Taylor's Sausage: The Truth About New Jersey's Taylor Ham

Taylor's sausage is actually a common misnomer for Taylor Ham, a specific type of seasoned pork roll created by John Taylor in Trenton, New Jersey in 1856. Despite the name confusion, Taylor Ham is not technically a sausage but rather a cured and smoked pork product that has become a regional breakfast staple in New Jersey and surrounding areas.

When people search for "Taylor's sausage," they're typically referring to what's officially known as Taylor Ham—a beloved regional food product with deep cultural roots in New Jersey. This confusion stems from how locals colloquially refer to the product, though food historians and manufacturers clarify it's not actually a sausage.

The Origin Story of Taylor Ham

John Taylor introduced his "pork roll" product in 1856 under the name "Taylor's Prepared Ham." The product was created as a convenient, shelf-stable meat option during a time when refrigeration was limited. Despite the "ham" in its name, Taylor Ham contains no ham—it's made from trimmed pork shoulder meat that's cured, smoked, and seasoned with a proprietary blend of spices.

The Taylor Provision Company (now Taylor Provisions) has manufactured this product continuously since its creation, making it one of America's oldest processed meat products still in production. The company's commitment to the original recipe has preserved this regional specialty through generations.

Taylor Ham vs. Pork Roll: Understanding the Naming Debate

One of the most fascinating aspects of this product is the regional naming controversy. In northern New Jersey, it's predominantly called "Taylor Ham," while in southern New Jersey and surrounding states, it's commonly referred to as "pork roll." This linguistic divide represents one of America's most distinctive regional food dialects.

Region	Preferred Term	Cultural Significance
Northern New Jersey	Taylor Ham	Emphasizes brand heritage and local identity
Southern New Jersey	Pork Roll	Descriptive term focusing on product composition
Philadelphia area	Pork Roll	Influenced by southern NJ terminology
New York City	Mixed usage	Depends on NJ connections of residents

This naming distinction isn't merely semantic—it represents a genuine cultural divide that food enthusiasts and sociologists have documented extensively. The debate has even inspired academic studies on regional food terminology and identity.

What Makes Taylor Ham Unique

Taylor Ham differs from traditional sausages in several important ways:

• Production method: Unlike sausages that are stuffed into casings, Taylor Ham is formed into cylindrical loaves without casings
• Ingredients: Contains no fillers or breadcrumbs commonly found in sausages
• Texture: Has a distinctive firm yet sliceable texture when cooked properly
• Flavor profile: Features a unique sweet-savory seasoning blend that sets it apart from standard breakfast sausages

The product comes in two main varieties: regular (darker, stronger flavor) and sweet (lighter in color with a sweeter seasoning profile). Both versions have devoted followings among enthusiasts of this regional specialty.

Traditional Preparation Methods

Understanding how to properly prepare Taylor Ham is essential for experiencing it as locals do. The classic New Jersey breakfast preparation involves:

1. Slicing the product 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick
2. Cooking in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat
3. Turning occasionally until edges become crisp and slightly caramelized
4. Serving on a hard roll (often with egg and cheese)

This "Taylor Ham, egg, and cheese" sandwich on a hard roll represents the quintessential New Jersey breakfast. The proper preparation yields a product with crispy edges and a tender interior that's distinctly different from how most breakfast sausages are prepared.

Cultural Significance Beyond Breakfast

While primarily known as a breakfast item, Taylor Ham has expanded into various culinary applications throughout the region:

• As a pizza topping in New Jersey-style pizzerias
• In sandwiches beyond breakfast, including lunch and dinner options
• As an ingredient in regional dishes like Taylor Ham and asparagus
• Featured in specialty products like Taylor Ham-flavored snacks

The product has become such an integral part of regional identity that it's frequently referenced in local media, sports culture, and even political discourse. New Jersey legislators have formally recognized its cultural importance, with some advocating for it to be named the official state food.

Where to Experience Authentic Taylor Ham

While Taylor Ham is available nationally through major grocery chains, the authentic experience comes from local diners and specialty shops throughout New Jersey. The product has maintained its regional stronghold despite national availability, with locals insisting that experiencing it in its home region provides a different culinary experience.

Visitors to New Jersey often seek out classic diners known for their Taylor Ham preparation, with many establishments taking pride in their specific cooking methods and serving styles. This regional food culture has created a distinctive culinary tourism element for the state.

Common Misconceptions About Taylor Ham

Several persistent myths surround this product that deserve clarification:

• It contains ham: Despite the name, Taylor Ham contains no ham—it's made from pork shoulder
• It's just another type of sausage: The production method and ingredients differ significantly from traditional sausages
• It's unhealthy compared to other breakfast meats: Nutritionally, it's comparable to other processed breakfast meats when consumed in moderation
• The recipe has changed significantly: Taylor Provisions maintains that the core recipe remains largely unchanged since 1856

Understanding these distinctions helps appreciate why "Taylor's sausage" is actually a misnomer for what's properly called Taylor Ham or pork roll—a unique regional specialty with its own culinary identity separate from traditional sausages.

Is Taylor Ham actually made from ham?

No, despite its name, Taylor Ham contains no ham. It's made from trimmed pork shoulder meat that's cured, smoked, and seasoned. The "ham" in the name refers to the curing process similar to ham, not the ingredients.

What's the difference between Taylor Ham and regular sausage?

Taylor Ham differs from sausage in several ways: it's formed into loaves without casings, contains no fillers or breadcrumbs, has a firmer texture, and features a unique sweet-savory seasoning profile. Unlike sausages which are emulsified, Taylor Ham maintains distinct meat fibers.

Why do some people call it pork roll instead of Taylor Ham?

The naming reflects a regional divide in New Jersey. Northern New Jersey residents typically say "Taylor Ham" (emphasizing the brand heritage), while southern New Jersey and surrounding areas call it "pork roll" (a more descriptive term). This linguistic boundary runs roughly through the middle of the state.

How should Taylor Ham be properly cooked?

For authentic preparation, slice Taylor Ham 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick and cook in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Turn occasionally until edges become crisp and slightly caramelized. The ideal texture has crispy edges with a tender interior—different from how most breakfast sausages are prepared.

Can you find Taylor Ham outside of New Jersey?

Yes, Taylor Ham is available nationally through major grocery chains, though it's most prevalent in the Northeast. However, many New Jersey natives claim that experiencing it in its home region provides a different culinary context, as local diners have perfected specific preparation methods developed over generations.