Dennys Archives - The Slow Roasted Italian

Moons Over My Hammy (Denny’s Copycat Breakfast Recipe)

Donna Elick — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

The Moons Over My Hammy at Denny’s is an irresistible breakfast sandwich that’s easy to make at home. Golden, buttery toast stacked high with layers of warm ham, creamy melted cheese, and soft scrambled eggs that spill out with every bite. The sourdough turns crisp and deeply toasted while the cheese melts into the ham, creating that rich, savory middle every diner sandwich dreams of. It’s warm, indulgent, and gloriously satisfying… the kind of breakfast sandwich that makes you slow down and savor every bite.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS MOONS OVER HAMMY SANDWICH

Classic diner comfort food at home
Ready in just 20 minutes
Buttery, crisp bread with melty cheese
Loaded with eggs and ham
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or breakfast-for-dinner

Moons Over My Hammy

If you’ve ever eaten at Denny’s late at night, you probably know exactly what this sandwich is.

Moons Over My Hammy has been one of those iconic diner orders forever. It’s simple… just eggs, ham, cheese, and toast. But somehow it hits every comfort food note at once.

Chad and I have always loved recreating restaurant favorites at home, and this one was a no-brainer.

It’s fast, it’s hearty, and it tastes just like the diner version when you get the toast perfectly golden and the cheese melted into the ham.

Sometimes the best recipes aren’t complicated. They’re just really good sandwiches.

Copycat breakfasts are always a hit, and our Cracker Barrel Beignets pair with them as the perfect indulgent morning treat!

INGREDIENT NOTES

Sourdough Bread: Adds structure and flavor while holding up to the fillings.
American Cheese: Melts into the eggs for that creamy, nostalgic texture.
Swiss Cheese: Pairs beautifully with the ham and adds that classic diner flavor.
Thin Sliced Ham: Heats quickly and layers perfectly in the Moons Over Hammy sandwich.
Salted Butter: Creates that irresistible golden crust on the bread.

VARIATIONS

Double Cheese: Add extra Swiss for a richer sandwich.

Bacon Version: Swap the ham for crispy strips of bacon.

Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

Richer Flavor: Whisk a little milk or cream into the eggs before scrambling.

Add a Spread: Smooth a thin layer of mayonnaise on the inside of the bread slices for moisture.

Breakfast Melt: Layer sautéed onions or mushrooms between the eggs and ham.

Texas Toast Style: Use thick slices of Texas Toast instead of sourdough.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Add crispy hash browns and fresh fruit on the side.
Serve with hot coffee or orange juice.
Pair a Moon Over My Hammy with pancakes or waffles.
Cook several at once on a griddle for brunch crowds.

MOON OVER MY HAMMY FAQ

Where does the name Moons Over My Hammy come from?

The Denny’s breakfast sandwich was inspired by the 1930s jazz song, made famous in the film “Moon Over Miami.” The eggs were originally served sunny side up (resembling two moons) before they were changed to scrambled.

Moon Over Miami –> eggs over ham –> moons over my hammy. Get it?

Can I use regular sandwich bread?

It’ll work in a pinch, but sourdough crisps better and is sturdy enough to hold up under the layers of ham, eggs, and cheese.

Why isn’t my cheese melting?

Make sure to use thin slices for the fastest melt. Once the bread is toasted, you can pop a lid over the pan to help the cheese melt faster.

Can I make this ahead?

Denny’s Moons Over My Hammy has the best texture when served fresh, but you can wrap leftovers in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven.

The key to a great diner sandwich is timing, and the Denny’s Moons Over My Hammy is no different.

Bread should toast slowly in butter so it becomes deeply golden without burning, while the cheese melts just enough to bind everything together.

Cooking the eggs gently over medium-low heat keeps them soft and creamy instead of dry.

Once the sandwich comes together, that warm egg layer acts almost like a sauce, bringing the whole thing together.

It’s a simple technique… but it makes a big difference.

DONNA’S PRO TIPS

Cook the eggs low and slow for the softest texture.
Use real butter for the best toast.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet, or the bread won’t turn golden.
Toast the bread evenly on both sides so the sandwich doesn’t get soggy.
Let the cheese melt fully before assembling Moons Over My Hammy.
Serve immediately while it’s still hot.

TOOLS NEEDED

Large Skillet or Griddle: For melting the cheese onto the toasted bread.
Nonstick Skillet: To scramble the eggs.
Silicone Spatula: Gently stirring while scrambling.
Mixing Bowl: For whisking the eggs.

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Other Grab and Go Breakfast Ideas

Cheese and Sausage Breakfast Sliders

Blueberry Almond Cake

Freezer Breakfast Burritos

Bacon Egg and Cheese Bombs

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TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read) THE QUICK VERSION

Denny’s diner classic at home
Eggs, ham, and melty cheese on buttery toast
Ready in 20 minutes
Perfect breakfast sandwich
Great for brunch or breakfast-for-dinner
Nostalgic comfort food
Easy restaurant copycat

Moons Over My Hammy (Denny’s Copycat Breakfast Recipe)

Moons Over My Hammy is a scrumptious restaurant favorite with eggs, ham, and cheese. This Denny's breakfast sandwich recipe is SO easy!

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Method Stovetop

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings

Calories 687cal

Author Donna Elick

Equipment

Ingredients

5 tablespoons salted butter softened and divided
8 large eggs
8 slices sourdough bread or artisan bread
4 slices Swiss cheese (about 4 ounces)
4 slices American cheese (about 4 ounces)
16 slices thin deli ham (about 8 ounces)

Instructions

COOK EGGS: Melt 1 of the 5 tablespoons salted butter in a medium nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. In a bowl, whisk 8 large eggs until well combined. Pour eggs into the skillet and cook over medium-low heat, gently stirring with a silicone spatula to bring cooked eggs from the edges toward the center. Cook until the eggs are softly scrambled and no liquid egg remains, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
BUTTER BREAD: Spread the remaining 4 tablespoons salted butter evenly over one side of each of the 8 slices sourdough bread.
TOAST BREAD: Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the bread slices buttered side down in the skillet.
ADD CHEESE AND HAM: On 4 slices of the 8 slices sourdough bread or artisan bread, place 1 slice of the 4 slices Swiss cheese and top each with 4 of the 16 slices thin deli ham. On the remaining 4 slices of bread, place 1 slice American cheese.
MELT AND TOAST: Cook the bread until golden brown and toasted, about 2 to 3 minutes. The cheese should be melted and the ham warmed through.
ADD EGGS: Divide the scrambled eggs evenly among the slices topped with 4 slices American cheese.
ASSEMBLE SANDWICHES: Place the ham and Swiss halves on top of the egg halves to form 4 sandwiches. Serve with the eggs on top and the ham on the bottom, just like the diner classic.

Notes

Make-Ahead: You can cook the scrambled eggs up to 1 day ahead. Store in the refrigerator and reheat gently before assembling the sandwiches.

Storage: Store leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Reheat sandwiches in a skillet over medium-low heat or warm in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through.

Freezing: Wrap assembled sandwiches tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Ingredient Tip: Deli-style thin sliced ham works best because it heats quickly and layers easily on the sandwich.

Nutrition

Originally published October 2022, updated and republished April 2026

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The post Moons Over My Hammy (Denny’s Copycat Breakfast Recipe) appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

Best Ever Restaurant Copycat Recipes to Make at Home

Donna Elick — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 11:05:53 +0000

Cravings for your favorite restaurant dishes can just about drive you mad. But with our list of Copycat Recipes at your fingertips, you can enjoy your restaurant favorites in the comfort of your home for a fraction of the cost.

I love taking popular dishes from my favorite restaurants and turning them into the real deal right at home!

I’m talking Panda Express, Red Lobster, Olive Garden, and all the other well-known restaurants that we all know and love.

You can easily make some of your favorite recipes at home, so be sure to check out the list below!

Copycat Recipes

There are some things I can not seem to get enough of… I mean, I used to eat at Red Lobster just for the biscuits!!

By now, you all know of my love affair with Olive Garden, but there are so many more copycat recipes from restaurants and fast food joints to choose from.

I’ve built up quite a collection over the years so I can chow down on my restaurant favorites any time, any day, without ever leaving the house — and so can you!!

That’s why I’m sharing our list of the best ever copycat restaurant recipes, from appetizers and soups to entrees and even desserts.

Is there something missing from our list? A recipe you just have to have? Let us know in the comments and maybe you’ll see it in the future!

Click on the BOLD recipe title, and it will open each one in a new tab. Click on the center of the image to Pin it to Pinterest.

Best Copycat Recipe for Appetizers

While these certainly make excellent starters for parties and dinner guests, they’re also great for snacking or a light meal too!

Applebee’s Spinach Artichoke Dip combines simple, fresh ingredients for mouthwatering flavor and one tasty appetizer. This copycat recipe will have you hooked the first time you make it.

Our copycat version of Olive Garden Fried Mozzarella tastes even better than the original! Fresh, creamy mozzarella is coated in crispy, garlicky breadcrumbs for maximum crunch and flavor. Pair with all of your favorite dipping sauces!

Cheesecake Factory Avocado Egg Rolls are one of our favorite copycat restaurant recipes! Serve them with Chipotle Ranch Dipping Sauce, and your guests will be begging for more!

Make Outback’s Bloomin’ Onion at home by frying large sweet onions in a flavorful batter. It’s like crispy onion rings that you can share — don’t forget the sauce! Plus, this copycat recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes.

Soup & Salad

Whether you’re looking for a light meal or a hearty side, these copycat recipes for soup and salad are just the thing!

Panera Copycat Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting cheesy blend of tender veggies and spices for the perfect, velvety bite. One of the best copycat recipes for colder weather!

This homemade version of Olive Garden Minestrone is loaded with plenty of veggies, plus tender beans and pasta, to fill you right up! It’s ready in just 30 minutes and makes enough for leftovers too.

Wendy’s Apple Pecan Salad is the ultimate flex dish! Include chicken to make it a meal, or enjoy it as a fresh, sweet, and nutty side without the meat.

What’s better than Outback Baked Potato Soup? A bowl of our homemade version, of course! Enjoy this one pot copycat recipe for soup made with simple, fresh ingredients.

Fast Food Favorites

Skip that mile-long drive-thru line and whip up your favorite order at home with our best copycat recipes. They’re sure to satisfy your late-night cravings!

Taco Bell Mexican Pizza is one of the most popular menu items, but it sometimes disappears without warning! Now, you can make it at home whenever you want — and this recipe makes 4 servings. I’ll add some refried beans and extra cheese on mine, but that’s up to you!

It’s so easy to recreate Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese at home, that it’s one of our favorite copycat recipes! Enjoy a bowl on its own or as a warm side for your homemade chicken sandwich!

This homemade Whataburger Patty Melt features two cheesy burger patties topped with caramelized onions and signature sauce, stacked onto crunchy Texas Toast. Add a side of zesty fries and a bottle of cherry cola! This just might be the best burger recipe to make at home!

Wendy’s Chili was one of our very first copycat restaurant recipes, and it has stood the test of time! Packed with beef and beans, plus green chiles for some heat, you can make it on the stove in just 30 minutes.

Best Copycat Recipes for Dinner

Finally, the main event!! Whether you’re looking for savory proteins or an all-in-one meal, these are the copycat recipes from restaurants that we get asked for the most!

Copycat Cheesecake Factory Bang Bang Shrimp is quick and easy to make and absolutely bursting with flavor. With this recipe at your fingertips, you can enjoy bang bang shrimp whenever the cravings strike — and in your slippers! — at a fraction of the price.

Chipotle’s Famous Barbacoa is the Mexican barbecue of my dreams. Seared beef is slow-cooked in a spectacular spicy adobo sauce, creating the most tender Mexican shredded beef. Even better, you can make it in the crockpot!

Nothing says comfort food like Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. One of our heartiest copycat recipes, this meatloaf is made with crackers and the best glaze you’ve ever had! Serve over creamy mashed potatoes with your favorite veggies.

Chili’s Monterey Chicken is one of the best copycat recipes for the whole family, and it’s ready in just 30 minutes! This skillet dinner will save you time on busy nights, and it’s kid-approved too.

Side Dishes

Often overlooked, restaurant side dishes can make or break the whole meal! These are the ones we come back to again and again, whether it’s a weeknight meal or a holiday feast.

Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice is so versatile — enjoy as a side, add it to burritos, or use it to make a bowl! Enjoy fluffy, flavorful rice in just 30 minutes.

Soft, buttery, and simply addicting, you’ll want to make these Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls as often as you can! This easy recipe makes 4 dozen rolls so no one needs to fight over the last one.

Everyone’s got their go-to recipe for Thanksgiving, but Boston Market Copycat Sweet Potato Casserole always steals the show! Creamy sweet potatoes are topped with marshmallows and brown sugar streusel for the ultimate in decadent side dishes.

Dessert Copycat Restaurant Recipes

We’re usually way too stuffed to even look at the dessert menu, so copycat recipes let us enjoy some sweets when we have the room.

Cheesecake Factory Key Lime Cheesecake is tart and tangy with a tender graham cracker crust. The fluffy whipped topping really sets this baked cheesecake recipe over the top! In my opinion, this is the best way to make cheesecake at home!

Why share a slice when you can make a whole pan? Olive Garden Chocolate Brownie Lasagna is the ultimate dessert for the chocoholics in your life, featuring layers of brownie, cream cheese frosting, and even more chocolate on top.

Make Cake Batter Ice Cream just like Cold Stone with this easy 5-minute recipe. Each bite is so sweet and creamy — all you have to do is wait for it to freeze! I’ll make this during the holiday months a lot and add Christmas sprinkles for some festive fun!

Dole Whip is an iconic Disney dessert, and this homemade version is sweet, creamy, and made with real ingredients. Enjoy this frozen pineapple treat for the perfect touch of magic on a hot summer day.

Breakfast

You didn’t think we’d miss the most important meal of the day, did you? Whether you want something sweet, savory, or easy to grab on the way out the door… we’ve got you covered!

Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls feature ribbons of thick cinnamon-sugar filling and a cream cheese frosting that you’re sure to remember long after the cinnamon roll is gone. It’s one of our top copycat recipes for the holidays!

One thing you can always count on — no matter the season — is the Starbucks Blueberry Muffin! Make a dozen to enjoy at home, featuring that signature crunchy, sweet layer that makes every bite extra scrumptious.

Denny’s Moons Over My Hammy is the ultimate diner breakfast sandwich, and now you can make it at home! With layers of juicy ham, fluffy eggs, and plenty of gooey cheese on toasted bread, it’s a clear winner for breakfast or brunch!

Sauce & Dressing Copycat Recipes from Restaurants

One of the best budget hacks is to order your favorite takeout dressing or sauce and make the dish itself at home. Now, you don’t even have to do that! Make your favorites from start to finish without ever leaving the kitchen.

Creamy Olive Garden Alfredo is always a winner on pasta and veggies, but you can use it for so much more! Try it as a dip for appetizers or mix it into casseroles. This recipe makes plenty, and you can freeze it for later too!

There never seems to be enough Taco Bell Nacho Cheese Sauce, so why not make a big batch yourself? With just 4 ingredients and 10 minutes of your time, you can enjoy it with all your takeout favorites or as a party dip!

Copycat McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce tastes just like the real thing, and you can add as much as you want to your burger! Tangy and creamy, this special sauce is also tasty with fries, veggie sticks, or as a dressing for pasta salad.

Panera Green Goddess Dressing packs a punch of herb flavor into a light, creamy topping

The fun part about making these copycat dishes from some of the most popular restaurants is that you can make them any time of the year!

That means that even if you’re the biggest fans of the dish on their menu, you can whip up that same dish right at home. This includes favorites from chain restaurants, famous brands, and more!