Introduction:

If you’ve ever bitten into an **Arby’s Beef & Cheddar** and thought, “I wish I could make this at home,” your wish is about to come true.

This copycat recipe recreates the beloved sandwich with all the signature elements: thinly sliced, tender roast beef; a rich and tangy cheddar sauce; zesty Arby’s-style sauce; and a warm, slightly sweet onion bun that ties it all together.

It’s everything you love about this classic fast-food staple—now made fresh from scratch with quality ingredients and no preservatives or fillers. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something comforting and familiar, this sandwich delivers big-time flavor without complicated steps.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make your own Arby’s-style Beef & Cheddar sandwich at home—from ingredient lists and step-by-step instructions to serving tips, variations, and answers to frequently asked questions. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

To make your own **Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat Sandwiches**, gather the following ingredients:

• • For the Arby’s Sauce:
    • ½ cup ketchup
    • ¼ cup mayonnaise
    • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
    • 1 tbsp pickle relish
    • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
    • ½ tsp garlic powder
    • ½ tsp onion powder
    • Salt and pepper to taste

• • For Each Sandwich:
    • 4 slices deli roast beef (thinly sliced)
    • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or use pre-sliced for convenience)
    • 2 soft onion buns (or potato buns as a substitute)
    • 2 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)
    • Optional: sautéed onions or lettuce for extra texture and crunch

• Optional Side Suggestions:
  • Crispy fries or onion rings
  • Pickles or coleslaw
  • Diet Coke or root beer for pairing

Instructions:

Follow these easy steps to create your very own **Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat Sandwich** at home:

Step 1: Make the Arby’s Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until fully blended.

Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Set aside while assembling the sandwiches.

Step 2: Toast the Buns

Spread softened butter on the cut sides of the onion buns. Place them cut-side down on a skillet or baking sheet and toast lightly over medium heat until golden brown and slightly crispy.

Alternatively, use a toaster oven or panini press for even toasting.

Step 3: Layer the Roast Beef

Place the bottom half of each bun on a plate or cutting board. Top each with 2 slices of roast beef, slightly overlapping for full coverage.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Place a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese (or two thick slices) directly over the roast beef. The warmth of the meat will help melt the cheese slightly before closing the sandwich.

Step 5: Spread the Sauce

Generously spread the Arby’s sauce over the top bun (the toasted side). This helps prevent the bread from getting soggy while adding bold flavor in every bite.

Step 6: Close and Serve

Place the top bun on each sandwich and serve immediately while warm and melty!

Serving and Storage Tips:

These hearty roast beef sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh out of the pan, but here are some helpful tips for storing and reheating leftovers:

• Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of pickles, chips, or Arby’s-style curly fries for a complete nostalgic experience.
• Reheating: Reheat individual sandwiches in a toaster oven or skillet over low heat for 3–5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible.
• Storage: Store leftover roast beef and cheese separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assembled sandwiches can be refrigerated for up to 1 day but are best eaten fresh.
• Freezing: Freeze un-assembled components for longer storage. Wrap roast beef and cheese individually and store in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Assemble and heat just before eating.

Variations:

Want to customize your **Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat Sandwich**? Try these tasty twists:

• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce to the Arby’s sauce or layer in sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
• Double Beef Version: Use 4 slices of roast beef per sandwich for a thicker, more indulgent bite.
• Different Meats: Substitute roast beef with turkey, pastrami, or corned beef for a different deli-style twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free buns and ensure all sauces and cheeses are certified gluten-free.
• Open-Faced Style: Serve the beef and cheese open-faced under the broiler for a crispy cheese crown.
• Mini Sliders: Use small slider buns and reduce meat and cheese portions for fun appetizer-sized versions perfect for game day.

Tips:

Want your **Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat Sandwich** to come out perfectly every time? Follow these expert tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Real cheese and high-quality roast beef make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
• Warm the Meat First: Lightly warm the roast beef slices before assembling to help the cheese melt faster.
• Melt the Cheese Right: Cover the sandwich briefly after assembly to trap heat and encourage melting without over-toasting the bun.
• Toast the Buns: A lightly toasted bun holds up better and adds a nice crunch against the soft cheese and meat.
• Layer Cheese Strategically: Place cheese directly on warm meat to start melting before topping with the bun.
• Make Extra Sauce: Double the Arby’s sauce recipe—it’s great on burgers, wraps, and fries too!
• Press Gently: If using a panini press, apply light pressure to compress the layers slightly without squishing the bun.

Conclusion:

The **Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat Sandwich** is a comforting, crave-worthy lunch or dinner option that brings back all the nostalgia—with none of the fast-food mystery.

With just a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can recreate this fan-favorite sandwich in your own kitchen. Whether you’re making it for yourself, your family, or as a fun throwback snack, this recipe delivers bold roast beef flavor, creamy cheese, and that signature tangy sauce in every bite.

So next time you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and totally satisfying, skip the drive-thru and treat yourself to a fresh, homemade version of this classic comfort food. Your taste buds—and wallet—will thank you!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of bun?

Absolutely! While onion buns are traditional, potato buns, brioche, or even sourdough work well for different flavor profiles.

What kind of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is ideal for its bold flavor and meltability, but American cheese gives a creamier, smoother result closer to the original.

How do I store leftover sauce?

Store any unused Arby’s sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. It also freezes well in ice cube trays for future use.

Can I bake this instead of grilling?

Yes! You can place the assembled sandwich on a baking sheet and broil for 1–2 minutes to melt the cheese without pressing down.

Why did my bun get soggy?

This can happen if the sauce was applied too early or if the meat was overly moist. To avoid sogginess, toast the bun first and assemble just before serving.

Are these kid-friendly?

Yes! Kids love the mild cheese, soft bun, and subtle tang of the sauce. You can keep it simple by skipping optional extras.

Can I make this vegan?

Absolutely! Use plant-based roast beef slices and vegan cheddar cheese. Replace mayo in the sauce with vegan mayo for a dairy-free version.

How many calories per sandwich?

Each **Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat Sandwich** contains approximately 400–450 calories, depending on bun size and amount of cheese used.