How to Make Jimmy John’s Bread: Bake Up Sub Shop Magic at Home

Last Updated on September 16, 2024 by Shari Mason

Imagine biting into a tasty sandwich from Jimmy John’s; the secret to its amazing flavor is definitely in the bread.

It’s soft, chewy, and a little crispy on the outside – the perfect vessel for their delicious subs.

As someone who enjoys baking, I decided to recreate that mouthwatering Jimmy John’s bread at home. Today, I’ll share the simple steps on how to make Jimmy John’s bread.

A Guide To Baking A Jimmy John’s Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
• 3 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 1/2 cups of warm water
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Activate The Yeast

Put the active dry yeast, sugar, and 1 1/2 cups of lukewarm water into a bowl and stir until it is dissolved. 

Allow it to rest for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, signifying the activation of the yeast [1].

Step 2: Mix The Ingredients

In a second, larger bowl, whisk together three cups of all-purpose flour, one teaspoon of salt, and two teaspoons of virgin olive oil until the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.

Step 3: Knead The Dough

Combine the active yeast with the dry ingredients until a dough forms. 

After transferring the dough to a surface dusted with flour, knead it for eight to ten minutes or until it has the consistency of a smooth and elastic rubber.

Step 4: First Rise

After the dough has been kneaded, place it in a bowl that has been greased, cover it with a cloth that has been dampened, and leave it to rise for approximately an hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Shape The Loaves

After the dough has rested and risen the first time, punch it down gently and divide it into 12 pieces, each weighing 3.33 ounces. 

“There are people in the world so hungry, that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread.”

– Mahatma Gandhi, Indian Lawyer

Shape each portion into rectangular logs, resembling the iconic Jimmy John’s bread.

Step 6: Second Rise

Arrange the shaped dough portions on a baking sheet, ensuring adequate spacing. 

Cover them with a cloth and let them rise for 15-20 minutes while preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Once the second rise is complete, transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. 

Bake the loaves for 20-25 minutes or until they acquire a golden-brown crust and emit a hollow sound when tapped.

Step 8: Cool & Store

Before slicing the newly made Jimmy John’s bread, let it cool down on a rack or wire rack once it has finished baking. 

You can keep any extra bread in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge, or you can freeze it for later.

Nutritional Value Of Jimmy John’s Bread

To help you make informed choices about your Jimmy John’s sandwich, let’s take a closer look at the nutritional values of their different bread options. 

Remember that the values may vary slightly depending on the specific bread used for your order.

Nutritional Information	French Bread (Sub)	French Bread (Club/Slim)	Seven-Grain Wheat Bread
Calories per serving	250	345	346
Total Fat (grams)	0	0	4.9
Protein (grams)	10.7	14.8	14.5
Cholesterol (mg)	0	0	0
Total Carbohydrates (g)	46.4	64	64
Dietary Fiber (g)	0	0	5
Sodium (mg)	429	591	518

Note: The nutritional values mentioned above are approximate and may vary slightly depending on serving sizes and specific ingredients. 

Which Kind Of Bread Is Available At Jimmy John’s?

Jimmy John’s offers a selection of bread choices and one of the notable options is the seven-grain wheat bread, which is a wholesome and hearty choice.

Besides, you can enjoy their signature French Bread, used for their sub sandwiches. If you want a lighter option, opt for the Sliced Wheat Bread.

“In every slice of homemade Jimmy John’s bread, you taste the dedication to freshness and flavor.”

– Eat Pallet Restaurant & Food Advice

For those seeking a low-carb alternative, the Unwich provides a lettuce wrap option instead of traditional bread. 

Find out who makes the chips for Jimmy John’s here.

What Jimmy John’s Bread Is The Best?

Regarding Jimmy John’s bread, the title of the best-loved option often goes to the iconic French bread. 

Its widespread appeal lies in its use as the standard bread for a wide range of sandwiches, including Slims, Originals, Favorites, and the hearty Gargantuan. 

Plus, its soft interior and crispy crust strike the perfect balance, providing a delightful texture that complements a variety of fillings. 

But how can you make Jimmy John’s Kickin Ranch?

Is The Bread Made At Jimmy John’s Fresh?

At Jimmy John’s, freshness is a cornerstone of their bread-making process. The French bread and the 9-Grain wheat bread are baked continually throughout the day.

It ensures that customers enjoy their sandwiches on bread that’s as fresh as possible. 

These loaves are always served within four hours of emerging from the oven, guaranteeing that when you bite into your favorite Jimmy John’s sandwich, you’re enjoying bread that is as fresh as can be. 

Why Does Jimmy John’s Rip The Bread Out?

Jimmy John’s practice of removing some of the bread from the sandwich is first to reduce the calorie count of the sandwich by minimizing the bread volume, making it a choice for calorie-conscious customers. 

Secondly, this technique allows additional toppings to be packed into the sandwich, enhancing the overall flavor and ingredient distribution. 

This results in a flavor-packed and satisfying experience, ensuring that every bite is bursting with the savory goodness of your chosen ingredients. 

Also Read: What Makes Jimmy John’s So Good?

FAQs

Final Say

Ultimately, Jimmy John’s bread is more than just the foundation of their sandwiches; it’s a testament to their commitment to freshness and variety.

Their bread choices, including the renowned French bread and the wholesome 9-Grain wheat bread, are baked daily, ensuring you enjoy your meal with the freshest bread possible, served within four hours of leaving the oven. 

Lastly, the practice of removing some inner bread not only lowers calorie counts but also creates space for an abundance of delectable toppings, optimizing both flavor and nutrition. 

References:

1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323245
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/295268#heart-health-and-blood-pressure