Go Back
+ servings
jimmy john's french bread
Mary Kelly

Jimmy John's French Bread Recipe

If you've ever found yourself craving that perfectly crusty yet soft French bread that accompanies a fresh sub at Jimmy John's, you're in for a treat.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rise time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: French
Calories: 222

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ cups of lukewarm water
  • ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil plus a splash for greasing
  • 2 teaspoons of sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon of honey
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary finely chopped
  • 4 ½ cups of all-purpose flour separated

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • Large mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the lukewarm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step is crucial; it shows that your yeast is alive and kicking.
  2. Once the yeast is foamy, add the honey, olive oil, salt, and chopped rosemary. Stir to combine. In a large mixing bowl, gradually add 4 cups of flour to the wet mixture, one cup at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon.
  3. When the mixture becomes too thick to stir, transfer it to a floured surface. Sprinkle a little flour on top and knead for about 8-10 minutes. You want a smooth, elastic dough that’s not too sticky.
  4. Place your kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, covering it with a damp cloth. Allow it to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  5. Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape them into long baguettes. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  6. Cover the shaped loaves again with a cloth and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes. They should puff up nicely again.
  7. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Just before placing the loaves in the oven, make a few shallow cuts on top of each loaf. This helps the bread expand and creates that signature crust.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. The loaves should be golden brown, and if you tap them on the bottom, they should sound hollow.
  9. Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack. Once they’re cool enough to handle, slice and serve just how you like it!

Nutrition

Calories: 222kcal

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh yeast and high-quality flour can make all the difference in your bread's rise and taste.
  • Keep Water Temperature in Check: If water is too hot, it can kill the yeast. Lukewarm is best.
  • Let the Dough Rest: Patience is key. The longer you let the dough rest, the more flavor it develops.
  • Experiment with Herbs: Try adding different herbs, such as thyme or basil, for varied flavors.
  • Check for Doneness: If unsure, use a kitchen thermometer. Bread is done when it reaches an internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C).

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!