Jimmy John’s bread Recipe
Discover the magic of Jimmy John's bread at home with our easy recipe. Bake perfection with our step-by-step guide. Elevate your sandwich game today! 🥖✨ #JimmyJohns #BreadRecipe

- Publisher: Crisprecipe
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Appetizer
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Yield: 2 baguette-sized loaves
- Calories: 180 calories
Jimmy Johns Bread
Jimmy John’s bread is the backbone of everything they serve—it’s that unmistakable chewy, golden sub roll that wraps around every sandwich on their menu. It’s soft inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and just sturdy enough to handle all the meats, cheeses, and dressings without falling apart. If you’ve ever bitten into one of their sandwiches and wondered why it tastes so different from grocery deli subs, it’s largely because of that fresh-baked, slightly sweet, yeasty roll. It’s not an artisan loaf or rustic sourdough—it’s purpose-built sandwich bread, and it nails that role.
The key ingredients are surprisingly simple: high-protein bread flour, yeast, sugar, salt, water, and a bit of oil. No crazy additives or preservatives—Jimmy John’s actually prides itself on making their bread in-house every day. The slight sweetness in the dough balances out salty deli meats like salami or ham, and the crumb inside is airy without being too soft. That texture is what gives it its signature “bite”—it doesn’t crumble or get soggy easily, which matters when you’re layering on cold cuts, lettuce, tomatoes, and vinaigrette.
When you eat Jimmy John’s bread, you get this gentle crust on the outside that makes a soft crackle when you squeeze it—then the inside gives way to that warm, slightly squishy center. It’s not rich like brioche or dense like bagels—it’s clean, simple, fresh. That fresh-baked smell is real too. When I worked near a Jimmy John’s, you could smell the bread wafting down the block mid-morning, and you’d know they were baking for the lunch rush. It has that familiar, almost nostalgic bakery smell, without being overpowering.
It’s usually served as a long sub roll (around 8 inches), but you can also get it as a “Frenchie” baguette style, or even sliced in half for their smaller sandwiches. Some folks even just buy the bread alone—Jimmy John’s actually sells their day-old loaves for cheap, and they’re great for hoagies at home or making garlic bread. If you get a sandwich to go and don’t eat it right away, the bread will hold up for a few hours without going limp. Reheating it? Wrap it in foil and warm in a low oven—don’t microwave, or you’ll lose the crust completely.
Nutrition-wise, it’s a standard white bread, so yes—it’s got carbs. A full roll lands you around 250–300 calories depending on the size, with minimal fat and a good chunk of sodium from the yeast and salt. If you're on a low-carb kick, Jimmy John’s actually offers an “Unwich,” which swaps the bread for a lettuce wrap—but let's be real, the bread is half the reason people go there.
If you’re craving that same flavor at home, scroll down and check out my copycat recipe below. I’ve baked it a dozen times, and with the right flour and a bit of patience, you can absolutely get that same chewy, golden roll right from your own oven.
Recipe
Unlock the secrets of Jimmy John's iconic bread with our foolproof homemade recipe! Dive into chewy perfection in every bite. 🥖✨ #HomemadeBread #FoodieAdventure
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1.5 cups warm water
Method Instructions
- In a bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water, then add yeast. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Combine flour and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, pour in the yeast mixture and add vegetable oil.
- Gradually incorporate the flour into the wet ingredients until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into two portions for sandwich-sized loaves.
- Shape each portion into a baguette-like form and place them on a baking sheet.
- Let the loaves rise for an additional 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Optional: Before baking, you can brush the loaves with a mixture of water and cornstarch for a glossy finish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the loaves are golden brown.
Enjoy your homemade Jimmy John's-style bread, adding your favorite sandwich ingredients for the full experience!
Recipe Video
This is a video about Jimmy Johns Bread.
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Recipe Tags: Jimmy Johns Bread, Jimmy Johns Bread Recipe, Recipe
Servings
Serving Jimmy John's bread can be a delightful experience, especially when paired with the right accompaniments. Here are some suggestions:
- Sandwiches: The most iconic way to enjoy Jimmy John's bread is by turning it into sandwiches. Load it up with your favorite deli meats, cheeses, fresh veggies, and condiments. The chewy texture and subtle flavor of the bread complement a wide range of fillings.
- Dipping Oil: Create a simple dipping oil by combining olive oil with herbs, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Slice the Jimmy John's bread into strips or cubes for a delightful appetizer or snack.
- Bruschetta: Toast slices of the bread and top them with a mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a delicious bruschetta.
- Panini: Make a gourmet panini by layering your favorite ingredients between slices of Jimmy John's bread and grilling it to perfection. The bread's robust texture stands up well to pressing.
- Cheese and Charcuterie Board: Serve slices of Jimmy John's bread on a cheese and charcuterie board alongside a variety of cheeses, cured meats, nuts, and fruits. It adds a unique element to the spread.
- Soup Accompaniment: Pair slices or chunks of Jimmy John's bread with your favorite soups. Its hearty texture can stand up to dipping into a warm bowl of soup, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Tips
- Yeast Activation: Make sure to activate the yeast properly. The water should be warm but not hot, as hot water can kill the yeast. Allow the yeast mixture to become frothy before proceeding.
- Kneading: Take the time to knead the dough thoroughly. This develops gluten, contributing to the bread's chewy texture. Aim for a smooth and elastic consistency.
- Rising Time: Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place. The rising time is crucial for the development of flavor and texture. The dough should double in size during this period.
- Flour Consistency: While kneading, add flour gradually as needed. The goal is to achieve a soft, slightly sticky dough. Too much flour can result in a dense final product.
- Shaping the Loaves: When shaping the loaves, create a tight surface to promote a uniform rise during the second proofing. This contributes to a better structure in the finished bread.
- Oven Temperature: Preheat your oven adequately. The initial high heat (375°F or 190°C) helps create a crisp crust. You can reduce the temperature slightly if the loaves brown too quickly.
- Optional Glossy Finish: If you desire a glossy finish on the bread, consider brushing the loaves with a water and cornstarch mixture before baking. This adds a polished look to the crust.
- Cooling: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. This helps retain its moisture and ensures a clean cut.
Ingredient Substitutes
If you find yourself missing a specific ingredient for the Jimmy John's-style French bread or need alternatives for dietary reasons, here are some potential substitutes:
- All-Purpose Flour: If you prefer a different type of flour, you can experiment with bread flour or whole wheat flour. Keep in mind that this might slightly alter the texture and flavor.
- Active Dry Yeast: Instant yeast can be used as a substitute for active dry yeast. However, you can use a bit less instant yeast than the amount of active dry yeast called for in the recipe.
- Vegetable Oil: Substitute vegetable oil with olive oil, canola oil, or melted butter for a different flavor profile.
- Sugar: Honey or maple syrup can be used instead of sugar, providing a subtle sweetness.
- Salt: If you're watching your sodium intake, you can reduce the amount of salt. Alternatively, sea salt or kosher salt can be used for a slightly different flavor.
Remarks
Embark on your culinary journey and savor the satisfaction of crafting Jimmy John's-inspired bread. Elevate your sandwiches with each homemade, chewy masterpiece. Your taste buds will thank you! 🥖✨ #HomemadeJoy #JimmyJohnsExperience