Waffle House City Ham: Price, Nutrition, Allergen and Gluten Information

One Slice of Hickory Smoked City Ham (3-oz)

Waffle House’s signature city ham has earned a devoted fan following among diners nationwide, due to its availability 24/7. This thin-sliced, perfectly salty meat cooked on their famous flat-top grill provides the ideal savory complement to waffles, eggs, or hash browns. With its consistent quality and reasonable price point, it’s no wonder this menu item has become a fixture in the Waffle House experience that spans generations of loyal customers.

What Is the City Ham?

Waffle House’s signature offering features thin-sliced, wet-cured ham that’s quickly grilled to perfection on their iconic flat-top. Unlike country ham, this variety offers a milder, less salty flavor profile with a tender, moist texture that appeals to a wide range of customers. The cooking process creates slight caramelization around the edges while maintaining juiciness in the center. It’s served hot off the grill, often alongside breakfast classics.

Ingredients:

• Pork ham (select cuts for consistent quality)
• Water (part of the curing process)
• Salt (for flavor and preservation)
• Sugar (provides subtle sweetness and aids browning)
• Sodium phosphates (maintains moisture and texture)
• Sodium nitrite (preservative that gives ham its pink color)
• Natural smoke flavoring (in some locations)
• No artificial colors or flavors
• Spices (specific blend varies by supplier)

City Ham Pricing (2025)

Waffle House’s signature city ham remains an affordable protein option on their menu. Prices may vary slightly by location, particularly in airports or metropolitan areas, but customers can generally expect the following:

Customization Options

Waffle House prides itself on accommodating customer preferences, offering several ways to customize your city ham experience:

• Double the meat: Add an extra slice for heartier appetites (+$2.25-$2.75)
• Cheese additions: American, cheddar, or Swiss cheese melted on top (+$0.75)
• Cooking preference: Request extra grilling for more caramelization (no charge)
• Combination meals: Add to any breakfast combo (+$3.00 on average)
• Sandwich style: Request ham on toast or a biscuit instead of a platter (+$1.00 from base price)
• Egg combinations: Paired with eggs cooked to your preference (varies by selection)
• Hash brown additions: Combine with Waffle House’s famous “scattered, smothered, covered” hash browns (+$3.25-$4.50)
• Triple play: Ham, bacon, and sausage sampler for indecisive diners (+$4.50 from base price)

Nutritional Information

The signature city ham offers a protein-rich option that’s relatively low in calories (70) and carbohydrates (around 1g), making it one of the more diet-friendly choices at Waffle House. However, it does contain significant sodium, typical of cured meats, which is something to consider for those monitoring salt intake.

For those following specific dietary approaches, this ham fits well into low-carbohydrate, keto, and high-protein meal plans when ordered without carb-heavy sides.

Allergen Information

The signature city ham contains minimal allergens, making it suitable for many dietary restrictions, though cross-contamination is possible due to Waffle House’s open kitchen environment.

View Full Waffle House Menu With Prices

Contains:

• Pork (primary ingredient)
• May contain sodium nitrite (common preservative in cured meats)

Free from:

• No dairy ingredients
• No eggs
• No wheat/gluten
• No tree nuts
• No peanuts
• No fish/shellfish
• No soy (in most cases, though check with your server as suppliers may vary)

May contain trace amounts of other allergens due to shared cooking surfaces

Always inform your server about severe allergies, if you have any among the above mentioned ingredients.

Gluten Information

Good news for gluten-sensitive diners: Waffle House’s signature ham is gluten-free by ingredient. The ham itself contains no wheat or gluten ingredients and is a viable option for those avoiding gluten in their diet.

However, important considerations for those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity:

• The ham is cooked on the same grill as gluten-containing items like pancake batter and toast
• Cross-contamination is possible in the busy kitchen environment
• Waffle House does not have dedicated gluten-free preparation areas
• Staff will generally accommodate requests to minimize cross-contact when possible

For a completely gluten-free meal, consider pairing the ham with eggs and hash browns (specify no flour dusting) rather than waffles or toast. Many regular customers with gluten sensitivity report enjoying this combination without issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for Ordering

• Ask for your city ham “well-done” if you prefer a slightly crispy edge with more caramelization
• Create a low-carb meal by ordering ham and eggs without toast or waffles
• The signature ham pairs exceptionally well with the “scattered, smothered, and covered” hash browns
• For maximum value, consider the breakfast platter with ham, which includes eggs and hash browns
• If you’re torn between the wet-cured and Country Ham varieties, some locations will let you sample both
• Order ham on the side of any breakfast for added protein without committing to a full ham platter
• Visit during off-peak hours (2-4 PM) for the most attentive service and consistent preparation

Conclusion: Is the City Ham Worth It?

At $4.20 per slice or $9.95-$11.50 for a complete breakfast platter, Waffle House’s signature ham delivers consistent quality and satisfying flavor that keeps customers returning decade after decade. Its protein-rich, low-carb profile makes it a smart choice for health-conscious diners, offering the classic taste and reliable experience that Waffle House has perfected. Whether as the star of your meal or a side to your favorite breakfast classics, this ham remains one of Waffle House’s most dependable offerings at any hour of the day or night.

Have you tried the Waffle House signature city ham? What’s your favorite way to order it? Share your thoughts in the comments below!