Dreaming of indulging in a classic Arby’s-Style Beef & Cheddar Sandwich—oozing with creamy cheddar sauce and stacked with tender roast beef, all nestled in a perfectly toasted bun? This homemade version brings that iconic drive-thru experience right to your kitchen, with every bite as flavorful and satisfying as your fast-food favorite. With just a handful of simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll be stunned by how quickly your cravings are satisfied—and how much better homemade can be.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each element in this Arby’s-Style Beef & Cheddar Sandwich plays a vital role. From the pillowy rolls to the savory roast beef and silky, made-from-scratch cheddar sauce, you’ll love how straightforward—and customizable—these ingredients are.
- Deli-style roast beef (1 pound, thinly sliced): Go for high-quality, thin-sliced roast beef for supremely tender results that mimic the original sandwich.
- Soft sandwich rolls or buns (4): Choose fresh, pillowy buns to soak up all the cheesy goodness and deliver just the right bite.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Brushing your rolls with melted butter takes your toasting game to the next level for golden edges and rich flavor.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup): Sharp cheddar is the key to that irresistible tang and depth in the cheese sauce.
- Cream cheese (2 ounces, softened): A touch of cream cheese creates an ultra-creamy sauce texture that coats the beef beautifully.
- Milk (1/4 cup, plus more as needed): This loosens the cheese sauce, allowing it to glide luxuriously over the sandwich.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and boldness, enhancing the cheddar’s punch.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): A little hint of garlic rounds out the sauce, complementing the beef.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Season to perfection; a pinch makes all the flavors pop.
How to Make Arby’s-Style Beef & Cheddar Sandwich
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Buns
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice your sandwich rolls and brush the cut sides generously with melted butter. Lay them open-faced on a baking sheet—the butter ensures perfect golden edges and adds irresistible flavor. Give them a quick 5-minute toast in the oven until warm and just turning golden.
Step 2: Make the Cheddar Sauce
Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan set over low heat, blend together your shredded sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and milk. Stir continuously, watching the cheeses melt into a smooth, creamy sauce. Stir in Dijon mustard and garlic powder for flavor. Season with salt and pepper, giving it a taste and adjusting to your liking, thinning with a splash more milk if you’d like a silkier sauce.
Step 3: Warm the Roast Beef
To keep things juicy, pile your roast beef slices on a foil-lined baking pan, cover them loosely with another layer of foil, and pop into the oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This gentle warming keeps the beef moist and tender. If you’re short on time, a few quick bursts in the microwave will do—just cover the meat with a damp paper towel.
Step 4: Assemble Your Arby’s-Style Beef & Cheddar Sandwich
Now comes the best part! Place a generous mound of warm roast beef on each bottom bun, letting the edges spill over for that signature look. Spoon plenty of hot cheddar sauce over the beef—don’t be shy! Top with the other half of the bun, and your homemade Arby’s-Style Beef & Cheddar Sandwich is ready to impress.
Step 5: Serve Right Away
For the ultimate experience, serve these beauties hot, while the cheese sauce is creamy and molten, and the buns are still warm. Every bite bursts with nostalgia and bold flavor—just like your favorite fast-food treat.
How to Serve Arby’s-Style Beef & Cheddar Sandwich
Garnishes
Add a finishing flourish to your Arby’s-Style Beef & Cheddar Sandwich with sliced pickles, minced chives, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds atop the bun. If you love tang, try a swipe of tangy red ranch or even a spoonful of horseradish sauce for a little kick.
Side Dishes
Pair your sandwich with classics like curly fries, potato wedges, or homemade coleslaw for a true fast-food feast at home. Even a crisp side salad or kettle chips brings out the best in this cheesy, beefy masterpiece.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, serve sliders using small dinner rolls for party snacks, or load up toasted garlic bread instead of classic buns. Layer in caramelized onions or roasted peppers for extra depth. You can even offer a cheddar sauce “dipping station”—because who can resist a little extra cheese?
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Arby’s-Style Beef & Cheddar Sandwich components, store the roast beef and cheddar sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Buns can be kept sealed at room temperature. For best quality, aim to enjoy within two days.
Freezing
While fully assembled sandwiches don’t freeze well (the sauce can separate and buns go soggy), you can freeze pre-sliced roast beef in portions, and even the shredded cheese, for up to two months. Let everything thaw in the refrigerator before assembling.
Reheating
To reheat the roast beef, cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven until just heated through. The cheddar sauce is best reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave at low power, stirring often to prevent separation. Toast the buns just before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
FAQs
Can I use homemade roast beef instead of deli slices?
Absolutely! Homemade roast beef will take this Arby’s-Style Beef & Cheddar Sandwich to the next level. Just slice it thinly and warm it gently so it stays juicy.
Is there a good substitute for cream cheese in the cheddar sauce?
You can swap in an equal amount of mascarpone or full-fat Greek yogurt, although cream cheese gives that signature tang and smoothness. For a lighter option, try Neufchâtel cheese.
What kind of buns work best?
Look for soft sandwich rolls, onion buns, or kaiser rolls for the perfect texture. Steer clear of anything too crusty or dense, as you want the bun to soak up the cheese sauce without falling apart.
Can I make this Arby’s-Style Beef & Cheddar Sandwich gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply use your favorite gluten-free buns and confirm that your deli beef and seasonings are gluten-free. The cheddar sauce itself is naturally gluten-free.
How do I make the sandwich spicy?
Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce, or layer the sandwich with spicy pickles or sliced jalapeños. Customize the heat to your liking!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something delightfully nostalgic—and downright delicious—about biting into a homemade Arby’s-Style Beef & Cheddar Sandwich. Whip these up for a quick weeknight dinner or a nostalgic treat that friends and family will beg you to make again. Give it a try, and let your cravings be satisfied in the best way possible!
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Arby’s-Style Beef & Cheddar Sandwich Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Diet: Halal
Description
This homemade Arby’s-Style Beef & Cheddar Sandwich brings together juicy, tender slices of roast beef with a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, all nestled inside toasted, buttery sandwich buns. Quick and easy to make, this classic copycat recipe delivers all the nostalgic flavor of a fast-food favorite right from your own kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Sandwiches
- 1 pound deli-style roast beef, thinly sliced
- 4 soft sandwich rolls or buns
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheddar Sauce
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup milk (plus more if needed)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Toast the Buns: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the sandwich rolls or buns and brush the insides lightly with melted butter. Arrange the buns on a baking sheet with the buttered side facing up, and toast for about 5 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prepare the Cheddar Sauce: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, and 1/4 cup milk. Stir constantly until both cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth. Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a little additional milk, stirring until creamy.
- Warm the Roast Beef: Place the sliced roast beef on a foil-lined pan, cover with foil, and heat in the oven for 5–7 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave the beef in short intervals until hot.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: On each bottom bun, arrange a generous portion of the warmed roast beef. Drizzle the hot cheddar sauce over the beef, then close each sandwich with the top bun.
- Serve: Enjoy your sandwiches immediately while they’re hot and gooey for the ultimate Arby’s-style experience.
Notes
- Choose quality deli roast beef for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Add a spoonful of zesty barbecue sauce for an extra Arby’s-style kick.
- To make ahead, prepare the cheese sauce and keep it warm until assembling.
- Swap in brioche, onion buns, or kaiser rolls for different textures.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American