We were tucked away in a mountain-side resort last weekend. Breakfast options were elegant but minimal: yogurt parfaits, granola, a drip pot of coffee that had seen better days. That’s when it hit me. Arby’s. Or more specifically, that is Arby’s Beef And Cheddar Copycat Recipe.
You know the one stacked high with thin-sliced roast beef, dripping with tangy cheese sauce, and hugged between a toasted onion roll. It’s pure nostalgia, but when made right at home, it becomes something even more satisfying.
So there I was, in the tiny kitchen of our cabin suite, turning a simple pack of deli roast beef into an over-the-top breakfast. It turned out to be exactly what we needed warm, melty, and packed with comfort. Here’s how you can bring that same breakfast joy to your table, resort not required.
Short Description
A warm, cheesy, and nostalgic Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat sandwich made right at home perfectly toasted rolls, tender roast beef, and a blanket of cheddar sauce for a comforting breakfast, lunch, or late night bite.
Key Ingredients
- 1 lb deli-sliced roast beef
- 4 onion sandwich rolls (or Kaiser rolls)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Horseradish sauce (about 1 tbsp per sandwich)
- Optional: red ranch sauce
Tools Needed
- Skillet with lid
- Butter knife
- Spoon or small ladle
- Tongs or spatula
- Griddle or flat pan
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Warm the Roast Beef
Place the deli-sliced roast beef into a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash (1–2 tablespoons) of water to help steam it. Cover the skillet and let the beef gently warm through for 3–4 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s hot and tender, and you see light steam escaping from under the lid.
Step 2: Toast the Rolls
Split your onion rolls and spread a light layer of butter on the insides. Place them butter-side down on a hot griddle or skillet and toast until golden and crisp—about 1–2 minutes. Don’t walk away—the rolls can burn quickly!
Step 3: Sauce the Bottom Buns
Spread about 1 tablespoon of horseradish sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. If you love a little extra zip, add a spoonful of red ranch sauce too.
Step 4: Pile on the Beef
Using tongs, stack the warmed roast beef generously over the sauced bottom buns. Don’t be shy—go high!
Step 5: Drizzle the Cheese Sauce
Heat your cheddar cheese sauce until hot but not boiling. Spoon or drizzle about 1/4 cup over each sandwich, letting it cascade over the beef.
Step 6: Cap and Serve
Place the top bun on each sandwich and serve immediately while the beef is juicy and the cheese is creamy. If you’re serving a crowd, keep finished sandwiches warm in a low oven (around 200°F) for up to 15 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Nostalgic Comfort: Tastes just like the original, but fresher.
Quick & Easy: Ready in 15 minutes using simple ingredients.
Customizable: You control the sauce, toppings, and bread.
Satisfying Anytime: Great for breakfast, lunch, or midnight snacks.
Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by adults and kids alike.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Mistake 1: Overheating the Beef
Solution: Steam it gently with water and cover the pan. Overcooking makes it dry and rubbery.
Mistake 2: Skipping the Toast
Solution: Always toast the buns—this adds texture and prevents sogginess from the cheese sauce.
Mistake 3: Cold Cheese Sauce
Solution: Warm it separately until hot but smooth. Stir frequently to avoid scorching.
Mistake 4: Using Sweet Rolls
Solution: Onion rolls or Kaiser rolls work best. Too-sweet bread throws off the flavor balance.
Mistake 5: Skimping on Sauce
Solution: Don’t be afraid to get saucy—it’s what makes this sandwich sing.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Best Served: Hot off the griddle, immediately after assembling.
Pair With: A crisp dill pickle spear, oven-baked curly fries, or a simple coleslaw.
Drink Pairing: Cold root beer, iced tea, or even a spicy Bloody Mary if you’re feeling brunchy.
Serving Style: Plated individually or laid out on a tray buffet-style for easy grabbing.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store Leftovers: Wrap cooled sandwiches tightly in foil or place in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Reheat Method 1: Oven at 300°F wrapped in foil for 10–12 minutes. Keeps bread crispy and beef moist.
Reheat Method 2: Air fryer at 320°F for 5–6 minutes. Avoid microwaving—it makes the bread rubbery.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade roast beef instead of deli slices?
Absolutely! Just slice it very thin and warm it gently with a bit of broth or water.
2. What if I don’t like horseradish?
Swap it out with spicy mayo, Dijon mustard, or just use red ranch sauce.
3. Can I make the cheese sauce from scratch?
Yes! Melt 2 tbsp butter, stir in 2 tbsp flour, whisk in 1 cup milk, and melt 1 cup shredded cheddar into it. Season to taste.
4. What’s the best roll to use?
Onion sandwich rolls give you that classic Arby’s flavor, but Kaiser rolls are a solid alternative.
5. Can I make these in advance for a crowd?
You can prep components in advance, but assemble just before serving for best texture and flavor.
Tips & Tricks
– Toast both sides of the bun for extra crunch.
– Add a slice of sharp cheddar under the beef for more melt and flavor.
– A pinch of garlic powder in the cheese sauce adds depth.
– For spicier flavor, mix hot sauce into your horseradish or cheese sauce.
– Want it extra cheesy? Serve with a side of warm cheese sauce for dipping.
Recipe Variations
1. Spicy Jalapeño Beef & Cheddar
Add pickled jalapeños on top of the beef before drizzling cheese.
Mix 1 tsp hot sauce into the cheese sauce.
Use pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
2. Breakfast Beef & Cheddar
Add a fried or scrambled egg on top of the roast beef.
Serve with hash browns on the side.
Optional: a slice of crispy bacon under the cheese sauce.
3. French Onion Beef & Cheddar
Caramelize onions and layer them with the beef.
Use Gruyère or Swiss mixed into your cheddar sauce.
Serve on French rolls for a bistro-style sandwich.
Final Thoughts
This Arby’s Beef & Cheddar Copycat was the highlight of our slow, foggy resort morning and might just become a weekend ritual at home. It’s easy enough to whip up before your second cup of coffee, but decadent enough to feel like a treat. From the crispy toasted bun to the creamy, tangy cheese, everything about it screams comfort.
If you’re craving something simple but soul-hugging, this sandwich has your name on it. Give it a try you might just like your homemade version even better than the drive-thru.
Arby’s Famous Beef And Cheddar Sandwich
Print ThisIngredients
- 1 lb deli-sliced roast beef
- 4 onion sandwich rolls (or Kaiser rolls)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Horseradish sauce (about 1 tbsp per sandwich)
- Optional: red ranch sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Warm the roast beef in a skillet with a splash of water for 3–4 minutes until hot and tender.
Step 2: Toast the buttered onion rolls on a hot skillet until golden and crisp.
Step 3: Spread horseradish sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun (add red ranch sauce if desired).
Step 4: Generously stack the warmed roast beef over the sauced buns.
Step 5: Heat and drizzle about 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese sauce over each sandwich.
Step 6: Place the top bun on and serve immediately while hot and melty.
