The Ultimate Porker from Jimmy John's features savory smoked ham, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo layered on freshly baked French bread, delivering a hearty and flavorful sandwich with a satisfying crunch.
Equipments
- Slicer (for ham)
- Grill or frying pan (for bacon)
- Knife (for slicing bread, lettuce, and tomato)
- Cutting board
- Spreader (for mayo)
- French bread oven or commercial bread oven
- Sandwich assembly station
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked ham
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 head lettuce
- 2 large tomatoes
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 loaf French bread
Using freshly baked French bread is essential to replicate the authentic texture and flavor of the Ultimate Porker sandwich. Your bacon should be cooked until crispy to provide the signature crunch that balances the softness of the smoked ham. Select ripe tomatoes and crisp lettuce to enhance the freshness of each bite. Using a slicer for the ham ensures even, thin slices that layer well without overwhelming the sandwich. This combination of ingredients captures the hearty and flavorful experience found in the Ultimate Porker from Jimmy John's copycat menu.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or frying pan for bacon.
- Preheat French bread oven to bake fresh French bread.
- Slice French bread loaf lengthwise with knife.
- Cook bacon in grill or frying pan until crispy; set aside.
- Slice smoked ham with slicer into thin slices.
- Wash and dry lettuce; tear into sandwich-sized leaves on cutting board.
- Wash and slice tomatoes into even, round slices on cutting board.
- Spread mayonnaise evenly on inside surfaces of both bread halves using a spreader.
- Layer smoked ham evenly onto bottom half of bread.
- Add crispy bacon on top of ham.
- Layer lettuce leaves over the bacon.
- Place tomato slices evenly on top of lettuce.
- Close sandwich with top half of French bread.
- Press sandwich gently to set layers.
- Slice finished sandwich into desired servings.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Ultimate Porker from Jimmy John's copycat menu combines smoked ham, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, tomato, and mayo on French bread for a rich, crunchy sandwich experience. If smoked ham is unavailable, you can substitute with smoked turkey or deli roast pork for a similar smoky flavor. Bacon can be cooked in a grill or frying pan until crispy, but using pre-cooked bacon is a convenient alternative. When slicing tomatoes and lettuce, ensure they are uniformly cut for even sandwich layering and optimal texture. You can spread mayo with a simple butter knife or any flat spreader you have on hand, making the assembly process straightforward in any kitchen setup.
Tips
Make sure your bacon is cooked to a crisp texture to add the ideal crunch to The Ultimate Porker, enhancing both flavor and mouthfeel. When slicing smoked ham, use a slicer to achieve even, thin slices that layer neatly without overwhelming the fresh ingredients. Spread mayonnaise thoroughly and evenly on both halves of the French bread to ensure balanced moisture and flavor throughout your sandwich. Your fresh French bread should be sliced lengthwise just before assembly to preserve its soft interior and crisp crust, maximizing the sandwich's satisfying texture.
Nutritions
The Ultimate Porker sandwich offers a substantial source of protein from 1 lb of smoked ham and 8 slices of crispy bacon, essential for muscle repair and maintenance. Your intake of vitamins and antioxidants is supported by fresh lettuce and 2 large tomatoes, providing dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. While 1 cup of mayonnaise adds richness and healthy fats, it also contributes a significant amount of calories and saturated fat, so portion control is important. The freshly baked French bread serves as a source of carbohydrates, supplying energy to fuel your day.
Storage
Store leftover smoked ham and cooked bacon separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent cross-contamination. Wrap the French bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in a bread box at room temperature to keep it from drying out. Your prepared sandwich is best enjoyed fresh but can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 24 hours to preserve taste and texture.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation on The Ultimate Porker, substitute smoked turkey breast for the ham to reduce sodium while maintaining a smoky flavor. Use avocado slices instead of mayonnaise to add creaminess and healthy fats. Toast the French bread slightly in the oven before assembling to enhance crunchiness and prevent sogginess from tomato juices. You can also grill the sandwich briefly after assembly for a warm, melty texture that complements the crispy bacon.
Allergies
The Ultimate Porker contains common allergens such as eggs in the mayonnaise and gluten in the French bread, which might affect individuals with egg or wheat allergies. You should be cautious if you have sensitivities to pork products like smoked ham and bacon, as these can trigger reactions in some people. Always verify ingredient labels or consult with the provider to ensure the sandwich is safe for your dietary needs.
Why this recipe?
The Ultimate Porker sandwich from Jimmy John's is famous for its perfect combination of savory smoked ham, crispy bacon, and fresh lettuce on their signature fresh-baked bread. Fans appreciate the balance of smoky, salty flavors paired with the satisfying crunch, making it a standout choice on the menu. Creating a copycat version allows you to replicate this delicious, high-quality sandwich experience at home, saving money while customizing ingredients to your taste. Your homemade Ultimate Porker will deliver the same crave-worthy taste and texture that keeps customers coming back to Jimmy John's.