2 Unforgettable New Jersey Spots For Taylor Ham And Cheese
As someone who grew up in New Jersey, the first thing I seek out at sunrise is this nostalgic breakfast sandwich I can only get here in the Garden State. Taylor ham and cheese breakfast sandwiches are a New Jersey staple. There are two spots that seem to make it better than the rest.
Although technically it is pork roll, you never hear an enthusiast or popular deli call it anything other than Taylor Ham. Put aside the fact that it’s not necessarily the healthiest item in the world, it’s just delicious. The Taylor Ham is grilled, usually to the point where one side (at least) has a bit of a charred look to it. Then, you add your egg and American cheese. If it’s prepared right, the cheese will melt atop the ham. Adding eggs (just like you would add bacon, egg, and cheese) gives it an extra kick and, of course, provides the protein. However, ordering just a Taylor Ham and Cheese sandwich is perfectly reasonable and common. That is what I opt for. It’s also because you get more of the actual ham, which is the star of the show.
Here’s another important point about this breakfast item done correctly. Now, it’s still just as good and fine to order on a bagel, but the round roll is the traditional element that takes it to another level. If you really want it to be authentic, it’s wrapped and handed to you in tinfoil.
My 2 Go-To Spots In New Jersey For Taylor Ham and Cheese
The common factor between these two local establishments is that they are small places that are part of their community. The staff knows their regulars’ names and expect to see many of the same folks on a weekend morning, grabbing their bag of bagels before the rest of the family wakes up.
Mimi’s Deli, Whippany
Located at 27 Reynolds Ave, Mimi’s Deli is a family-owned business that opens daily at 6 AM. You will notice, upon entering early you immediately smell the fresh aroma of brewed coffee. Mimi’s hits all the right sense to start your day off right.
Their Taylor ham and cheese is quite popular during the AM hours. They do a perfect job of layering the ham and cheese. This is important because it blends the tastes as opposed to just placing the cheese on top. Layering also allows the cheese to melt upon each piece of sizzling Taylor ham. My recommendation here is always to get this on a fresh roll.
Sunrise – Wayne, NJ
This is located on a high-traffic route at 233 Berdan Ave. That is probably for good reason. Sunrise Bagels is such a simple and fantastic name for a local bagel joint. They also have two other affiliated locations for those who drive to and from work. This location “feels like home spot.” It’s one of the first places I’ve ever had this legendary breakfast sandwich. It’s also where I’d go when picking up a cousin in Wayne. We’d grab our Sunrise bagel and a Gatorade and hang out for the day upon first getting our driver’s license.
You can’t go wrong here getting a Taylor ham and cheese on an everything bagel. It’s also one of those places where you add in another plain bagel to throw in the bag to snack on later.
