The Customization Hack To Majorly Upgrade Jimmy John's Caprese Sub

There's no high quite like a good chain restaurant menu item hack. Think of the In-N-Out's (not so) secret menu, or even the hack-gone-mainstream Chipotle cheesesteak quesadilla. These little tips and tricks with off-menu items or hidden extras really make one chain stand out from the next. Jimmy John's joins the hallowed hack hall of fame with its latest limited-time hackable sandwich, the Caprese Salami Pesto.

Jimmy John's, a chain restaurant that specializes in sandwiches of all sorts, proves that "mozz is boss" with a 'wich filled with slow-roasted tomatoes, Genoa salami, basil pesto, balsamic glaze, olive oil, oregano, onion, mayonnaise, and fresh mozzarella. That might sound both familiar and upscale, which begs the question — can a chain restaurant deliver on its promise of "a taste of Italy, without the need for a passport?" That's a tall order, even for those who know how to navigate the art of the menu hack.

The Takeout says the sandwich may have a seat at the table, so to speak (albeit, there are "better limited time offerings than this one), but only when the orderer knows to adjust the fillings. Taking the sandwich at face value isn't the best way to get the bang for your flavor buck. What's the secret to taking this sandwich from bene to bellissimo?

Extra roasted tomatoes, singled out for being extra hearty, savory, and bright, apparently add a punch of flavor and are tempered by the raw onions. It is not surprising that tomatoes are the flavor saver here, considering what an umami powerhouse they are. Umami is the fifth taste (after bitter, sour, salty, and sweet) that is often described as savory. Umami notes add that "je ne sais quoi" that makes mouths water. Sources of umami flavor include Parmesan cheese, beef, fish sauce, and you guessed it — tomatoes. The source of tomatoes' punch of umami flavor comes from glutamic acid. Here's how to upgrade your Jimmy John's sandwich.

Turns out, an extra dose of roasted tomatoes is the tasty ticket to upgrading this Jimmy John's sandwich. The savory, juicy roasted tomatoes, packed with that umami flavor, are the ideal way to jazz up the wich's fresh mozzarella and pesto. However, the key isn't just what to order, it's to know how to order.

The extra dose of slow-roasted tomatoes can of course be added in person, but if you're ordering online, here's the pro move: click the "customize sandwich" option online which will initiate a dropdown menu. Then click "Xtra" for the slow-tomatoes option on that menu. Click, add, order, and enjoy. Even better, the additional roasted tomatoes are completely free. Up the umami without breaking the bank? Count us in.

It might not be a trip to Italy (okay, it's definitely not), but for a filling sandwich with a gourmet-adjacent upgrade, it's a darn good option. Plus, zero jet lag.