipe. Coming from a New York upbringing, but living in New Jersey for the last 35 years, I did not grow up with pork roll. My husband introduced me to it. It was my kids though who got me to like it. They are Jersey kids through and through and I have sent many a roll of Taylor Ham to them in college!
♥, Susan
onangelwings
Nothing says, Jersey like Taylor Ham, Eggs and Cheese on a roll! Early morning breakfasts after clubbing in the 90's
Panama City Real Estate | Jennifer
Oh my Pork roll, egg and cheese sandwiches are incredible.
I miss the ones from the Monmouth queen - Pork Roll, egg, cheese and potato on kaiser roll.
Mmmm
Thanks for bringing back these memories.
I'm going to buy some Pork roll now
gill
You need to try a porkroll egg and cheese from big daddys grille.one of the best porkroll sandwiches around.located in Neptune city on stiener Ave.you'll want to come back for more.delicious