Skip to Content
Home » Recipes » Copycat Recipes » Jimmy John’s Bread Recipe

Jimmy John’s Bread Recipe

Jimmy John’s, the renowned sandwich franchise, has captivated taste buds across America with its delectably soft and fresh-baked bread.

The allure of their sandwiches is largely attributed to the distinctive recipe of this staple item.

These versions typically highlight a key ingredient along with other simple ingredients to reproduce the bread’s characteristic texture and flavor.

Crafting a replica of Jimmy John’s bread involves focusing on precision and the quality of ingredients, as the original recipe is celebrated for its simplicity and lack of preservatives.

How to Make Jimmy John’s Bread

The recipe hinges on the proper preparation of the yeast mixture and the dough to achieve that distinct chewy texture.

jimmy johns bread recipe

Ingredients List

  • Yeast Mixture:
    • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast or instant yeast
    • 1 cup (240 grams) warm water (around 110°F/45°C)
    • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • Bread Dough:
    • 4 cups (about 480 grams) bread flour, plus more for dusting
    • 1 tablespoon of salt
    • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Step-by-step process

Step 1: Yeast Activation

Begin by dissolving 1 tablespoon of sugar in 1 cup of warm water in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast over the surface. Allow the mixture to sit until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active, about 5-10 minutes.

Step 2: Mixing Dry Ingredients

In a different mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of bread flour with 1 tablespoon of salt, ensuring they are thoroughly mixed.

Step 3: Combining Wet and Dry Components

Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to it. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the flour mixture and mix until a rough dough forms.

Step 4: Kneading the Dough

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it by hand for about 6-8 minutes until the bread dough is smoother and more elastic, which will contribute to the chewy texture of the bread.

Step 5: First Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, turning it once to coat the dough with oil. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it sit in a warm spot to rise until it doubles in size, approximately 1-2 hours.

Step 6: Shaping and Second Rise

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to remove any air bubbles. Shape the dough into a loaf of bread and place it onto a greased baking sheet. Cover it with plastic wrap loosely and let it rise again until it puffs up, about 30-45 minutes.

Step 7: Baking the Bread

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the bread for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

Step 8: Cooling

After baking, transfer the loaf to a wire rack and let the bread cool completely. This step is crucial as it allows the structure to set and prevents the bread from becoming soggy.

Side Dishes For Jimmy Johns Bread

When enjoying a delicious herb-infused bread or a classic French bread loaf from Jimmy John’s, selecting the right side dishes can enhance the overall dining experience.

A variety of sides, from simple pairings to more complex dishes, can bring out the flavors of the bread, accommodate different diet preferences, including vegan diets, and fit into various meal plans.

Provolone-Stuffed Peppers

One can prepare small bell peppers filled with slices of provolone cheese and roast them until the cheese melts.

This dish provides a creamy and mildly sharp contrast to the crunchy crust of French bread, presenting a delectable harmony of textures.

Mixed Olive Tapenade

A tapenade made from an assortment of pitted olives, capers, along with fresh herbs, serves as a bold and briny complement to the bread.

Spread over warm slices, it offers a Mediterranean flair suitable for both vegan and non-vegan preferences.

Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato basil soup, with its rich and tangy flavor profile, pairs exceptionally well with a slice of herb-infused bread.

Dipping the bread into the soup enhances its flavors and adds a comforting element to the meal.

Cucumber Salad

A light and refreshing cucumber salad dressed with vinegar, oil, and herbs serves as a crisp companion to a dense French bread loaf.

The freshness of the salad balances the hearty bread, especially in meal plans aiming for variety.

Each side dish is carefully chosen to complement the savory notes of Jimmy John’s bread and to cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary requirements.

Ingredient Substitutes

Wheat Flour

When making bread akin to Jimmy John’s, all-purpose flour can serve as an alternative to wheat flour, particularly when seeking a similar protein content for a robust dough structure.

Olive Oil

For those desiring different nuances in their Olive Bread, canola oil or vegetable oil can be used instead of olive oil.

These oils offer a neutral taste and maintain the bread’s moist texture.

Cup of Cornmeal

Breadcrumbs or semolina can replace a cup of cornmeal to provide the desired crustiness in savory bread recipes.

They contribute to the texture without heavily influencing the flavor.

Teaspoons Salt

In Rye Bread or other savory bread variations, kosher salt or sea salt can be used in lieu of table salt.

Both alternatives are perceived as less processed and may add trace minerals.

Honey in Honey Wheat Bread

Maple syrup or agave nectar are excellent substitutes for honey in Honey Wheat Bread.

These sweeteners can mimic honey’s moisture and sweetness while adding their unique flavors.

Flavoring in Olive Bread

For a twist on Olive Bread, sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers can be incorporated.

They complement the bread’s savoriness and add a burst of color and taste.

How to Store Jimmy John’s Bread

In a Bread Box

They should use a bread box to store Jimmy John’s bread if they prefer a traditional method that allows the bread to breathe.

The bread box helps maintain moderate humidity levels, which helps keep the bread fresh longer.

Wrapped in Plastic Wrap

Wrapping the bread in plastic wrap is another effective way to store Jimmy John’s bread.

Plastic wrap seals in moisture so the bread doesn’t dry out quickly.

It’s important for them to wrap the bread tightly to prevent excess air from getting in.

In the Freezer

For long-term storage, they can freeze Jimmy John’s bread.

They must remember that the optimal shelf life for Jimmy John’s bread on the counter is two days, and up to seven days when stored properly in the refrigerator.

When freezing, they should label the package with the date to keep track of freshness.

Thawing the loaf at room temperature preserves its texture and flavor best, so they should refrain from using the microwave or oven to defrost the bread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Incorrect Measurement of Sugar

Too much or too little sugar can disrupt the yeast activity.

One tablespoon of sugar is usually sufficient to achieve the right balance; deviating from this can result in bread that does not rise properly or has an off taste.

Overlooking the Moisture Content

Proper moisture content is critical.

Bread that is too dry or too wet can lead to poor texture.

Home bakers should ensure that the dough has a consistent moisture content for an optimal rise and chewy crust characteristic of Jimmy John’s bread.

Neglecting Scale Recipes for Bread Machines

When using a bread machine, it is essential to adjust the recipe.

Respecting the capacity of the machine ensures that the bread cooks evenly and the ingredients mix correctly, preventing overflows or under-mixed dough.

Disregarding the Importance of Ingredient Temperature

Ingredients at the wrong temperature can affect the dough’s rise.

Ensure that all ingredients, particularly water, are at the appropriate temperature to facilitate yeast activation.

Using Inappropriate Flour Types

Not all flour is created equal.

Employing flour with a wide range of protein content can dramatically influence the texture of the bread.

Stick to the specified flour type to replicate Jimmy John’s bread’s signature texture.

jimmy johns bread recipe

Jimmy Johns Bread Recipe

Jimmy John's, the renowned sandwich franchise, has captivated taste buds across America with its delectably soft and fresh-baked bread. 
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 3
Ingredients
  
Yeast Mixture
  • 1 tbsp Active dry yeast or instant yeast
  • 1 cup Warm water (around 110°F/45°C)
  • 1 tbsp Sugar
Bread Dough
  • 4 cups Bread flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 tbsp Salt
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
Instructions
 
  • Begin by dissolving 1 tablespoon of sugar in 1 cup of warm water in a mixing bowl.
    Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast over the surface. Allow the mixture to sit until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active, about 5-10 minutes.
  • In a different mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of bread flour with 1 tablespoon of salt, ensuring they are thoroughly mixed.
  • Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to it.
    Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the flour mixture and mix until a rough dough forms.
  • Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it by hand for about 6-8 minutes until the bread dough is smoother and more elastic, which will contribute to the chewy texture of the bread.
  • Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, turning it once to coat the dough with oil.
    Cover it with plastic wrap and let it sit in a warm spot to rise until it doubles in size, approximately 1-2 hours.
  • Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to remove any air bubbles.
    Shape the dough into a loaf of bread and place it onto a greased baking sheet.
    Cover it with plastic wrap loosely and let it rise again until it puffs up, about 30-45 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
    Remove the plastic wrap and bake the bread for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
  • After baking, transfer the loaf to a wire rack and let the bread cool completely.
    This step is crucial as it allows the structure to set and prevents the bread from becoming soggy.

jimmy johns bread recipe pin sml

Do you like this recipe or these cooking tips?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

(Visited 820 times, 2 visits today)

DMCA.com Protection Status