The Jimmy Cubano from Jimmy John's features savory ham, smoked bacon, melted Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on freshly baked French bread, delivering a bold and satisfying Cuban-inspired sandwich with crispy, smoky, and tangy flavors.
Equipments
- Slicer (for ham)
- Grill or griddle (for bacon)
- Cheese slicer (for Swiss cheese, if not pre-sliced)
- Bread knife (for French bread)
- Sandwich press (optional, for melting cheese)
- Cutting board
- Spreader or squeeze bottle (for mustard)
- Pickle slicer (if slicing pickles)
- Tongs (for assembling sandwich)
- Sheet pan or tray (for assembling ingredients)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ham
- 8 slices smoked bacon
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 loaf French bread
- 1/2 cup sliced pickles
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
Ensure your ham is thinly sliced using a slicer to match the traditional Jimmy Cubano texture while maintaining its savory flavor. Choose smoked bacon that crisps up well on a grill or griddle to add the essential smoky crunch that defines the sandwich. Opt for high-quality Swiss cheese, pre-sliced or sliced with a cheese slicer, to melt perfectly and complement the ham and bacon. Freshly baked French bread is crucial for an authentic Cuban-inspired bite; use a bread knife to get clean slices without crushing the loaf. Your Jimmy Cubano from Jimmy John's copycat menu will deliver the ideal balance of crispy, smoky, and tangy flavors when you carefully select and prepare these ingredients.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or griddle for bacon.
- Slice ham using slicer.
- Grill or fry bacon until crispy.
- Slice Swiss cheese if not pre-sliced.
- Slice French bread using bread knife.
- Slice pickles if needed.
- Lay out bread on cutting board.
- Spread or squeeze mustard evenly on both bread halves.
- Layer sliced ham on bottom half of bread.
- Add cooked bacon slices on top of ham.
- Place Swiss cheese slices over bacon.
- Add sliced pickles on top.
- Close sandwich with top half of bread.
- Optional: Press sandwich in sandwich press until cheese melts.
- Cut sandwich to desired serving size.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Jimmy Cubano from Jimmy John's copycat menu combines ham, smoked bacon, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on French bread for an authentic Cuban-inspired taste. You can substitute smoked ham with cooked pork shoulder for a more traditional Cuban flavor, or use turkey breast if you prefer a leaner option. If Swiss cheese is unavailable, provolone or mozzarella provide a similar melt and mild taste, while Dijon mustard can replace yellow mustard for a slightly sharper bite. When French bread is hard to source, a sturdy hoagie roll or baguette works well to maintain the sandwich's texture. Using a sandwich press is optional but highly recommended to melt the cheese evenly and crisp the bread to perfection.
Tips
Ensure the bacon is cooked to a crisp texture on the grill or griddle to provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the tender ham. When spreading mustard, evenly coat both halves of the French bread to balance the tangy flavor throughout your sandwich. Use a sharp bread knife to slice the French bread cleanly without crushing its crust, preserving the sandwich's structure. If you prefer melted cheese, using a sandwich press will evenly melt the Swiss cheese, enhancing the sandwich's gooey texture and flavor.
Nutritions
The Jimmy Cubano is a rich source of protein from ham, smoked bacon, and Swiss cheese, supporting muscle repair and growth. Swiss cheese provides calcium and vitamin B12, essential for bone health and energy production, while pickles contribute small amounts of vitamins and antioxidants. The French bread offers carbohydrates for sustained energy, though it can be calorie-dense depending on portion size. You can balance indulgence by pairing this flavorful sandwich with a side of fresh vegetables or a light salad.
Storage
Store leftover Jimmy Cubano components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Wrap French bread tightly in foil or plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature to prevent it from drying out. Refrigerate ham, bacon, cheese, pickles, and mustard, and reassemble your sandwich just before serving to preserve the crispy and bold flavors.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute smoked turkey for ham to create a lighter version of the Jimmy Cubano while maintaining the smoky flavor. Instead of grilling the bacon, try baking it on a sheet pan for a less hands-on method that yields crispy results. Use Dijon mustard in place of yellow mustard to add a spicier and tangier kick. Consider toasting the French bread before assembling to enhance the sandwich's crunch and prevent sogginess from the mustard and pickles.
Allergies
The Jimmy Cubano contains common allergens such as pork from ham and bacon, dairy from Swiss cheese, and gluten from French bread. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, it's important to check for potential cross-contamination or opt for suitable alternatives. Your safety depends on thorough ingredient review and communication with the food provider.
Why this recipe?
The Jimmy Cubano menu from Jimmy John's restaurant is popular for its perfect blend of smoky ham, crispy bacon, melty Swiss cheese, and tangy pickles, all layered on freshly baked French bread. Its unique combination of savory and slightly sweet flavors creates a satisfying and memorable taste experience that fans crave. You can recreate this iconic sandwich at home by using high-quality ingredients and following simple steps, ensuring every bite matches the original's bold flavor profile. Making a copycat Jimmy Cubano lets you enjoy a beloved classic anytime, saving money while impressing friends with your sandwich skills.