Can You Cook Taylor Ham in the Oven? A Complete Guide

The Taylor Ham pork roll is a deli-style ham that looks like a bologna and is full of memories from the East Coast, mostly New Jersey. This is a quick and easy breakfast that will keep you full and wanting more! The Taylor ham breakfast sandwich is a classic and rich recipe that will make your mouth water. A crispy and tasty piece of Taylor ham, a fried egg, and gooey melted cheese are all packed inside a soft and fluffy English muffin. The combination of flavors and textures creates a perfect balance of salty, savory, and cheesy goodness. This sandwich is the best comfort food for breakfast. It will fill you up and get you ready for the day. How do you describe Taylor ham? Taylor ham, which is also called pork roll, is a processed meat that comes from Trenton, New Jersey. Ground pork and a mix of spices are used to make it. It is usually sliced thin and fried before being served. Can I use a different kind of meat? Sure, you can use any breakfast meat you like, like sausage, bacon, or Canadian bacon. But keep in mind that the meat you choose may change the taste and texture of the sandwich. Is it possible to make the sandwich ahead of time? Yes, you can. Just heat it up when you’re ready to eat. Simply store the sandwich in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Is it possible to make the sandwich vegetarian? Yes, you can. Just leave out the Taylor ham and use something meatless instead, like vegetarian bacon or sausage. You can also add additional veggies, such as sautéed mushrooms or spinach, to add more flavor and nutrition. Can I use a different kind of cheese? Yes, you can! The recipe calls for American cheese, but you can use any kind of cheese you like. Cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack would all be delicious options. Can I make the sandwich on a different kind of bread? Sure, you can. If you want, you can use a bagel, a croissant, or toast. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly depending on the type of bread you choose.

Cook the Taylor pork ham, flipping once, until crispy, about 2 minutes. Remove the ham and set aside.

Add butter, crack eggs into pan or on the griddle. Cook eggs to desired doneness. Season with salt and pepper.

Add cheese and cooked ham on top of the egg and allow the cheese to melt.

With a spatula, put it all on top of the bottom half of the toasted bagel. Then, put the other half of the toasted bagel on top of that.

Taylor ham, also known as pork roll, is a New Jersey breakfast staple. This thinly sliced, seasoned smoked pork product is beloved for its salty, meaty flavor. While many people cook Taylor ham in a skillet, did you know you can also bake it in the oven?

Baking Taylor ham in the oven allows you to cook up a large batch all at once It can also help you achieve an evenly browned, crispy texture without having to hover over a hot stove

In this complete guide I’ll walk through everything you need to know to bake delicious Taylor ham in the oven. From prep to cooking tips you’ll learn how to make this classic breakfast meat without ever needing to dirty a pan.

Why Bake Taylor Ham in the Oven?

Here are some of the benefits of oven-baking Taylor ham rather than pan frying:

Cooks evenly: Baking distributes heat evenly around each slice for consistent texture and browning. No more overly crisp edges with undercooked centers.
Makes large batches: You can bake a whole pack of Taylor ham at once, perfect for feeding a crowd.
Less monitoring: Once it’s in the oven, you don’t need to constantly flip and attend to it like on the stovetop.
Tastes better: The pork juices that evaporate in the oven mix back into the meat, making it taste better.
Easier cleanup: With no splattering grease on your stovetop, oven baking cuts down on messy cleanup.

How to Bake Taylor Ham Step-By-Step

There aren’t many tricks to making a good pork roll, but there are a few that can help you make a great one. Follow these steps:

1. Preheat Oven and Prep Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 400°F. This high heat will help the exterior get crisp.
Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Arrange Taylor Ham Slices

Take a pack of Taylor ham and separate the slices, arranging them in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Make sure slices aren’t overlapping to allow even cooking.

3. Bake Until Crisp

Bake for 12-15 minutes until the slices are browned and slightly curled at the edges.
For extra crispy Taylor ham, bake for 17-20 minutes.
Optional: For added flavor, sprinkle with a dash of garlic powder or pepper before baking.

4. Broil for More Crispiness

For ultra crisp Taylor ham, switch your oven to broil for 1-2 minutes after baking.
Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Remove from oven once top is browned and crisped to your liking.

5. Blot Excess Grease

As Taylor ham cooks, it will release some fat and oils.
After baking, gently blot the tops of the slices with a paper towel to soak up excess grease.

And that’s it! With these simple steps, you’ll achieve bakery-style Taylor ham with nice browned edges and tender, lightly chewy centers.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked Taylor Ham

Follow these handy tips for the best results when cooking Taylor ham in the oven:

Use thick-cut Taylor ham slices. Thinner slices may overcook and dry out.
Make sure your baking sheet is crowded. Too many slices may steam instead of crisp.
Bake at a high temp (400°F) for crisping. Lower temps will lead to soggy pork roll.
Flip slices halfway through baking for even cooking on both sides.
Add a broiling step at the end for bonus crispiness on the tops of slices.
Blot fat drippings after baking or the exterior can get soggy.
Don’t let it go too long without checking or it can get dried out.

Serving Up Oven-Baked Taylor Ham

Once your Taylor ham comes hot and crispy out of the oven, it’s time to serve it up Jersey diner-style. Here are some of my favorite ways to eat oven-baked Taylor ham:

Pile high on a breakfast sandwich with egg and cheese.
Serve alongside pancakes or French toast for a savory, sweet combo.
Roll up in an omelet with veggies and potatoes.
Top a pizza instead of pepperoni for a fun twist.
Crumble into hash browns or home fries.
Stack up with bacon and sausage as part of a hearty breakfast platter.

However you choose to serve it, oven-baked Taylor ham is sure to be a hit. The browned, crispy edges add great texture and flavor to any breakfast table.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Oven baking allows you to make a big batch of Taylor ham all at once. Follow these tips for storing and reheating any leftovers:

Let cool completely before storing to prevent condensation.
Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
To reheat, bake on a sheet tray in a 300°F oven for 4-5 minutes.
Microwaving is not recommended, as it makes the ham soggy.
Frozen Taylor ham will last 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

With proper storage, you can enjoy oven-baked Taylor ham throughout the week.

Is Oven-Baked as Good as Pan Fried?

While pan frying over a stove burner can’t be beat for getting Taylor ham hot and ready in minutes, oven baking has its advantages too.

Baked Taylor ham boasts superior even browning and tends to have a pleasant, moderately crispy texture. Pan frying can sometimes make the exterior overly crisp while the centers remain a bit pale and underdone.

However, the constant basting in pork fat during pan frying adds an undeniable richness and flavor. Oven-baked Taylor ham can’t quite achieve the full crispness and unctuous mouthfeel of the frying pan method.

Overall, oven baking results in slightly healthier Taylor ham since less pork fat is absorbed. For a big Saturday breakfast when you have the time, doing a batch in the oven and a small skillet batch combines the best of both worlds.

Enjoy the Traditional Taste of Taylor Ham From Your Oven

With this complete oven-baking guide, you can now enjoy the signature saltiness and seasoned flavor of Taylor ham without having to constantly man the stovetop. Baking allows you to easily whip up big batches for a crowd.

While pan-fried may still reign supreme for some pork roll purists, oven-baked Taylor ham has its advantages too. From even cooking to less splatter and super simple cleanup, this hands-off method lets the oven do the work.

Now that you know how to bake up crispy, delicious Taylor ham at home, the most difficult part will be waiting for your oven to preheat. So turn on your oven, prep those baking sheets, and get ready to enjoy this Jersey classic straight from your oven.

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can you cook taylor ham in the oven

8 slices Taylor pork ham

8 slices American Cheese

Kosher salt and pepper to taste

Preheat skillet or griddle to medium heat.

Cook the Taylor pork ham, flipping once, until crispy, about 2 minutes. Remove the ham and set aside.

Add butter, crack eggs into pan or on the griddle. Cook eggs to desired doneness. Season with salt and pepper.

Add cheese and cooked ham on top of the egg and allow the cheese to melt.

With a spatula, put it all on top of the bottom half of the toasted bagel. Then, put the other half of the toasted bagel on top of that.

Top with sriracha or ketchup if desired.

HOW TO MAKE PORK ROLL (TAYLOR HAM)

FAQ

Does Taylor Ham need to be cooked?

The pork mixture is formed into a log shape and then smoked and cooked. It has a distinct flavor and is often enjoyed as a breakfast meat or used in sandwiches. Can I consume Taylor Pork Roll raw? No, it is not recommended to consume Taylor Pork Roll raw.

Can you cook pork roll in a toaster oven?

For the most efficient execution of the recipe, you can carefully wrap the kaiser roll in foil and heat in a low oven or toaster oven while cooking the pork and eggs. Then unwrap to dip the bread in the fat and assemble the sandwich before rewrapping.

Does pork roll need to be cooked?

While pork roll is fully cooked in the production process, it isn’t served cold on sandwiches the way other deli meats typically are. Instead, it’s griddled on both sides and served hot, similar to Canadian bacon. Pork roll must be sliced into thin rounds before it’s fried, grilled, or seared.

What is so special about Taylor Ham?

With its savory blend of pork, egg, and cheese, it’s no wonder that this sandwich has become a regional favorite. Whether you prefer it with ketchup, hot sauce, or just a slice of cheese, one thing is certain: the Taylor Ham sandwich is a true New Jersey classic that will never go out of style.

How do you cook a Taylor Ham?

Cut roll in half. Make 4 small cuts around the Taylor Ham slices. #SpoonTip: This prevents the ham from curling in the pan. Put the Taylor Ham on the pan to start browning it (it’s already cooked so you are just heating it up). Cook your egg to your liking. I think over easy is the best because then you get the runny yolk.

Is Taylor Ham a pork roll?

It’s Taylor Ham, not Pork Roll. My family is from Jersey so whenever we go back to visit relatives I need to get a Taylor Ham, egg and cheese sandwich. It is greasy, filling and always hits the spot. I have amazing memories of eating these sandwiches in diners with my grandparents, aunts and uncles, and parents.

What do you say if you want a Taylor Ham?

You’ll most often hear, “Give me a pork roll extra crispy,” or “I want a double-egg Taylor ham,” or, practically 100% of the time, “Taylor ham/pork roll SPK.” That is “salt, pepper, ketchup,” for the uninitiated.

How do you cook a Taylor Pork Roll?

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the sliced Taylor Pork Roll on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it is heated through and slightly crispy. Can Taylor Pork Roll be grilled? Absolutely! Grilling Taylor Pork Roll adds a unique smoky flavor to it.

Why Bake Taylor Ham in the Oven?