If you’ve ever bitten into a Jersey Mike’s sandwich and thought, I wish I could make this at home, then this Jersey Mike’s bread recipe is for you. There’s something about that soft, slightly crispy bread that makes every bite of their subs unforgettable. After experimenting with a few batches, I finally cracked the code to recreating it, and trust me—it’s easier than you think!
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe will guide you through the process step by step. Try this soda bread for another quick homemade favorite. So, let’s dive in and bring the taste of Jersey Mike’s right into your kitchen!
What Makes Jersey Mike’s Bread Special?
When it comes to sandwiches, the bread can make or break the entire experience. Jersey Mike’s bread is unique—it’s soft yet hearty, with a slight crunch on the outside, and it’s the perfect vehicle for holding all those delicious fillings. The texture is airy and light, with just enough structure to hold up against hearty meats and vegetables.
It’s not too thick or too thin, it’s just right. That’s what makes it stand out from the typical sandwich bread. In this recipe, we’ll break down what makes this bread so special and how to capture that same magic in your own kitchen. You can also check out this banana bread for another soft and flavorful bake.
Ingredients for Jersey Mike’s Bread Recipe
To recreate Jersey Mike’s signature sandwich bread at home, you’ll need a few essential ingredients. These simple but crucial components work together to give the bread its signature soft, airy texture with a light, crispy crust.
- 1 ¼ Cup Water (room temperature)
- 1 Cup Whole Milk (microwaved to 110℉/43℃)
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 4 ½ tsp Active Dry Yeast
- 6 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tbsp Kosher Salt
- 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil
Equipment and Tools
To make Jersey Mike’s bread at home, you don’t need any fancy equipment—just a few basics that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to ensure your bread turns out just like the original:
- Stand Mixer
- Dough Hook
- Mixing Bowls
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Oven
Cooking Time and Serving People
When making Jersey Mike’s bread at home, timing is key. Here’s a breakdown to guide you through the process:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Rising Time: 2 hours
- Baking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 People
How to Make Jersey Mike’s Bread copycat recipe
Making Jersey Mike’s bread at home is a rewarding experience that’s simpler than it sounds. Here’s a detailed guide to walk you through each step of the process:
Step 1: Bloom the Yeast: In your stand mixer’s bowl, combine warm water, whole milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir them together and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, allowing the yeast to activate and become foamy. This step is essential as it ensures your bread will rise properly.
Step 2: Knead the Dough: Once the yeast mixture is ready, add the flour, kosher salt, and oil. Mix everything on low speed using the dough hook for about 5-10 minutes. The dough should be smooth and slightly tacky but not sticky. If kneading by hand, expect to knead for about 10-12 minutes. This helps develop the gluten, giving the bread its soft texture.
Step 3: First Rise: After kneading, transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise at room temperature for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. The dough will be airy and ready for the next step once it has risen sufficiently.
Step 4: Shape and Second Rise: Punch the dough down to release the air and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into four equal pieces and roll each into an 8-10-inch log. Place the logs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them rise for another hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Bake: Preheat your oven to 425℉ (218℃). Bake the dough for 15-20 minutes, until the tops are golden brown. You can check the internal temperature—it should be around 195℉ (90℃).
Step 6: Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for an hour before slicing. This helps the bread set and gives it the perfect texture. Once cool, slice it up and use it for your sandwiches, enjoying that soft, slightly crispy bread just like Jersey Mikes!
Serving Ideas for Your Homemade Jersey Mike’s Bread
Now that you’ve made your delicious homemade Jersey Mike’s bread, it’s time to get creative with how you serve it! Here are a few ideas:
1. Classic Sandwiches: The obvious choice is to make your favorite Jersey Mike’s–inspired sub. Load it up with deli meats, cheese, veggies, and your go-to condiments for the ultimate sandwich. The bread will hold up perfectly and provide that signature soft, slightly crispy texture. For extra flavor, try it with this dirty sauce to take your sandwich to the next level.
2. Garlic Bread: Slice your fresh bread, spread on some butter, minced garlic, and herbs, then toast it in the oven. You’ll have warm, golden garlic bread to serve alongside pasta, soups, or salads. Pair it with this grilled chicken for a delicious and satisfying meal.
3. Mini Sandwich Rolls: For parties or gatherings, cut your loaf into smaller pieces and make mini sandwiches or sliders. These bite-sized rolls are perfect for serving with a variety of fillings, whether it’s chicken, beef, or vegetarian options.
4. French toast: The soft texture and mild sweetness of Jersey Mike’s bread make it perfect for French toast. Dip slices in eggs, milk, and cinnamon, then fry until golden for a crispy yet tender breakfast treat. For a protein-packed twist, try these French toast sticks.
5. Bread Pudding: If you have leftover bread, turn it into a comforting bread pudding. The bread will soak up the custard mixture and bake into a deliciously rich dessert.
Tips for Making Jersey Mike’s Bread at Home
If you’re ready to try making Jersey Mike’s bread at home, here are some helpful tips to ensure your loaf turns out perfectly every time:
1. Measure Ingredients Accurately: Using the right amount of ingredients is crucial to getting the right texture. Weighing your flour with a kitchen scale (750 g) ensures you don’t end up with too much or too little, which could affect the dough consistency.
2. Proper Yeast Activation: Make sure your water and milk are warm, but not too hot. If the liquid is too hot (over 110℉), it can kill the yeast. The ideal temperature is about 100℉. Let the yeast bloom for 5-10 minutes until it’s foamy to ensure the dough will rise properly.
3. Knead Well: Kneading develops gluten, which gives the bread its structure. If you’re using a stand mixer, knead the dough for 5-10 minutes. If kneading by hand, expect to work the dough for 10-12 minutes. It should be smooth and slightly tacky, but not sticky.
4. Let the Dough Rise Fully: Don’t rush the rising process. For the best texture, let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot until it has doubled in size. This usually takes about an hour for the first rise and another hour for the second rise. This step helps create the light, fluffy texture.
5. Baking Temperature Matters: Make sure to preheat your oven to 425℉ (218℃) before placing the dough inside. This ensures the bread bakes evenly and develops a nice golden-brown crust. Also, check the internal temperature of the bread with a thermometer—195℉ (90℃) is the perfect target.
Storage and Leftovers for Jersey Mike’s Bread Recipe
Once you’ve baked your delicious Jersey Mikes bread Recipe, knowing how to store and repurpose any leftovers is key to keeping it fresh and enjoyable. Here are some helpful tips:
1. Storing Fresh Bread: To keep your bread fresh, store it in a breadbox or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and place it in a plastic bag. This method keeps the bread soft and fresh for up to 2-3 days. Avoid storing it in the fridge, as this can dry it out faster.
2. Freezing for Long-Term Storage: If you won’t finish the bread within a few days, freezing it is an excellent option. Slice the bread before freezing so you can easily grab individual slices. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. This method will keep it fresh for up to a month.
3. Reheating Frozen Bread: When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen bread, simply toast it straight from the freezer for a quick breakfast or snack. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350℉ (175℃) for about 10 minutes to bring it back to its fresh-baked goodness.
4. Using Leftover Bread: If you have leftover bread that’s starting to get a bit stale, don’t toss it! Use it to make croutons by cubing the bread, tossing it in olive oil and your favorite seasonings, then baking until crispy. Leftover bread is also perfect for making a hearty bread pudding or savory stuffing.
5. Bread Pudding: Turn your stale bread into a comforting dessert by making bread pudding. Tear the bread into pieces, soak it in a mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, and spices, and bake it until golden. This is a great way to enjoy the bread in a whole new way.
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Jersey Mike’s Bread Recipe
Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Dough Hook
- Mixing bowls
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment paper
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ Cup Water room temperature
- 1 Cup Whole Milk microwaved to 110℉/43℃
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 4 ½ tsp Active Dry Yeast
- 6 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tbsp Kosher Salt
- 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil
Instructions
- Bloom the Yeast: In your stand mixer’s bowl, combine warm water, whole milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir them together and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, allowing the yeast to activate and become foamy. This step is essential as it ensures your bread will rise properly.
- Knead the Dough: Once the yeast mixture is ready, add the flour, kosher salt, and oil. Mix everything on low speed using the dough hook for about 10 minutes. The dough should be smooth and slightly tacky but not sticky. If kneading by hand, expect to knead for about 10-12 minutes. This helps develop the gluten, giving the bread its soft texture.
- First Rise: After kneading, transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise at room temperature for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. The dough will be airy and ready for the next step once it has risen sufficiently.
- Shape and Second Rise: Punch the dough down to release the air and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into four equal pieces and roll each into an 8-10 inch log. Place the logs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them rise for another hour, or until doubled in size.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 425℉ (218℃). Bake the dough for 15-20 minutes, until the tops are golden brown. You can check the internal temperature—it should be around 195℉ (90℃).
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for an hour before slicing. This helps the bread set and gives it the perfect texture. Once cool, slice it up and use it for your sandwiches, enjoying that soft, slightly crispy bread just like Jersey Mike’s!
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Notes
- This bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as a side dish.
- To store, wrap it in plastic and keep it at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze it for a longer shelf life.
- Can be customized with herbs or spices to create different flavor profiles.
FAQs about Jersey Mike’s Bread Recipe
Making homemade Jersey Mike’s bread may raise some questions along the way. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you troubleshoot and perfect your baking process:
What kind of bread does Jersey Mike’s use?
Jersey Mike’s uses a soft yet slightly crunchy white bread for their sandwiches. The bread is freshly baked, with a perfect balance of softness on the inside and a light, crispy crust on the outside, making it ideal for holding all the fillings.
What makes Jersey Mike’s bread so good?
Jersey Mike’s bread is renowned for its exceptional texture: soft and chewy on the inside, with a light, crispy crust. It’s made fresh daily, offering the ideal foundation for their hearty sandwiches. The balance of moisture and airiness contributes to its irresistible quality.
What is the Italian white bread that Jersey Mike’s uses?
The Italian white bread used at Jersey Mike’s is a soft, light bread with a chewy interior and a slightly crisp crust. It’s made with high-quality flour and baked to perfection, offering a slightly sweet flavor and perfect texture for their subs.
Does Jersey Mike’s toast their bread?
Yes, Jersey Mike’s toasts their bread when requested. Toasting the bread enhances its crispiness, while the inside remains soft, offering a warm, satisfying bite that complements their fresh sandwich fillings.
Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can make Jersey Mike’s-style bread without a stand mixer. Knead the dough by hand for about 10-12 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. It’ll take a little more effort, but the results will be just as delicious.
Is Jersey Mike’s bread homemade?
While Jersey Mike’s bread is freshly baked in-house, it is not made entirely from scratch on-site. The bread is baked daily from pre-made dough that is delivered to the stores, ensuring freshness and consistency.
What kind of flour is best for rosemary bread?
For rosemary bread, bread flour is typically the best choice due to its higher protein content, which helps create a chewy texture. However, you can use all-purpose flour for a softer, lighter bread if preferred.
What spices does Jersey Mike’s use?
Jersey Mike’s bread adds a simple mix of Italian seasoning to their bread, often including herbs like oregano, basil, and rosemary. This enhances the flavor of the bread, providing a subtle, savory taste that complements their sandwich fillings.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Let it rise in the refrigerator overnight for a slow fermentation, which will improve the flavor and texture. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking the next day.
Why does Jersey Mike’s taste so good?
Jersey Mike’s sandwiches taste so good because of the quality ingredients, the perfect bread-to-filling ratio, and the freshness of each component. Their bread, in particular, provides the ideal balance of softness and crunch, enhancing the overall sandwich experience.
Conclusion
Making Jersey Mikes bread at home is a fun and rewarding experience. With the right ingredients, a little patience, and the right techniques, you can create soft, fluffy, and perfectly toasted bread that rivals the sub shop’s famous loaves. Whether you’re making sandwiches, garlic bread, or even bread pudding, this bread offers endless possibilities for enjoying fresh, homemade goodness. So, grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy your own homemade version of Jersey Mike’s bread right in your kitchen!
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