Fast food is a guilty pleasure that we all like occasionally, and Arby’s beef and cheddar sandwich is a true classic that brings me back to a time when I could eat anything and not think twice about it.
It’s no surprise that Arby’s placed dead last in the 2024 USA TODAY Readers Poll for Best Fast Food Restaurants. FYI… In-N-Out was 4th on the list. So, I’m making an elevated version of the classic BEEF ’N CHEDDAR sandwich at home.
I like to recreate fast food classics at home because I can use fresh ingredients and make things taste much better. Here is my recipe for a homemade Arby’s Beef and Cheddar sandwich, complete with smoked deli-style roast beef, warm Arby’s sauce, and liquid cheese sauce, which only uses four ingredients.
The secret to this sandwich’s success lies in three critical elements: thin sliced roast beef, homemade Arby’s sauce, and a rich cheese sauce. By making each component from scratch, you can create a sandwich that honors the original while elevating it to new heights. The addition of a pretzel bun brings a delightful twist that complements everything. You can use an onion bun if you want to stay true to the original, but I don’t really like onion buns.
Arby’s Beef and Cheddar Sandwich Ingredients
- 6 ounces thinly sliced roast beef (Store-bought or use my recipe for smoked deli-style roast beef)
- 1 pretzel bun (Store bought)
- 1 tablespoon liquid cheese sauce (Store-bought or here is my recipe for homemade liquid cheese sauce)
- ½ tablespoon Arby’s sauce (Recipe Below)
Arby’s Sauce Ingredients
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon Tabasco hot sauce
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Equipment Needed
- Meat slicer
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Kitchen scale
- Frying pan or griddle to toast the bun
How to Make a Homemade Arby’s Beef and Cheddar sandwich
Before starting, ensure your roast beef is pre-sliced or ready to slice fresh, the cheese sauce is warm, and the Arby’s sauce is ready to go.
Roast Beef Tip
It doesn’t matter if you buy the roast beef or make it from scratch; be sure it is sliced very thin. We are trying to recreate a classic fast food sandwich, and the original Beef ’N Cheddar used paper-thin slices of roast beef.
Prepare the Arby’s Sauce
- Combine all sauce ingredients in a small saucepan
- Whisk together over medium heat
- Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Let cool slightly before using
Assemble the Arby’s Beef and Cheddar Sandwich
- Toast your sandwich bun until golden brown
- Layer the thinly sliced warm roast beef generously
- Drizzle with warm Arby’s sauce
- Top with heated liquid cheese sauce
Recipe Variations
- Classic Style: Use an onion bun and traditional cheese sauce.
- Spicy Version: Double the Tabasco hot sauce in the Arby’s sauce and add jalapeños to the cheese sauce.
- Deluxe Edition: Add crispy onion strings
What to Serve With
- French Fries
- Crispy onion rings
- Potato Chips
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without a meat slicer? Yes, though a meat slicer gives the best results, you can use a sharp knife to make thin slices.
How long does Arby’s sauce keep? When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it keeps for up to 2 weeks.
Can I make this ahead of time? While components can be prepared in advance, assembly should be done just before serving for the best experience.
Storage and Reheating
The Arby’s sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For the sandwich components:
- Store sliced roast beef in the fridge for up to 5 days
- Cheese sauce can be refrigerated for 7 days and reheated on the stove or microwave.
- Always toast the buns fresh
Serving Size
This recipe makes one generous sandwich. To serve 4 people:
- Multiply the 6-ounce meat portions. You will need 24 ounces of meat for 4 people
- Purchase 4 buns
- You will have enough cheese sauce and Arby’s sauce for several sandwiches.
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Arby’s Beef and Cheddar Sandwich
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Kitchen Scale
- Frying pan or griddle
Ingredients
Arby's Beef and Cheddar Sandwich Ingredients
- 6 ounces Sliced roast beef (Store-bought or use my recipe for smoked deli-style roast beef)
- 1 Pretzel sandwich bun (Store bought)
- 1 tbsp Liquid cheese sauce (Store-bought or here is my recipe for homemade liquid cheese sauce)
- 1/2 tbsp Arby's Sauce (Recipe Below)
Arby's Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Ketchup
- 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp Water
- 2 tbsp Brown sugar
- 1 tsp Tabasco hot sauce
- 1/4 tsp Onion powder
- 1/4 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt
Instructions
How to Make a Homemade Arby's Beef and Cheddar sandwich.
- It doesn’t matter if you buy the roast beef or make it from scratch; be sure it is sliced very thin. We are trying to recreate a classic fast food sandwich, and the original Beef ’N Cheddar used paper-thin slices of roast beef.
- Prepare the Arby's Sauce. Combine all sauce ingredients in a small saucepan. Whisk together over medium heat. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let cool slightly before using.
Assemble the Beef and Cheddar Sandwich.
- Toast your sandwich bun until golden brown. Layer the thinly sliced warm roast beef generously.
- Drizzle with warm Arby's sauce.
- Top with warm liquid cheese sauce. Use store-bought cheese sauce, or make your own with my liquid cheese recipe.
- Cut it in half and enjoy your homemade Arby's Beef and Cheddar Sandwich.
