I still remember the first time I took a bite of a Jimmy John’s sandwich—the bread was the first thing that got me. Soft on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside, with that just-right chew.
It wasn’t long before I found myself wondering if I could pull off a homemade version of that same bread. I tested, tweaked, and baked loaf after loaf until I finally landed on a version that made me stop and say, “Yep. This is it.”
In this post, I’ll show you how to make this Jimmy Johns Bread Recipe in your own kitchen. Whether you’re looking to recreate your favorite sub or just want a good French bread that works for sandwiches, this recipe’s for you.
You’ll need a few simple ingredients—flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and olive oil—and a little patience, but the payoff is totally worth it.
What Is Jimmy John’s Bread?
It’s a soft, slightly chewy French-style bread with a mild flavor. The outer crust has just enough structure to hold fillings without being tough, and the inside is soft and fluffy—perfect for holding cold cuts, spreads, or just a simple butter swipe.
How To Make Jimmy Johns Bread Recipe At Home
This Jimmy Johns Bread Recipe is a homemade take on the soft, chewy French bread you find at Jimmy John’s. It’s made with everyday ingredients and is perfect for subs, hoagies, or just eating warm with butter.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (includes rise time)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Bread, Lunch
- Difficulty: Easy to Medium
- Yield: 4 sub-style loaves
- Calories: Approx. 210 per serving
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need for the Jimmy Johns Bread Recipe:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
Ingredient Notes:
- Warm Water: Not hot—just warm to the touch. Too hot can kill the yeast.
- Flour: All-purpose flour works best for a soft but sturdy texture. Bread flour can make it chewier.
- Olive Oil: Adds a little flavor and helps with softness.
Instructions
Let’s bake this together step-by-step:
1. Activate The Yeast
In a large mixing bowl (or your stand mixer bowl), combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This is the yeast waking up and getting ready to work.
Tip: If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be expired or the water might’ve been too hot.
2. Mix The Dough
Add in the olive oil and salt, then slowly stir in the flour one cup at a time. If using a stand mixer, switch to a dough hook and let it knead on medium speed for about 8 minutes. If mixing by hand, knead on a lightly floured surface for 10 minutes.
The dough should be smooth and elastic—not too sticky.
3. First Rise
Lightly grease a mixing bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
Hack: I like placing it in the oven (turned off) with the light on. It creates a cozy spot for the dough to rise.
4. Shape The Loaves
Punch down the dough and divide it into 4 equal parts. Shape each into a log about 8 inches long. Lay them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
5. Bake The Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Right before baking, you can slash the tops of each loaf lightly with a sharp knife for that bakery look.
Bake for about 20–25 minutes, until the bread is golden and sounds hollow when tapped.
Let it cool slightly before slicing.
What Kind Of Bread Does Jimmy Johns Use?
Jimmy John’s uses a proprietary French bread that’s baked fresh in stores every day. It’s designed to hold up to sandwich fillings without falling apart, and that balance of softness and chew is what makes it stand out.
This homemade version hits that same sweet spot using basic ingredients like flour, yeast, and olive oil.
Is Jimmy John’s Bread Healthy?
In terms of ingredients, it’s pretty straightforward—flour, water, yeast, salt, and a little sugar and olive oil. It’s not loaded with preservatives or additives, which makes the homemade version a cleaner option. Portion control is key, especially if you’re watching your carb intake.
How Long Does Jimmy John’s Bread Last?
Freshly baked loaves will stay good for up to 2 days at room temperature in an airtight bag. You can refrigerate it to make it last up to a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing.
Pairing & Serving Suggestions
- Slice it open for sub sandwiches with cold cuts, cheese, and crisp lettuce.
- Toast it with garlic butter for a quick side.
- Serve warm with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
- Makes great French toast the next day—yep, trust me on this one.
Personal Touch & Expert Tips
I’ve made this bread recipe more times than I can count, and here’s what helps it come out great every time:
- Watch the water temp. Yeast is sensitive. Stick to warm, not hot.
- Don’t rush the rise. A good rise makes a huge difference in flavor and texture.
- Steam trick: Place a pan of hot water on the bottom oven rack while baking. It creates steam that helps the crust stay soft and chewy.
This bread smells amazing while baking—like walking past a Jimmy John’s shop just as they pull loaves from the oven. That smell alone is worth baking it from scratch.
FAQs About Jimmy Johns Bread Recipe
Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead Of Active Dry Yeast?
Yes, just skip the proofing step and mix it directly into the flour. You’ll still need warm water to activate it properly.
Can I Make This Without A Stand Mixer?
Absolutely. It’ll take a bit more elbow grease to knead by hand, but it works just fine.
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour?
You can swap out up to half the flour with whole wheat. Just note that it might be a little denser.
Why Is My Bread Not Rising?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and your water isn’t too hot. Also, give it enough time in a warm environment to do its job.
Can I Freeze The Dough?
Yes! After the first rise, shape the loaves and freeze them. When you’re ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and allow a second rise before baking.
If you love the soft, chewy bread from Jimmy John’s, this Jimmy Johns Bread Recipe is your chance to enjoy it fresh at home. Let me know how yours turns out—drop a comment below, send me a picture, or share your sandwich ideas. And if you liked this one, check out some of my other sandwich-friendly breads next!
Happy baking—your kitchen’s about to smell amazing.
Homemade Jimmy Johns Bread Recipe Step By Step
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm water about 110°F
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil plus extra for greasing
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
Instructions
Activate The Yeast
- In a large mixing bowl (or your stand mixer bowl), combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This is the yeast waking up and getting ready to work.
- Tip: If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be expired or the water might’ve been too hot.
Mix The Dough
- Add in the olive oil and salt, then slowly stir in the flour one cup at a time. If using a stand mixer, switch to a dough hook and let it knead on medium speed for about 8 minutes. If mixing by hand, knead on a lightly floured surface for 10 minutes.
- The dough should be smooth and elastic—not too sticky.
First Rise
- Lightly grease a mixing bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Hack: I like placing it in the oven (turned off) with the light on. It creates a cozy spot for the dough to rise.
Shape The Loaves
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 4 equal parts. Shape each into a log about 8 inches long. Lay them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
Bake The Bread
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Right before baking, you can slash the tops of each loaf lightly with a sharp knife for that bakery look.
- Bake for about 20–25 minutes, until the bread is golden and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Let it cool slightly before slicing.
- How To Make Parisa Recipe The Safe & Tasty Way - July 8, 2025
- Copycat On The Border Queso Recipe At Home - July 6, 2025
- Coconut Cream Pie Recipe With Rich, Creamy Filling - July 6, 2025
