Sauces & Condiments
This Arby's-style roast beef sandwich sauce delivers that signature tangy, horseradish punch in every bite—just like the fast-food classic you love. The secret lies in balancing sharp horseradish with creamy cream cheese and a touch of vinegar for that signature kick. I've recreated it after testing countless variations, and this version stays fresh for weeks in the fridge.
The sauce starts with a base of cream cheese and mayo, which gives it that signature smooth, spreadable texture. Horseradish and vinegar provide the signature tang, while a pinch of garlic powder and onion powder adds depth. What makes this sauce special is how it captures that Arby's flavor without any artificial ingredients—just real, bold ingredients that come together perfectly.
What you'll end up with is a creamy, tangy spread that's perfect for slathering on roast beef sandwiches, burgers, or even as a dip for fries. The sauce keeps its sharpness without being overpowering, and it stays fresh for up to three weeks in the refrigerator. This is the kind of sauce that turns a simple sandwich into something truly special.
Use it immediately on your favorite sandwiches or store it in the fridge for up to three weeks. The flavor only gets better as it sits, making this a must-have for any sandwich lover. Let's get started!
Ingredients for arby's roast beef sandwich sauce
Eight simple ingredients for that iconic Arby's tangy kick—no artificial junk here.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cream Cheese 🧀 | 8 oz | Full-fat for best texture |
| Mayonnaise 🥫 | ½ cup | Duck sauce or regular mayo |
| Prepared Horseradish 🌶️ | ¼ cup | Mild or hot preferred |
| White Vinegar 🍶 | 1 tbsp | Apple cider vinegar works too |
| Garlic Powder 🧄 | ½ tsp | Freshly ground preferred |
| Onion Powder 🧅 | ½ tsp | For subtle depth |
| Salt 🧂 | ¼ tsp | Kosher or sea salt |
| Black Pepper 🌶️ | ¼ tsp | Freshly ground for best flavor |
| Sugar 🍚 | 1 tsp | Balances tanginess |
The cream cheese is the foundation—full-fat gives that signature smoothness. Philadelphia brand is my go-to, but any good-quality cream cheese works. Horseradish is non-negotiable for that signature heat (I grab the Gourmet Garden brand from Trader Joe's—it's consistent and potent). The mayo? Duck sauce if you want that extra umami punch, but regular mayo works too. Fresh horseradish root? Grate it yourself for maximum intensity, but prepared works in a pinch. The vinegar cuts through the richness—apple cider vinegar adds a subtle sweetness if you prefer.
No horseradish? A dash of mustard powder (1/4 tsp) plus extra vinegar gets you close. Short on mayo? Greek yogurt at half the amount works surprisingly well. The garlic and onion powders are just for depth—skip them if you're in a hurry, but trust me, they make it taste more like the real deal. Sugar might sound odd, but it balances the sharpness—brown sugar adds a caramel note if you're feeling fancy. For a milder version, cut the horseradish to 2 tbsp and add another 1/2 tsp sugar. Want extra tang? Add a splash more vinegar and taste as you go.
This sauce keeps for 3 weeks in the fridge, sealed tight. I portion mine into small jars—perfect for sandwiches on the go. The flavor actually improves after a day or two as everything melds. Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months if you want to make a big batch. Pro tip: Microwave for 10 seconds before spreading—it warms up nicely and spreads like a dream. Leftovers? Slather it on burgers, fries, or even deviled eggs—it's that versatile.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Five-Ingredient Magic: This sauce comes together with stuff you already have—no fancy shopping required. I’ve made it with whatever mayo and horseradish were in my fridge, and it still hits the mark every time.
- Horseradish Kick: That prepared horseradish? It’s the secret weapon—just a teaspoon, but it cuts through the creaminess and gives it that signature tang. Honestly, it’s the only thing that makes this sauce feel like the real deal.
- Game Day Ready: Slather it on sandwiches for tailgates, toss it with fries for a loaded snack, or even drizzle it on roasted potatoes. It’s my go-to for parties because it’s foolproof and always gets raves.
- Lasts All Week: Mix up a batch and keep it in the fridge—it doesn’t spoil fast, and the flavor only gets better as it mellows. Between us, I’ve had this sauce last me through three lunches without losing its edge.
Step-by-step instructions for Arby's-style roast beef spread
Here's how to mix this tangy, creamy sauce that delivers that signature Arby's kick.
Softened Cream Cheese is Key
Begin by taking the 8 oz cream cheese out of the refrigerator and letting it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes until it's soft but not melted. I press my finger gently into the center—if it leaves a slight indentation, it's ready. This ensures smooth blending later without any grainy texture.
While it softens, I like to give the 0.5 cup mayonnaise a quick stir. This prevents any separation that might occur over time, especially if you're using duck sauce instead of regular mayo. The mayo adds that rich, velvety base that balances the sharp horseradish.
Blend the Creamy Base
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise using a hand mixer or electric beaters on medium speed for 1-2 minutes. You're looking for a completely smooth, lump-free mixture that's light and fluffy. This step is crucial—don't rush it, or you'll end up with a thick, paste-like consistency that won't spread properly.
Here's where it gets good: add the 0.25 cup prepared horseradish and mix on low speed for 30 seconds. The horseradish should be evenly distributed but still visible as little flecks throughout the sauce. If you're using a stronger horseradish, you might want to start with a slightly smaller amount—you can always add more later if needed.
Add the Tangy Accents
Now it's time to build that signature tang. Add the 1 tablespoon white vinegar, 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder, 0.5 teaspoon onion powder, 0.25 teaspoon salt, and 0.25 teaspoon black pepper to the bowl. Mix on medium speed for 1 minute until everything is fully incorporated and the sauce is completely smooth.
Taste the mixture at this point—it should be noticeably tangy with a sharp horseradish kick. If it's too strong for your taste, add the 1 teaspoon sugar and mix again. The sugar helps balance the acidity and sharpness, creating that perfect harmony of flavors that makes this sauce so addictive.
Final Adjustments and Storage
Give the sauce one final taste and make any necessary adjustments. You might need a tiny bit more horseradish for extra kick or a splash more vinegar for increased tang. The sauce should be thick enough to hold its shape on a spoon but still spread easily on sandwiches.
Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before using. This chilling time allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. The sauce will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, making it perfect for meal prep or keeping on hand for quick sandwich assembly.
Pro Tips For Making Arby'S Roast Beef Sandwich Sauce
- Mix the Cream Cheese First: Take the cream cheese out of the fridge 15 minutes before you start—it should be soft enough to spread with a spoon, not fight you like cold butter. I learned this the hard way after scraping clumps off my sandwiches for days.
- Use a Fine-Mesh Sieve for Horseradish: Skip the jarred horseradish unless you want gritty texture. Grate fresh horseradish and strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the fibrous bits—trust me, your sauce will taste smoother and brighter.
- Balance the Vinegar Gradually: Add the white vinegar one teaspoon at a time while tasting. Too much too soon, and you’ll regret it—this sauce needs tang, not a pucker that’ll make your guests reach for water.
- Chill Before Serving: Let the sauce sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes after mixing. The flavors meld better when it’s cold, and it’ll coat the roast beef evenly without melting into a greasy mess. (Yes, I know you’re impatient.)
Serving suggestions for this arby's roast beef sandwich sauce
Sandwich Spread Perfection
Spread this sauce generously on your roast beef sandwiches—about 1-2 tablespoons per half—for that signature Arby's experience. I like to use a serrated knife to create clean, even lines for presentation. For extra authenticity, add a sprinkle of crushed black pepper on top before closing the sandwich. 🥪
Burger and Fry Dip
This sauce doubles as an incredible dip for fries or onion rings. Serve it in a small bowl with a side of hot golden fries for a restaurant-style snack. I like to add a few chopped green onions on top for freshness and color. The tangy kick cuts through the grease beautifully.
Deviled Egg Upgrade
Mix 1 teaspoon of this sauce into each deviled egg yolk for a tangy twist on a classic appetizer. The horseradish adds a nice bite that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling. Garnish with a pinch of paprika for extra flair. These make a fantastic party snack or picnic food.
Meal Prep Hack
Divide the sauce into small airtight containers (like 2 oz portions) before refrigerating. This makes it perfect for quick sandwich assembly during the week. I keep one container in my fridge for grab-and-go lunches. The sauce stays fresh for 2 weeks this way, and the portions are just right for one sandwich.
Grilled Cheese Twist
Spread a thin layer of this sauce on one side of your grilled cheese before assembling. When you cut the sandwich open, the warm sauce will ooze out slightly, creating a creamy, tangy filling. Add sharp cheddar for extra flavor—it's a game-changer for comfort food.
Party Platter Star
Serve this sauce in a small bowl at your next party with toothpicks for dipping. Pair it with crudités like carrot sticks, celery, and bell pepper strips. The bright colors make it look as good as it tastes, and it's always a crowd-pleaser. 💫
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions about Arby's-style roast beef sauce
Can I make this sauce without horseradish?
Yes, but you'll lose that signature kick! For a milder version, replace the horseradish with 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder plus an extra 1/2 teaspoon vinegar. If you want a closer approximation, try 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish sauce (like French's) mixed with 1 teaspoon prepared mustard—it's not identical but gets you closer.
How do I fix lumpy cream cheese in the sauce?
Don't panic—this is fixable! Warm the sauce in 10-second bursts in the microwave (stirring between each) until just melted. Then, let it cool completely before using. If you prefer, blend it with an immersion blender until completely smooth. For future batches, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.
Can I make this sauce dairy-free?
Swap the cream cheese for 8 oz dairy-free cream cheese (like Kite Hill or Violife) and use 1/2 cup vegan mayo (like Hellmann's Vegan or Just Mayo). The texture will be slightly lighter, but the tangy flavor remains. For extra richness, add 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast to mimic the umami depth.
Why does my sauce taste too sharp after a few days?
The horseradish and vinegar flavors intensify over time—this is normal! To mellow it, stir in 1/2 teaspoon sugar or a pinch of salt. If it's still too strong, thin with 1 teaspoon water and mix well. For future batches, reduce the horseradish to 2 tablespoons and add 1/4 teaspoon sugar upfront to balance the sharpness.
How can I make this sauce extra thick or extra thin?
For thicker sauce, chill it for an extra 30 minutes or add 1 tablespoon powdered milk while mixing. For thinner sauce, stir in 1 teaspoon water** at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Pro tip: Warm the sauce slightly before thinning—it spreads more evenly on sandwiches when slightly softened.