New Jersey's state dish hails from the capital city Trenton where it is a staple breakfast option. It is an item that divides the state in half on what the correct term used to describe it is, the Taylor Ham/Pork Roll.

The Taylor Ham/Pork Roll is a log of ground pork that has been reformed almost like a large bologna out of pork, though a little smaller. It is often served up in an egg and cheese sandwich for breakfast atop a hard roll, bagel, or English Muffin. This sandwich is considered by many to be the New Jersey unofficial state sandwich. A recipe for such a sandwich follows after this article.

New Jersey has been divided on what the true name of this item is. By brand, it is called a Taylor Ham. But by what it actually is, it is a Pork Roll. People of North Jersey tend to address it as a Taylor Ham, and South Jersey addresses it as a Pork Roll. This has sparked debate between many and as of now, there is no resolution to this debate.

Let's break down the history. In 1856, a man by the name of John Taylor developed a recipe for a preserved meat product that he marketed as "Taylor's Prepared Ham". The Product was crafted using a blend of spices, sugar-cured, and hickory-smoked pork, resulting in a distinctive flavor that quickly gained popularity. In 1906, the Pure Food and Drug Act established new standards for food labeling. As a result, Taylor's Prepared Ham was no longer legally able to be marked as Ham as per the new definition of Ham. Thus, the product was rebranded to "Taylor's Pork Roll". Despite this, many residents of Northern New Jersey continued to refer to the product as "Taylor Ham", a term that persists today and causes the divide within the state.

Taylor Ham, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich: Makes 2 sandwiches.
2 Bagels or English Muffins
2 Large Eggs
4 Slices of Taylor Ham/Pork Roll
2 Slices of American Cheese
Butter or Oil for frying
Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Instructions:
1. Lightly toast the bagel or English Muffins. Set aside.
2. Make 2-3 small notches around the edges of the Taylor Ham slices.
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of Oil or Butter.
4. Fry the Pork Roll silces for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are browned and slightly crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, crack an egg and cook to your preference. (Sunny Side Up, Over Easy, or Fried).
6. Season with Salt and Pepper if desired.
7. Place a silce of cheese on the egg for the last minute of cooking to allow it to melt slightly.
8. Once the Egg is cooked, assemble the sandwich by placing the cooked Taylor Ham on the button bun, then the cheesy egg, then close it with the top bun. 
9. Serve warm and enjoy!