The Complete Guide to Cooking Taylor Ham in the Oven

Taylor ham, also known as pork roll, is a beloved New Jersey breakfast meat with a devoted following. While it’s commonly pan-fried, did you know that baking Taylor ham in the oven is also an easy, convenient cooking method?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook perfect Taylor ham in the oven every time.

What is Taylor Ham?

For those not familiar Taylor ham refers to a cured smoked pork product created in 1856 by John Taylor. It features a very distinctive flavor and texture.

Taylor ham comes in log form and is sliced into rounds before cooking It can be enjoyed as a breakfast meat or used in sandwiches and other recipes

Benefits of Cooking Taylor Ham in the Oven

Baking Taylor ham in the oven offers several advantages:

Even cooking: The oven’s ambient heat surrounds the Taylor ham, cooking it evenly on all sides. No more undercooked centers!
Easy batch cooking: You can bake a whole pack of Taylor ham slices at once in the oven. Much faster than frying individual pieces.
Less messy: With no grease splatters, oven-baking makes cooking Taylor ham a much cleaner process.
Consistent results: The oven’s regulated temperature delivers consistent, delicious results every time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Taylor Ham

Follow these simple steps for perfect oven-baked Taylor ham:

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F. This provides the ideal temperature for baking Taylor ham.

2. Prepare a Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

3. Slice the Taylor Ham

Cut your Taylor ham into 1/4 to 1/2 inch rounds. Thinner slices may overcook.

4. Arrange the Slices

Space Taylor ham slices apart on the baking sheet so air circulates while cooking.

5. Bake for 10 Minutes

Bake for 10 minutes at 375°F. The ham will sizzle and begin to brown around the edges.

6. Flip the Slices

Remove sheet and carefully flip each slice with tongs. Return to oven.

7. Bake for 8-10 More Minutes

Finish baking for another 8-10 minutes until slices are browned and crisped to your liking.

8. Allow to Cool

Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. Be cautious of hot pan.

And that’s all there is to it! With these simple steps, you’ll have delicious oven-baked Taylor ham ready to enjoy.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Results

To achieve the very best results when baking Taylor ham, keep these handy tips in mind:

Play with oven temperature – Slightly higher temps like 385°F may crisp up the Taylor ham more.
Add a glaze – For extra flavor, brush with a brown sugar, honey, or maple glaze. Apply halfway through baking.
Get a meat thermometer – This takes the guesswork out and ensures your Taylor ham reaches food-safe temps.
Bake on a rack – Elevating the pan on a rack improves air circulation for even cooking.
Use convection setting – The fan will better distribute heat and speed up cooking time.
Let rest before serving – Allow to rest 2-3 minutes so slices firm up after baking.

Serving Your Oven-Baked Taylor Ham

Once your Taylor ham finishes baking, there are endless ways to serve and enjoy it:

On a breakfast sandwich with eggs and cheese on a bagel or roll
Chopped up in home fries or hash browns
On a pizza as a fun alternative to pepperoni
On a charcuterie board for appetizers
In a salad for added protein and flavor
By itself as a side dish with breakfast or brunch

However you choose to serve it, your oven-baked Taylor ham is sure satisfy any pork roll craving!

Common Taylor Ham Baking Questions

If you’re new to cooking Taylor ham in the oven, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

What’s the best temperature to bake Taylor ham?

The ideal temperature range is 375°F to 400°F. This allows the exterior to crisp up while the interior cooks through.

How long does it take to bake Taylor ham?

Most Taylor ham slices will bake for around 18-20 minutes total, flipping halfway through. Larger cuts may take a bit longer.

Can you bake an entire Taylor ham log?

It’s best to slice the log first into rounds. Trying to bake a whole cylindrical log unevenly can result in undercooked centers.

Should you flip the ham while baking?

Yes, flipping the slices halfway through is highly recommended. This allows both sides to cook and brown evenly.

Can you bake Taylor ham from frozen?

It’s best to thaw frozen Taylor ham overnight in the fridge before baking. Starting with frozen ham can lead to uneven cooking.

How do you know when it’s done baking?

Look for browned, slightly crispy edges and check that the center is fully cooked through. A thermometer should read at least 145°F.

Is baking healthier than frying Taylor ham?

Yes, baking avoids the added calories from frying in oil or butter. It’s a healthier cooking method.

Can you bake a Taylor ham and egg sandwich?

Sure! Assemble your sandwich and wrap in foil, then bake at 375°F until the egg and ham are fully cooked through.

Enjoy Your Oven-Baked Taylor Ham

With these simple instructions, you can skip the frying pan and enjoy delicious Taylor ham easily baked right in your oven. Adjust cooking times and temperatures to suit your preferences.

From comforting breakfast sandwiches to fun charcuterie boards, oven-baked Taylor ham brings that signature flavor to all kinds of meals and recipes. So next time you’re craving this Jersey classic, pass on the frying pan and turn to your oven instead!

HOW TO MAKE PORK ROLL (TAYLOR HAM)

FAQ

Does Taylor Ham need to be cooked?

No, it is not recommended to consume Taylor Pork Roll raw. It is important to cook it thoroughly to ensure food safety. Raw pork can contain harmful bacteria that can lead to foodborne illnesses, so it is crucial to cook Taylor Pork Roll before eating it.

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.

Can you cook pork roll in a toaster oven?

Take each piece of pork roll and cut a little slice in the side (See picture) and place in pan. Heat till both sides begin to brown. About 2 minutes per side. Slice your rolls and place them in a toaster oven or on the griddle.

What is so special about Taylor Ham?

The Taylor Ham (Pork Roll) sandwich is a breakfast staple that has been enjoyed by New Jerseyans for over a century. With its savory blend of pork, egg, and cheese, it’s no wonder that this sandwich has become a regional favorite.