9 New Jersey Pork Roll Sandwiches You Gotta Try
As a born-and-raised Jersey girl, I’ve had my fair share of pork roll (or Taylor ham, depending on which part of the state you’re from).
This beloved breakfast meat is practically our state food!
Crispy, salty, and distinctly Jersey, pork roll sandwiches range from simple classics to creative culinary masterpieces.
Here are nine spots where you can bite into the Garden State’s most iconic sandwich.
1. The Triple Threat At Slater’s Deli
I stumbled upon this monster sandwich by accident when I couldn’t decide between breakfast meats. The brilliant folks at Slater’s solved my dilemma with their Triple Threat—a towering creation featuring crispy pork roll, bacon, AND sausage on an everything bagel.
Each bite delivers a different ratio of meats, with the pork roll’s tangy flavor playing beautifully against the smokiness of bacon and the spiced sausage patty. They add a schmear of chive cream cheese instead of the usual American slice, which sounds weird but works magically.
Fair warning: you’ll need both hands and several napkins to tackle this beast. Worth every messy bite though, especially when the yolk from the optional fried egg creates the perfect dipping sauce.
2. The Italian Fusion At Frank’s Deli & Restaurant
Frank’s pulled off the impossible—they made pork roll even better by giving it an Italian makeover! My Jersey-Italian heart nearly exploded when I first tried their creation. Thinly sliced pork roll gets topped with roasted red peppers, sharp provolone, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
The sandwich comes on crusty Italian bread that’s been lightly toasted and rubbed with garlic. The combination of the salty pork roll with the sweet peppers and tangy balsamic creates flavor fireworks in your mouth.
The owner told me they invented it for customers who couldn’t decide between breakfast and lunch. Now there’s a line out the door every weekend morning. Pro tip: ask for a side of their homemade giardiniera for an extra kick.
3. The Hangover Helper At Johnny’s Pork Roll
The morning after my cousin’s wedding, my family dragged our sorry selves to Johnny’s Pork Roll. Their Hangover Helper sandwich should be prescribed by doctors! Six slices of pork roll (yes, SIX) are stacked with hash browns, two fried eggs, and spicy sriracha mayo.
The genius move is the hash browns INSIDE the sandwich, adding a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the chewy pork roll. They serve it on a Portuguese roll that somehow maintains its integrity despite the mountain of ingredients and egg yolk running everywhere.
Johnny’s started as a food truck but got so popular they opened a brick-and-mortar shop. The owner greets everyone like family and remembers regulars’ orders. My hangover disappeared after the first heavenly bite—though the strong coffee helped too!
4. The Classic Breakfast Stack At White Rose Diner
Nothing beats rolling into White Rose Diner at 7 AM after a night shift. Their pork roll sandwich isn’t fancy—and that’s exactly the point. Thick-cut slices sizzle on the flattop until the edges curl up into what locals call “pork roll smiles.”
The sandwich arrives with melted American cheese oozing between layers of meat on a kaiser roll that’s just the right combination of soft and sturdy. A splash of ketchup is optional but highly recommended.
What makes this place special is watching the short-order cooks who’ve been flipping these sandwiches for decades. They work with the precision of surgeons and the speed of racecar drivers. Cash only, so hit the ATM beforehand!
5. The Sloppy Jersey At Millburn Deli
Millburn Deli took inspiration from their famous Sloppy Joe sandwich and created something uniquely Jersey. Their Sloppy Jersey features griddled pork roll, homemade coleslaw, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on rye bread. The first time I bit into this masterpiece, I actually closed my eyes and sighed!
The warm pork roll against the cool, crunchy slaw creates a temperature and texture contrast that’s absolutely addictive. The Russian dressing adds a tangy sweetness that cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese.
While waiting in line (and there’s always a line), I chatted with a guy who drives 45 minutes every weekend just for this sandwich. After trying it, I completely understand his dedication. This sandwich has ruined me for basic pork roll egg and cheese forever.
6. The Luxury Brunch Roll At Tops Diner
Leave it to Tops Diner to transform our humble pork roll into something worthy of a magazine cover! Their Luxury Brunch Roll arrives on a wooden board like it’s posing for Instagram—and trust me, everyone in the place is snapping photos before digging in.
Thick-cut pork roll gets the royal treatment with truffle aioli, aged cheddar, arugula, and a perfectly poached egg on a brioche bun. The truffle doesn’t overwhelm but adds an earthy note that elevates the entire experience. My friend who turned her nose up at pork roll was converted after one bite.
At $16, it’s pricier than your corner deli sandwich, but the quality ingredients and presentation make it worth every penny. The sweet potato fries served alongside have a hint of cinnamon that somehow pairs perfectly with the sandwich.
7. The Breakfast Burrito Twist At Bagel Chateau
Who says pork roll has to be on bread? The genius minds at Bagel Chateau wrapped diced pork roll, scrambled eggs, potatoes, and cheese in a warm flour tortilla. My first encounter with this creation happened during a road trip when I needed something I could eat while driving.
The pork roll is chopped into small pieces so you get meaty goodness in every bite. They add a secret spicy sauce that elevates the whole thing from good to unforgettable. The tortilla is grilled just enough to create a slight crunch while keeping everything warm inside.
The staff wraps half in foil so you can save some for later, but honestly, I’ve never managed to have leftovers. They also offer a hash brown stuffed version that’s absolutely ridiculous in the best possible way. Worth the food coma that inevitably follows!
8. The Benedict Revolution At The Committed Pig
Eggs Benedict gets a Jersey makeover at The Committed Pig! I dragged my Manhattan friends here after they claimed NYC had the best brunches. Their snobbery disappeared faster than the food on our plates.
The chef replaces Canadian bacon (sacrilege in NJ!) with thick slices of pork roll, tops it with poached eggs and hollandaise on a toasted English muffin. The hollandaise has a hint of sriracha that cuts through the richness perfectly. They serve it with crispy breakfast potatoes that I could eat by the bucketful.
My favorite part is watching out-of-staters try pork roll for the first time. The restaurant is always packed on weekends, so get there early or be prepared to wait. The coffee is excellent too—important for proper brunch appreciation!
9. The Shore Breakfast At Shore Good Eats N’ Treats
Nothing screams “down the shore” like eating a pork roll sandwich with sand between your toes! Shore Good Eats N’ Treats serves their pork roll sandwich wrapped in wax paper so you can take it straight to the beach. Last summer, this became my Saturday morning ritual.
Their secret weapon is the potato roll—softer and sweeter than a standard kaiser—which they butter and grill until golden. The pork roll is sliced thin and piled high with American cheese that melts into every nook and cranny. They add a sprinkle of “beach spice” (I think it’s Old Bay, but they won’t confirm).
The place is tiny with just a walk-up window, but that’s part of its charm. Cash only and they close when they run out, which happens regularly during summer weekends. Worth setting an alarm for!