Denny’s Grilled Ham Slice Price, Calories & Nutrition Guide 2026

Denny's Grilled Ham Slice Price, Calories & Nutrition Guide 2026

The Honest Truth About Denny’s Grilled Ham Slice

I’ve been to Denny’s more times than I’d like to admit, and the grilled ham slice has become one of those menu items I keep coming back to. It’s not flashy. It’s not packed with trendy ingredients. But it’s reliable, straightforward, and honestly good value for what you get.

If you’re trying to figure out whether this should be on your plate, I’m going to walk you through everything—the actual price you’ll pay in 2026, the complete nutrition breakdown, and whether it’s genuinely worth ordering.

What You’re Actually Getting: The Basics

The grilled ham slice at Denny’s is exactly what the name says. It’s a slice of ham (not a thin piece, usually about a quarter-inch thick) that gets grilled and served hot. Most locations serve it as an entrée, which means you’re getting the ham itself plus whatever sides come with it depending on what combo or meal you order.

When I order it, it comes with eggs, hash browns, and toast—the standard breakfast format. But if you’re ordering from the lunch or dinner menu, you might get a baked potato and vegetable instead. This matters for both the price and the nutrition facts, so pay attention to what your specific location offers.

The ham has a slightly salty, savory taste that gets a little crispier from the grilling. It’s not overly smoky or spiced. If you’re used to honey ham or maple-glazed ham, this is more basic than that—it’s just good, simple grilled ham.

Current Denny’s Grilled Ham Slice Price (2026)

Let’s get real about what you’ll actually spend. I checked multiple Denny’s locations, and pricing varies by location more than people think.

Typical pricing ranges:

  • Grilled Ham Slice Entrée (Breakfast): $8.99 – $10.49
  • Grilled Ham Slice with sides (Lunch/Dinner): $10.99 – $12.99
  • Senior portions (if available at your location): $7.99 – $9.49

The variation matters. A Denny’s in a major city or tourist area will run you closer to the $11-13 range. Go to a smaller town, and you might find it closer to $9. I’ve seen both ends of that spectrum in my own area.

One thing I noticed: breakfast pricing is generally lower than lunch/dinner for the same item, even though you get similar portions. Most of my orders have been during breakfast, which is usually cheaper overall.

What affects the final price:

  • Your location (rural vs. urban)
  • Time of day (breakfast is cheaper)
  • Whether you order a combo or just the item
  • Current local price increases (inflation hits restaurants hard)

If you’re on a budget, order during breakfast hours. You’ll save at least $1-2 compared to ordering the same item at lunch.

Complete Nutrition Facts for Denny’s Grilled Ham Slice

Complete Nutrition Facts for Denny's Grilled Ham Slice

Here’s where I need to be honest: Denny’s publishes nutrition info, but the numbers vary slightly depending on what sides come with your order. I’m breaking down the grilled ham itself, plus typical breakfast sides.

Grilled Ham Slice (Ham Only)

  • Calories: 140-160 calories
  • Total Fat: 9-11g
  • Saturated Fat: 3-4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 40-45mg
  • Sodium: 1,100-1,200mg (this is the big one)
  • Total Carbs: 0-1g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 16-18g
  • Sugar: 0-1g

With Typical Breakfast Sides (Eggs, Hash Browns, Toast with Butter)

  • Total Calories: 720-800 calories
  • Total Fat: 35-40g
  • Saturated Fat: 12-14g
  • Sodium: 1,600-1,800mg
  • Protein: 28-32g
  • Total Carbs: 65-75g

The ham itself is actually pretty protein-dense and low-carb. That’s the part worth noting. The calories come from the sides you get with it.

Breaking Down What This Nutrition Actually Means

I’ll be straight with you: the sodium content is high. One serving of grilled ham has about half your daily sodium limit right there if you’re following standard dietary guidelines (2,000mg per day). Add the breakfast sides, and you’re looking at 80% of your daily sodium in one meal.

If you’re watching sodium for health reasons—blood pressure, kidney issues, heart concerns—this probably isn’t an item you should order regularly. But if sodium isn’t a concern for you, the nutrition profile is actually pretty decent for a restaurant breakfast.

The protein is legit. 16-18g of protein from just the ham, plus another 10-14g from the eggs means you’re getting a solid protein hit. That’s genuinely useful if you’re trying to hit protein goals or want something filling.

The carbs from the sides are moderate. Hash browns and toast have carbs, but they’re not crazy high compared to pancakes or waffles on the menu. If you’re managing carbs, this is a better option than a lot of other breakfast items at Denny’s.

The fat breakdown is reasonable. Most of it is from the sides (the butter on toast, the hash browns cooked in oil). The ham itself doesn’t add a huge fat load, which surprised me when I first looked at the numbers.

Is It Actually Good Value?

Here’s my real take after ordering this multiple times: yes, it’s solid value, but with some conditions.

When the grilled ham slice is worth it:

  • You want protein without dealing with overly complicated ingredients
  • You prefer simple, straightforward food
  • You’re on a budget at a restaurant (breakfast pricing is your friend)
  • You’re not tracking sodium closely
  • You want something that won’t leave you hungry

When you probably shouldn’t order it:

  • You need low-sodium meals for health reasons
  • You’re trying to minimize eating processed meat
  • You want fresh, whole foods (processed ham isn’t that)
  • You have other preferences on the menu that excite you more

Honestly, I compare it to the bacon or sausage at Denny’s, and the ham slice wins on price per ounce and protein. You get more actual meat on your plate than the bacon strips, and it costs about the same.

Comparing to Other Denny’s Protein Options

Let me be specific about how this stacks up:

Grilled Ham Slice vs. Bacon Strip Combo:

  • Ham slice: Usually $0.50-1 cheaper
  • Ham slice: More protein per serving
  • Bacon: Lower sodium

Grilled Ham Slice vs. Sausage:

  • Similar price
  • Ham slice: Leaner option
  • Sausage: Slightly higher fat content

Grilled Ham Slice vs. Eggs (as your protein):

  • Ham slice: Better value if you want more protein
  • Eggs: Lower sodium option

If you’re just looking at protein per dollar, the ham slice consistently wins. That matters when you’re eating out on a tight budget.

Common Questions People Ask About This Item

Does it actually taste good?

Yes, if you like basic grilled ham. It’s not fancy. It’s not gourmet. It’s reliable, simple meat that tastes like ham should taste. If you’re expecting something fancy or heavily seasoned, you’ll be disappointed.

Is the portion size decent?

Yes. You get an actual substantial slice of ham, not a tiny sliver. I’ve never felt like I got shortchanged on portion.

Can you customize it?

Most locations will let you swap sides. Want a baked potato instead of hash browns? Usually possible. Want no toast? No problem. They’re usually pretty flexible with sides.

Is it whole wheat toast available?

Depends on the location. Some Denny’s have whole wheat; others don’t. Ask when you order.

What if I’m ordering this but want lower sodium?

Order it without the sides that add extra sodium (skip the butter on toast, ask for dry). You’ll cut 300-400mg sodium right there. Honestly, though, the ham itself is still high in sodium.

Does Denny’s have nutritional info publicly available?

Yes. You can find it on the Denny’s website or ask at the restaurant. The numbers vary slightly by location, but they’re consistent enough for planning purposes.

Practical Tips for Ordering This

Practical Tips for Ordering This

Timing matters: Order during breakfast hours for better pricing. The same portion costs more at lunch or dinner.

Combo vs. individual: Figure out if getting a breakfast combo is cheaper than ordering items separately. Sometimes it is; sometimes it isn’t.

Ask about daily specials: Some Denny’s have “seniors eat for…” deals or specific daily discounts that might apply even if you don’t qualify normally. They sometimes apply to everyone.

Customize your sides: If you don’t want the standard sides, ask. Most places are flexible, and you might end up with something you actually prefer.

Pair it smartly: If you’re eating the whole meal, the grilled ham works well with eggs and toast. The combination is filling without being overly heavy.

The Honest Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Solid protein content
  • Fair price, especially at breakfast
  • Filling without being too heavy
  • Simple, reliable taste
  • Good portion size
  • Gluten-free option (if you skip the toast)

Cons:

  • Very high in sodium
  • Processed meat (some people avoid for health reasons)
  • Nothing special or memorable about the flavor
  • Sides add significant calories if you want to keep the meal light
  • Not a fresh, whole-food option

Who Should Order This

You should probably try the grilled ham slice if you:

  • Work early and need quick breakfast before your shift
  • Want good protein without complexity
  • Are eating at Denny’s anyway and need something reliable
  • Are on a limited budget at a restaurant
  • Prefer simple, uncomplicated flavors

You can probably skip it if you:

  • Strictly avoid processed meats
  • Need to watch sodium intake
  • Want something more exciting or indulgent
  • Prefer fresh, whole foods

Worth Your Money: The Final Verdict

I order the grilled ham slice at Denny’s probably twice a month when I’m there. It’s not my favorite thing on the menu, but it’s reliable, fairly priced, and does what it’s supposed to do—fill you up with decent protein without breaking the bank.

The price is reasonable for what you get. At breakfast, it’s genuinely good value. The nutrition is passable if you’re not concerned about sodium. The taste is what you’d expect—nothing spectacular, but honest and straightforward.

If you’re looking for a solid breakfast option that won’t leave you feeling like you overpaid or got cheated, the grilled ham slice delivers. It’s not trendy. It’s not Instagram-worthy. But it works.

Read More: Denny’s Hash Browns Menu Price, Calories & Nutrition Facts (2026)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Denny’s grilled ham slice cost in 2026?

Expect to pay $8.99-$10.49 for breakfast and $10.99-$12.99 for lunch/dinner, depending on your location. Prices vary by region and local costs.

How many calories is a Denny’s grilled ham slice?

Just the ham is about 140-160 calories. With typical breakfast sides (eggs, hash browns, toast), the entire meal is 720-800 calories.

Is Denny’s grilled ham slice healthy?

It’s high in protein and reasonable in calories, but very high in sodium (1,100-1,200mg). If you’re watching sodium, this isn’t ideal. Otherwise, it’s decent for a restaurant meal.

Is it gluten-free?

The ham itself is, but toast comes with it. You’d need to skip the toast or ask for a gluten-free option.

Does sodium content matter if I’m eating healthy otherwise?

If you’re watching sodium for health reasons, one meal with 1,600-1,800mg is significant. It leaves little room for other salty foods that day.

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