How to Make Arby’s Sauce at Home: Your Ultimate Guide to a Flavorful Fast-Food Favorite
Unleash the Flavor: The Ultimate Homemade Arby’s Sauce Recipe
Craving that iconic, tangy, and sweet sauce that makes Arby’s sandwiches legendary? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will show you how to recreate the beloved Arby’s Sauce right in your own kitchen. Forget expensive takeout; our easy-to-follow copycat recipe uses simple pantry staples and takes mere minutes to prepare. Get ready to elevate your burgers, roast beef sandwiches, fries, and countless other dishes with this incredible homemade condiment.
Arby’s Sauce isn’t just a topping; it’s a culinary experience. Its distinctive blend of savory, sweet, and tangy notes, with a subtle kick, perfectly complements everything from crispy curly fries to succulent roast beef. We’ve spent countless hours perfecting this copycat recipe to ensure it captures the authentic taste you know and love, delivering that nostalgic fast-food flavor without ever having to leave your home.
Making your own restaurant-quality sauces at home has become a passion for many, and this Arby’s Sauce is one of our absolute favorite copycat creations. It’s incredibly straightforward, requiring just a handful of ingredients you likely already have on hand or can easily find at any grocery store. A few minutes of gentle simmering and stirring transform these basic components into a rich, complex sauce that will impress even the most discerning Arby’s fan.
Imagine thinly sliced, tender roast beef piled high on a bun, generously drizzled with this luscious sauce. Or perhaps a heaping plate of golden, crispy fries, each one begging to be dipped. My husband, for instance, swears by this sauce on his homemade burgers, often pairing it with crispy fried onions for a truly gourmet fast-food experience. The versatility of this sauce is truly remarkable.
Did you know you can create a complete Arby’s experience at home? Pair this sweet and tangy BBQ-style sauce with our Copycat Arby’s Horsey Sauce for a dynamic flavor duo. Many Arby’s enthusiasts love to mix these two iconic sauces, creating their own unique condiment blend. And for a truly authentic touch, don’t forget to whip up a Homemade Jamocha Shake to complete your meal.
Over the past year, we’ve truly embraced the joy of recreating our favorite restaurant meals and sauces. Exploring copycat recipes has been a fantastic way to enjoy beloved dishes without the need to dine out, offering a fun and rewarding challenge in the kitchen. It’s amazing how simple ingredients can come together to replicate complex restaurant flavors, making every meal an exciting adventure.
Arby’s is renowned for its diverse range of dipping sauces, including the classic Arby’s Sauce, Tangy Barbecue Sauce, Buffalo Sauce, Ranch Dipping Sauce, Cheddar Cheese Sauce, Honey Mustard Sauce, Bronco Berry Sauce, and the ever-popular Arby’s Horsey Sauce. Our homemade version stands proudly among them, offering an authentic taste that will make you wonder why you ever bought it from the store!
Simple Ingredients for a Seriously Flavorful Sauce
Crafting this epic Copycat Arby’s Sauce requires just a few basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. We’re talking about everyday staples that combine to create something truly magical. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the incredible depth of flavor it achieves with minimal fuss.
Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to gather. For precise measurements and detailed, step-by-step instructions, please refer to the dedicated recipe card below.
- Ketchup: The base of our sauce, providing that classic tomato tang and sweetness. Choose your favorite brand for the best results.
- Brown Sugar: This adds a crucial layer of sweetness and a hint of molasses, contributing to the sauce’s signature barbecue-like depth.
- Onion Powder: For a subtle, savory onion flavor without the texture of fresh onions.
- Garlic Powder: A foundational aromatic that complements the onion and adds savory complexity.
- Tabasco Sauce: This is where the gentle heat and distinctive vinegary kick come from. Adjust to your preferred level of spice.
- Worcestershire Sauce: An essential ingredient for umami and a savory, slightly fermented depth that balances the sweetness and tang.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the sauce perfectly and enhance all the other flavors.
- Water (optional): A tablespoon or two can be added if your sauce appears too thick after simmering, helping to achieve the perfect consistency.
Essential Equipment for Your Homemade Sauce
You don’t need any fancy kitchen gadgets to make this sauce. Just a few basic tools will ensure a smooth and easy cooking process.
- Small Saucepan: An ideal vessel for this recipe. You’ll need one that can comfortably hold a little over a cup of liquid and allow enough space for simmering over low heat without boiling over. A heavy-bottomed pan is always a good choice for even heat distribution.
- Whisk or Spoon: A whisk is excellent for ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly combined and preventing lumps, especially with the brown sugar. A wooden spoon also works perfectly for stirring the sauce frequently while it simmers, helping to meld the flavors beautifully.
- Airtight Refrigerator Container: Once cooled, your delicious Arby’s Sauce needs to be stored properly. An airtight container will keep it fresh and flavorful in the refrigerator, ready for your next meal. Glass jars or plastic containers with secure lids are perfect.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Copycat Arby’s Sauce
Get ready for an incredibly simple and rewarding cooking experience! Making this copycat Arby’s Sauce at home is remarkably easy, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. The process is quick, allowing you to enjoy your homemade condiment in no time.
You’ll need just a few minutes of initial preparation, followed by about 5-10 minutes for the sauce to simmer gently on the stovetop. This simmering time is crucial, as it allows all the distinct flavors to meld together, creating a harmonious and well-rounded sauce.
In less than 20 minutes, including a brief cooling period, you can have this perfectly balanced sweet and tangy BBQ-style sauce ready to serve. It’s an instant flavor upgrade for so many dishes!
The method couldn’t be simpler: combine all your measured ingredients into a small saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring frequently with your whisk or spoon, especially as it begins to warm. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it continue to simmer for at least 5 minutes. This slow cooking process helps to deepen the flavors and slightly thicken the sauce. Once it has simmered to your liking, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool completely before transferring it to your storage container. That’s all there is to it!
Preparation and Storage Tips
Make Ahead: This Arby’s Sauce truly develops its best flavor after a gentle simmer on the stovetop, allowing the ingredients to properly meld. However, if you’re short on time, you can still prepare a quick version by simply mixing all the ingredients thoroughly and letting them chill in the refrigerator until cold. While the flavors may not be quite as deeply integrated as the stovetop version, it will still taste delicious and serve its purpose perfectly. Preparing it ahead of time also allows the flavors to deepen further as it sits, making it a great option for meal prep.
Storage: To maintain its freshness and flavor, store any leftover Arby’s Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When stored correctly, you can enjoy this delectable sauce for up to five days. Always ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent any air from affecting the sauce’s quality.
Freezing/How to Freeze: Opinions are somewhat divided on freezing Arby’s Sauce. While it appears safe to freeze leftovers for up to three months, be aware that the texture and overall flavor might undergo slight changes once thawed. If you choose to freeze it, divide the sauce into smaller, individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags to make thawing easier and prevent waste.
How to Reheat: This sauce is typically served cold. If you’ve frozen portions, make sure to let them thaw completely overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Once thawed, give the sauce a good stir. It’s normal for some separation to occur after freezing and thawing, so stirring will help restore its original consistency and ensure an even distribution of flavors. Avoid heating the sauce unless specifically using it in a hot dish, as its best qualities are enjoyed chilled.
Recipe Variations to Suit Every Taste
One of the best things about making recipes from scratch is the freedom to customize them to your personal preferences. Our Copycat Arby’s Sauce is incredibly adaptable, allowing for a variety of delicious variations.
Substitutions: When it comes to the brown sugar, you can confidently use either light or dark brown sugar, depending on what you have available in your pantry. The primary difference between the two is their molasses content: dark brown sugar contains slightly more molasses, which will give your sauce a deeper, richer flavor and a slightly darker color. Light brown sugar will result in a slightly milder, sweeter sauce. Both will yield fantastic results!
Vegetarian + Vegan Option: For those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, you’ll need to make a simple swap for the Worcestershire sauce. Traditional Worcestershire sauce contains anchovies, making it unsuitable for these diets. Thankfully, many excellent vegan-friendly Worcestershire sauce alternatives are readily available in most grocery stores. Simply replace it one-to-one.
Gluten-Free: If you’re adhering to a gluten-free diet, it’s crucial to check the label of your Worcestershire sauce. Some brands may contain barley malt vinegar, an ingredient that is not safe for those avoiding gluten. Look specifically for a certified gluten-free Worcestershire sauce to ensure your homemade Arby’s Sauce is safe for consumption. All other ingredients in this recipe are typically gluten-free, but always double-check labels if you have severe sensitivities.
Smaller Serving Size + Larger Group/More Servings: The base recipe yields approximately six servings of Arby’s Sauce, which is perfect for a family meal or a few days of dipping enjoyment. However, you can easily adjust this. If you’re cooking for a smaller household or just want a single serving, simply halve the recipe. For larger gatherings, parties, or if you want to make a big batch for future use, feel free to double or even triple the ingredients. The ratios will remain the same, ensuring consistent flavor.
Make It Spicy: If you like your sauce with a bit more heat, it’s incredibly easy to make it spicier. The simplest way is to increase the amount of Tabasco sauce beyond the recommended teaspoon. For an even more intense kick, consider adding a dash of another red hot sauce, like Frank’s RedHot or a similar cayenne pepper sauce. These types of hot sauces will complement the existing flavors beautifully without overpowering them.
Sugar-Free: The original recipe contains 9 grams of sugar per serving, primarily from the ketchup and brown sugar. To create a sugar-free version, simply substitute regular ketchup with a sugar-free alternative. Additionally, you can replace the brown sugar with a brown sugar substitute, such as erythritol or stevia-based brown sugar blends, following the package instructions for conversion ratios. This allows you to enjoy the same great taste without the added sugar.
Expert Tips for the Best Copycat Arby’s Sauce
Achieving the perfect homemade Arby’s Sauce is simple with these helpful tips:
- Mise en Place is Key: To make the cooking process as smooth and stress-free as possible, I highly recommend performing “mise en place” (everything in its place) before you begin. This means measuring out all your ingredients and having them ready to go before you even turn on the stove. This simple step ensures you can quickly add each component without fumbling, making the whole experience enjoyable and efficient.
- Adjusting Tomato Flavor: If you prefer a less pronounced tomato flavor in your sauce, you can easily decrease the amount of ketchup. Start by reducing it by about ¼ cup and taste the sauce as it simmers, adjusting to your preference. You might need to slightly increase other savory elements or a touch more water for consistency.
- Homemade Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwiches: To truly replicate the Arby’s experience at home, consider making your own roast beef sandwiches. The key to authentic Arby’s-style roast beef is thinness. When at the deli counter, ask them to slice roast beef as thinly as possible – almost shaved. This creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture that perfectly complements the rich Arby’s Sauce.
- The Power of Simmering: Don’t rush the simmering step. While the sauce only needs 5 minutes, allowing it a little longer (up to 10-15 minutes) on very low heat will deepen its flavors and give it a richer, more cohesive taste and texture. Just remember to stir frequently to prevent sticking.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before it’s finished cooking and after it has cooled slightly. This is your chance to fine-tune the seasonings. Need more tang? A tiny splash of apple cider vinegar can do the trick. More sweetness? A pinch more brown sugar. A little more heat? Another drop of Tabasco.
What to Serve with Your Copycat Arby’s Sauce
The beauty of homemade Arby’s Sauce lies in its incredible versatility. With this recipe, you can experiment with countless ways to incorporate this delicious condiment into your meals, often at a fraction of the cost of dining out. It’s not just for roast beef; think of it as your new go-to dipping sauce or flavor enhancer. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions and other copycat recipes to create a full, delicious meal for the entire family:
Perfect Dipping Companions for Arby’s Sauce:
- Air Fryer French Fries: Crispy, golden, and perfect for dipping.
- Air Fried Onion Rings: The sweet and savory crunch is a match made in heaven with this tangy sauce.
- Air Fried Chicken Tenders: A family favorite, elevated by the distinctive Arby’s flavor.
- Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks: The tangy sauce cuts through the rich cheese beautifully.
- Arby’s Curly Fries: The ultimate classic pairing.
- Chicken Nuggets, Tater Tots, Potato Wedges, or even Vegetable Sticks (like carrots or celery) for a lighter option.
Delicious Sides to Complement Your Meal:
- Texas Roadhouse Butter
- Olive Garden Marinara Sauce
- Cheddar Bay Biscuits
- Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
- Chili’s Queso
- El Pollo Loco Avocado Salsa
- Texas Roadhouse Loaded Sweet Potato
- CrockPot Olive Garden Minestrone
- A simple green side salad with your favorite dressing.
Perfect Main Dishes for a Complete Meal:
- Classic Roast Beef Sandwiches: The quintessential pairing.
- Hamburgers or Cheeseburgers: Use it as a burger sauce or a topping.
- Pulled Pork Sandwiches: The tangy sweetness is a great match.
- Chicken Sandwiches: Grilled or fried chicken takes on new life with this sauce.
- Hot Dogs or Sausages: A fantastic alternative to ketchup or mustard.
- Egg McMuffins
- Cracker Barrel Pecan Pancakes (a surprising but delicious sweet and savory combo for breakfast/brunch)
- Cracker Barrel Pancakes
- Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken
- Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings
- Carnival Cruise Guy’s Burger Joint Pig Patty Burger
- Wendy’s Chili
- KFC Famous Bowl
Sweet Endings: Desserts to Finish Your Meal:
- Hostess Chocolate Cupcakes
- Olive Garden Lemon Cream Cake
- Carl’s Jr. Pop Tart Ice Cream Sandwich
- Homemade Twinkies
- Carnival Cruise Chocolate Melting Cake
Refreshing Drinks to Quench Your Thirst:
- Starbucks Frappuccino
- Orange Julius
- McDonald’s Sweet Tea
- Cherry Limeade Sonic Drink
- Banana Julius
- Arby’s Jamocha Shake
- Strawberry Julius
- Sonic Peanut Butter Shake
- Dunkin’ Donuts Coolatta
- Sonic Coconut Cream Pie Shake
- Chick-fil-A Frosted Coffee
When to Serve Your Homemade Arby’s Sauce
This versatile sauce is perfect for virtually any occasion where you need a burst of tangy, sweet, and savory flavor.
- Lunch: Elevate a simple sandwich or wrap.
- Snacktime: The ideal dip for fries, onion rings, or even vegetable sticks.
- Dinner: The perfect accompaniment for roast beef, chicken, or pork.
- Game Day: A crowd-pleasing condiment for appetizers and finger foods.
- Anytime: Whenever you crave that distinctive Arby’s flavor!
More Great Copycat Sauces to Try
If you loved making this Arby’s Sauce, you’ll be thrilled to discover how easy it is to recreate other famous restaurant sauces at home. Expand your culinary repertoire with these fantastic copycat recipes:
Chick-fil-A Sauce
Red Robin Campfire Sauce
McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce
Olive Garden Alfredo
Texas Roadhouse Butter
Chili’s Salsa
Do you love discovering new recipes and culinary adventures? Be sure to check out all our copycat recipes, our delightful dessert recipes, and our convenient CrockPot Recipes for easy meal solutions.
Stay connected with us for more delicious recipes, tips, and inspiration! Follow Tammilee Tips on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to catch all our latest culinary posts. Happy cooking!
Copycat Arby’s Sauce Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 cup Ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Brown Sugar
- ¼ tsp Onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Tabasco Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Water (if your sauce is super thick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients together in a small saucepan. Heat until boiling and then lower the heat and allow the sauce to simmer for at least 5 minutes. Stir often.
- Remove from heat and allow sauce to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Kitchen Tools
- Saucepan
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 9