The J.J.B.L.T. from Jimmy John's features crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, ripe tomato, and creamy mayonnaise layered on toasted French bread, delivering a classic, savory sandwich with a satisfying crunch and fresh flavors.
Equipments
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Toaster or oven
- Spatula (for bacon)
- Frying pan or skillet (for bacon)
- Spreader or butter knife (for mayonnaise)
- Plate
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon
- 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 loaf French bread
Ensure your bacon is cooked to a crispy texture using a frying pan or skillet to replicate the signature crunch of the J.J.B.L.T. Fresh, ripe tomatoes and shredded iceberg lettuce provide the sandwich with vibrant flavors and a refreshing contrast. Toast your French bread to a golden brown to enhance its texture and taste, creating the perfect base for layering ingredients. Use a spreader or butter knife to evenly distribute the creamy mayonnaise for optimal flavor balance. Your homemade J.J.B.L.T. from Jimmy John's copycat menu will capture the classic combination of savory bacon, fresh veggies, and toasted bread.
Instructions
- Preheat toaster or oven.
- Place bacon in a cold frying pan or skillet.
- Cook bacon over medium heat until crispy, turning with spatula as needed.
- Drain cooked bacon on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Slice French bread loaf lengthwise using knife and cutting board.
- Toast bread halves in preheated toaster or oven until lightly golden.
- Wash and slice tomatoes with knife on cutting board.
- Use spreader to evenly spread mayonnaise on toasted bread halves.
- Layer shredded iceberg lettuce over mayonnaise.
- Arrange sliced tomatoes on top of lettuce.
- Place cooked bacon slices evenly over tomatoes.
- Close sandwich with the other half of the bread.
- Slice sandwich as desired with knife.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The J.J.B.L.T. from Jimmy John's copycat menu replicates the original's crisp bacon, fresh iceberg lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and creamy mayonnaise on toasted French bread. If you cannot find fresh iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce is a good substitution that maintains crunch and freshness. When crispy bacon is unavailable or you prefer a healthier option, turkey bacon or baked tempeh bacon can provide a flavorful alternative. Using a toaster oven instead of a skillet or frying pan to cook bacon can save time and reduce cleanup. Make sure your French bread is toasted evenly for the best texture, and adjust the amount of mayonnaise to suit your personal taste.
Tips
Ensure bacon cooks evenly by starting it in a cold pan and turning regularly with a spatula to prevent burning. Let bacon drain on paper towels to keep your sandwich from becoming soggy. When toasting French bread, aim for a light golden color to balance crunch without hardness that can overpower the sandwich. Spread mayonnaise evenly on bread for consistent moisture and flavor distribution, avoiding soggy or dry bites in your J.J.B.L.T. sandwich.
Nutritions
The J.J.B.L.T. is a calorie-rich sandwich, primarily due to its generous bacon and mayonnaise content, providing ample protein and fat, including saturated fat. Fresh iceberg lettuce and ripe tomatoes add dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, contributing to your daily nutrient intake. The French bread base supplies carbohydrates for energy but can also be a source of refined flour. By moderating mayonnaise and bacon portions, you can make the sandwich a more balanced meal while still enjoying its savory flavors.
Storage
Store your J.J.B.L.T. sandwich in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to maintain freshness. Keep it refrigerated at or below 40degF (4degC) to prevent the mayonnaise and bacon from spoiling. Consume within 24 hours for the best flavor and texture.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute turkey bacon or tempeh bacon for a healthier or vegetarian alternative, maintaining the sandwich's smoky crunch. Consider swapping iceberg lettuce for crisp romaine or butter lettuce to add a slightly different texture and flavor profile. For an extra tangy twist, mix a teaspoon of Dijon mustard into the mayonnaise before spreading it on the French bread. Toasting the bread with a light brush of olive oil or butter can enhance the sandwich's richness and provide an even crispier crust.
Allergies
Your J.J.B.L.T. sandwich contains common allergens including eggs found in mayonnaise and gluten present in French bread, which may trigger reactions in individuals with egg or wheat allergies. Bacon might also pose a risk for those sensitive to pork or preservatives like nitrates. Always check ingredient labels and confirm with the sandwich maker if you have food allergies before consumption.
Why this recipe?
The J.J.B.L.T. from Jimmy John's features crispy applewood-smoked bacon, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomatoes layered on toasted French bread, creating a balanced combination of savory and fresh flavors. Its simplicity and high-quality ingredients appeal to those craving a classic BLT with a gourmet touch. You can replicate this sandwich at home with ease, benefiting from customization opportunities and cost savings. Making a copycat version allows you to enjoy this beloved sandwich anytime while tailoring it to your taste preferences.