arbys beef cheddar sandwiches

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I’ll never forget the first time my youngest daughter came home from school raving about her friend’s Arby’s beef and cheddar sandwich. She begged me to take her there, and honestly, I was skeptical. However, one bite of that tender roast beef topped with tangy cheddar sauce changed everything.

That sandwich became her favorite treat after soccer practice. When Mateo and I decided to recreate Arby’s beef cheddar sandwiches at home, we discovered something magical—we could make them even better. Now, these copycat Arby’s beef cheddar sandwiches have become a family staple in our kitchen, and I’m thrilled to share our perfected version with you today.

Making Arby’s beef cheddar sandwiches at home means controlling every ingredient while saving money. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about recreating a restaurant favorite in your own kitchen. These homemade Arby’s beef cheddar sandwiches taste remarkably close to the original, and my family actually prefers them now.

Why You’ll Love These Arby’s Beef Cheddar Sandwiches

These copycat Arby’s beef cheddar sandwiches deliver restaurant-quality flavor without leaving your home. First, they’re incredibly budget-friendly compared to buying individual sandwiches for the whole family. Additionally, you control the quality of every ingredient, ensuring a healthier meal overall.

The homemade cheddar sauce is a game-changer. Unlike the restaurant version, you’ll know exactly what goes into it—no mystery ingredients. Furthermore, these Arby’s beef cheddar sandwiches come together in just 15 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights. My girls absolutely devour these sandwiches, and Mateo appreciates how simple yet impressive they are.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the cheddar sauce thickness, add extra toppings, or modify the bread to suit your family’s preferences. These Arby’s beef cheddar sandwiches also work wonderfully for game day gatherings or casual dinner parties. Trust me, your guests will be impressed when you tell them you made these at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for these Arby’s beef cheddar sandwiches is straightforward. Most items are probably already in your pantry or easily available at any grocery store. Here’s everything you need to recreate this beloved sandwich:

The key to authentic Arby’s beef cheddar sandwiches lies in using quality deli roast beef. Mateo always recommends asking the deli counter to slice it extra thin. This creates that signature tender texture everyone loves.

Substitutions & Variations

Making these Arby’s beef cheddar sandwiches your own is easy with a few simple swaps. If you can’t find onion buns, regular hamburger buns work perfectly fine. Sometimes I even use pretzel buns for an extra special twist.

For the cheese sauce, you can substitute white cheddar for a milder flavor. Moreover, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper creates a spicy version of these Arby’s beef cheddar sandwiches that my oldest daughter adores. If you’re watching calories, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese—the sauce still turns out creamy and delicious.

Vegetarians in your family? Try using thinly sliced portobello mushrooms instead of roast beef. Meanwhile, for a heartier version of these Arby’s beef cheddar sandwiches, add caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms. Some families prefer adding crispy bacon, which honestly takes these sandwiches to another level.

You can also experiment with different breads. Ciabatta rolls, sourdough, or even Texas toast all work beautifully. The flexibility of this recipe means you’ll never get bored making these Arby’s beef cheddar sandwiches.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating restaurant-quality Arby’s beef cheddar sandwiches at home is simpler than you’d think. Follow these straightforward steps, and you’ll have amazing sandwiches ready in no time.

Step 1: Begin by making the signature cheddar sauce. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour continuously for about one minute. This creates a roux that will thicken your sauce perfectly.

Step 2: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly. This prevents lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, which typically takes 3-4 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to low.

Step 3: Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce slowly, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Next, incorporate the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and paprika. Mix everything thoroughly. Your cheddar sauce should be silky and pourable.

Step 4: In a separate pan, warm the beef broth over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced roast beef and heat it through, about 2-3 minutes. This step ensures your Arby’s beef cheddar sandwiches have warm, tender meat just like the restaurant version.

Step 5: While the beef warms, lightly toast your buns. Mateo always butters them first for extra flavor. Toast them in a skillet or under the broiler until golden brown.

Step 6: Assemble your Arby’s beef cheddar sandwiches by piling generous portions of warm roast beef on the bottom bun. Then, drizzle that beautiful cheddar sauce liberally over the meat. Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Success

After making countless batches of these Arby’s beef cheddar sandwiches, I’ve learned several tricks that guarantee perfect results every time. First, always slice your roast beef as thin as possible. Thicker slices just don’t capture that authentic texture.

Keep your cheddar sauce warm throughout the assembly process. If it cools down, it thickens significantly and becomes difficult to drizzle. I usually keep mine in the saucepan over very low heat, stirring occasionally. Additionally, don’t skip warming the beef in broth—this crucial step adds moisture and prevents dry sandwiches.

For the most authentic Arby’s beef cheddar sandwiches, use sharp cheddar cheese rather than mild. Sharp cheddar provides that distinctive tangy flavor everyone recognizes. Furthermore, if your sauce becomes too thick, simply whisk in a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Mateo’s secret tip? Add a tiny pinch of yellow mustard powder to the cheese sauce. It enhances the flavor complexity without being detectable. Also, consider making extra cheddar sauce—it disappears quickly, and everyone always wants more on their Arby’s beef cheddar sandwiches.

Finally, serve these sandwiches immediately after assembly. The combination of warm beef, hot cheese sauce, and toasted buns creates the perfect eating experience. These Arby’s beef cheddar sandwiches don’t hold well once assembled, so prepare everything in advance and build them right before serving.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Storing components of your Arby’s beef cheddar sandwiches separately works best. Keep the cheddar sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The roast beef also stays fresh in the fridge for about three to four days when properly stored.

To reheat the cheddar sauce, use low heat and add a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent scorching. Never microwave the sauce at full power—it separates and becomes grainy. Instead, use 30-second intervals at 50% power, stirring between each interval.

Warm the roast beef gently in beef broth just like you did initially. This rehydrates the meat and keeps it tender. Alternatively, you can microwave it briefly with a damp paper towel covering the meat. However, I don’t recommend assembling these Arby’s beef cheddar sandwiches ahead of time, as the buns become soggy.

If you absolutely must prepare them in advance, store all components separately and assemble just before serving. The cheese sauce freezes reasonably well for up to two months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently with added milk as needed.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Pairing sides with your Arby’s beef cheddar sandwiches elevates the entire meal. Classic curly fries are the obvious choice, and making them at home is easier than you’d think. Simply season spiral-cut potatoes with paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne, then bake until crispy.

My family also loves serving these Arby’s beef cheddar sandwiches with potato wedges, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. The freshness of coleslaw provides a nice contrast to the rich, cheesy sandwich. Additionally, pickle spears add a tangy crunch that complements the beef perfectly.

For a complete Arby’s-inspired meal, consider making homemade mozzarella sticks or jalapeño poppers as appetizers. Mateo sometimes prepares loaded cheese fries, which the girls absolutely adore. Mac and cheese also pairs wonderfully, though it makes for an indulgent, cheese-heavy meal.

Lighter options include fresh fruit, vegetable sticks with ranch dip, or a crisp cucumber salad. Sweet potato fries offer a healthier alternative to regular fries while still maintaining that comfort food vibe. Whatever you choose, these Arby’s beef cheddar sandwiches shine as the star of the meal.

FAQs

Can I use leftover roast beef for Arby’s beef cheddar sandwiches?

Absolutely! Leftover roast beef works wonderfully for these Arby’s beef cheddar sandwiches. Simply slice it as thinly as possible and warm it in beef broth before assembling. This method actually adds incredible flavor and makes great use of leftovers.

How do I make the cheese sauce thicker or thinner?

Adjusting the consistency of your cheddar sauce is simple. For thicker sauce, add more cheese or cook it a bit longer. Conversely, for thinner sauce, whisk in milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your preferred consistency. The sauce thickens as it cools, so keep that in mind.

What’s the best bread for Arby’s beef cheddar sandwiches?

Onion hamburger buns most closely replicate the authentic Arby’s experience. However, kaiser rolls, sesame seed buns, or even hoagie rolls all work excellently. Choose a soft bun that won’t overpower the beef and cheese sauce.

Can I make these Arby’s beef cheddar sandwiches in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Place the roast beef with beef broth in the slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours. Make the cheese sauce separately on the stovetop, then assemble as directed. This method works great for parties.

How can I make these sandwiches healthier?

Making healthier Arby’s beef cheddar sandwiches is possible with a few modifications. Use lean roast beef, low-fat milk, and reduced-fat cheese. Additionally, serve on whole wheat buns and add fresh vegetables like lettuce and tomato for extra nutrition.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

These Arby’s beef cheddar sandwiches provide a satisfying amount of protein, making them a filling meal option. While they’re indulgent, enjoying them occasionally as part of a balanced diet is perfectly fine. Pair them with lighter sides to create a more nutritionally balanced plate.

Making copycat Arby’s beef cheddar sandwiches at home has become one of our family’s favorite traditions. The girls request them constantly, and Mateo loves experimenting with different variations. These sandwiches prove that restaurant favorites can be recreated successfully in your own kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques. Give this recipe a try, and I promise your family will be asking for these homemade Arby’s beef cheddar sandwiches again and again!

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