Copycat Jimmy John’s Vito Sandwich Recipe

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When it comes to iconic sandwiches, Jimmy John’s Vito steals the show. This classic Italian-style sub combines rich, savory salami, bold capocollo, creamy provolone, and a splash of vibrant seasonings for a flavor combination you’ll fall in love with.

How to make Jimmy John’s Vito

Jimmy John’s Vito is an Italian-style sub sandwich made with salami, capocollo (a type of Italian cured ham), and provolone cheese, topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, oil & vinegar, and oregano-basil seasoning, all served on Jimmy John’s signature French bread.

Ingredients

• French bread or hoagie roll: Jimmy John’s signature sandwiches use soft yet crusty French bread. Look for fresh bakery-style rolls for the most authentic flavor.
• Salami: Thinly sliced Genoa salami or another high-quality Italian salami.
• Capocollo: This Italian cured pork adds a bold, savory kick. If unavailable, you can substitute prosciutto or smoked ham.
• Provolone cheese: Creamy and mild provolone slices are key for the classic Vito taste.
• Lettuce: Fresh shredded iceberg lettuce for a satisfying crunch.
• Tomato: Sliced Roma tomatoes work best for ripe and juicy flavors.
• Onion: Thinly sliced white onion for a bit of sharpness.
• Oil and vinegar: A simple mix of olive oil and red wine vinegar brings the classic tangy taste.
• Seasonings: Dried oregano and basil are essential for that Italian kick.
• Optional condiments: Mayonnaise or hot peppers (if you like a spicier sandwich).

Instructions

Follow these steps to assemble your perfect Vito sandwich:

1. Prepare the Bread: Slice your French bread horizontally but don’t cut all the way through—it’s easier to eat if the bread is still connected at the hinge. Lightly toast the bread in the oven for a crisp crust if desired.
2. Layer the Meat: Place the sliced salami and capocollo onto the bread, ensuring they cover the length of the roll evenly.
3. Add the Cheese: Lay the provolone slices directly on top of the meat. The cheese acts as a barrier, keeping everything layered perfectly.
4. Pile on the Veggies: Add shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and onions for a vibrant burst of freshness.
5. Drizzle With Oil and Vinegar: Mix equal parts olive oil and red wine vinegar in a small bowl (roughly 1 tablespoon each per sandwich), then drizzle the mixture over the sandwich.
6. Sprinkle Seasonings: Top the sandwich with a pinch of dried oregano and basil. You can rub the seasonings lightly to release their aroma before sprinkling them for extra flavor.
7. Optional Additions: If you want, spread a thin layer of mayo on the bread beforehand or add hot peppers for an extra kick.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Press the sandwich together gently, cut it in half, and serve it with chips or a pickle on the side for the full Jimmy John’s experience!

Tips for Success

Here are some tips to make your Jimmy John’s Vito taste just like (or even better than) the original:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: The secret to this sandwich’s success lies in the quality of its ingredients. Visit your local deli for high-quality cured meats and fresh produce.
• Customize the Oil and Vinegar Ratio: Adjust the oil-and-vinegar drizzle to your taste. If you prefer a tangier sandwich, add a little more vinegar.
• Toast or Steam the Bread: While Jimmy John’s sandwiches are typically served soft, lightly toasting or steaming the bread can amp up the texture.
• Layer Strategically: Start with the meat, then cheese, then veggies—this helps prevent moisture from the lettuce and tomato soaking into the bread.
• Try Different Variations: Add banana peppers, jalapeños, or a smear of Dijon mustard if you’re looking to switch things up while staying true to the Italian-style sub theme.

What to serve with

Jimmy John’s Vito sandwich is already packed with bold Italian flavors, but pairing it with the right sides can take your meal to the next level!

1. Classic Potato Chips

Jimmy John’s serves their sandwiches with a variety of potato chips, and there’s a reason they’re a customer favorite! Opt for classic, kettle-cooked, or even baked chips for that salty crunch that perfectly balances the rich flavors of the Vito. Popular options include:

• Sea salt or lightly salted chips
• Barbecue chips for a smoky complement
• Jalapeño chips if you want a spicy twist

2. Pickles

Nothing pairs better with a Jimmy John’s Vito sandwich like a crispy dill pickle on the side. Its tartness brings out the savory notes of the meat and cheese in the Vito. You can serve:

• Sliced or whole kosher dill pickles
• Spicy garlic pickles for a bold punch
• Pickled vegetables like carrots or banana peppers to add variety

3. Soup

Pair the Vito with a warm, comforting soup for a more filling meal. Soups like these work particularly well:

• Tomato basil soup: Its creamy, tangy taste is a fantastic match for the Italian flavors in the Vito.
• Minestrone: A hearty Italian vegetable soup adds diversity to the plate while staying true to the sandwich’s roots.
• Roasted red pepper soup: Sweet and smoky flavors complement the cured meats and cheese.

Ingredients Substitutes

Recreating Jimmy John’s iconic Vito sandwich at home is the perfect opportunity to get creative—and in some cases, adapt the recipe based on availability or dietary preferences.

Bread Substitutes

The foundation of every sandwich is the bread, and Jimmy John’s uses soft French bread rolls for all their sandwiches. If you can’t find French bread or prefer something different, consider these options:

• Italian Hoagie Rolls: Italian-style hoagie rolls are an excellent substitute for French bread. They’re soft but sturdy enough to hold the filling.
• Ciabatta Bread: Ciabatta’s rustic crust and airy interior give the sandwich a slightly more artisanal feel, offering great texture and flavor.
• Submarine Rolls: Store-bought sub rolls work just as well and are easy to find in most supermarkets.
• Whole Wheat Bread: For a healthier version, opt for whole wheat bread or rolls.
• Gluten-Free Bread/Rolls: If you’re avoiding gluten, many bakeries and grocery stores offer gluten-free sandwich rolls that mimic the texture of traditional bread.

Meat Substitutes

Jimmy John’s Vito features rich Italian meats like salami and capocollo, but there are plenty of alternatives if these aren’t available or if you’re looking for substitutes:

For Salami:

• Pepperoni: Thinly sliced pepperoni offers a similar savory and spiced flavor, perfect for matching the profile of salami.
• Mortadella: This Italian cured meat features a milder flavor and a soft texture that works well in sandwiches.
• Turkey Salami: A lower-fat option that still offers that signature salami flavor.
• Vegan Salami: To make the sandwich vegetarian or vegan, you can opt for plant-based salami alternatives available at specialty food stores.

For Capocollo:

• Prosciutto: Thin slices of prosciutto bring a similar salty and savory element that complements the sandwich’s other ingredients.
• Smoked Ham: A more affordable and widely available option, smoked ham delivers a slightly milder flavor compared to capocollo.
• Turkey Ham: A leaner alternative that blends well with the other ingredients for a lighter version of the Vito.
• Plant-Based Deli Meats: There are vegan alternatives for cured deli meats that mimic the texture and flavor of Italian pork products.

Cheese Substitutes

Provolone cheese is the creamy, mild addition that makes the Vito sandwich so classic. If you don’t have provolone, try these alternatives:

• Mozzarella: Fresh or low-moisture mozzarella is a good substitute for provolone, offering a similar mild flavor with just a touch more creaminess.
• Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese has a slightly nutty undertone that pairs well with the savory meats.
• Havarti: A buttery and soft cheese, Havarti can work in place of provolone for a rich flavor.
• Vegan Cheese: For a dairy-free alternative, select plant-based cheeses like vegan provolone or mozzarella. These are widely available at specialty stores.

Vegetable Substitutes

For Lettuce:

• Baby Spinach: Spinach adds a darker green, slightly earthy flavor and packs more nutrients than iceberg lettuce.
• Mixed Greens: A mix of arugula, kale, and other greens provides a peppery and tangy twist for those who prefer texture variety.
• Shredded Cabbage: Cabbage adds crunch and can mimic the texture of shredded lettuce.

For Tomatoes:

• Roasted Red Peppers: To switch up the flavor, opt for jarred roasted red peppers—they bring a sweet and smoky taste.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Slice them thinly for a juicy burst of flavor similar to Roma tomatoes.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For a bolder and slightly tangy option, thinly slice sun-dried tomatoes and layer them on the sandwich.

For Onion:

• Red Onion: Sharper in flavor than white onion, red onion adds color and zest to the sandwich.
• Shallots: Shallots are sweeter and milder than onion, making them a great alternative for those who prefer less sharpness.
• Scallions (Green Onions): Thinly sliced scallions add a more delicate onion flavor.

Seasoning Substitutes

For Oregano and Basil:

• Italian Seasoning Blend: This convenient blend usually includes oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary to add authentic flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: If you want to level up the sandwich, sprinkle fresh basil or oregano instead of dried—it’ll add a vibrant kick.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley can be used as a substitute for basil, delivering a mild and aromatic taste.

For Oil and Vinegar:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar: Replace the standard olive oil and red wine vinegar with balsamic vinegar for a slightly sweeter profile.
• Lemon Juice: If vinegar isn’t available, a splash of fresh lemon juice gives a zesty flavor that works well with the sandwich.
• Avocado Oil: A nutty and creamy oil that works as an alternative to olive oil.

Final Thoughts

One of the best things about recreating Jimmy John’s Vito at home is that it allows you to tweak the recipe to match your taste buds and dietary needs.

More Sandwich Recipes:

• Homemade Arby’s Gobbler Sandwich Recipe
• Copycat Arby’s Loaded Italian Sandwich Recipe