
Arby's is a fast-food chain that offers a variety of sandwiches, and one of its popular menu items is the Beef 'N Cheddar sandwich. This sandwich features thin slices of roast beef, a cheese sauce, and a distinctive sauce. The cheese sauce used in the Beef 'N Cheddar sandwich is made with cheddar cheese and has a creamy, smooth texture. People attempting to recreate the sandwich at home have suggested using a combination of sharp cheddar and American cheese to achieve the right flavour and consistency.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Sharp or extra sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, Colby jack, American |
| Cheese sauce ingredients | Heavy cream, whole milk, apple cider vinegar, paprika, tapioca flour |
| Sauce type | Red ranch sauce |
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What You'll Learn

Arby's uses cheddar cheese
Arby's, the popular fast-food chain, is known for its delicious sandwiches, and one of its signature offerings is the Beef 'N Cheddar. This sandwich has become so iconic that many people attempt to recreate it at home with their own copycat recipes.
The key component of the Beef 'N Cheddar sandwich is, of course, the cheddar cheese. Arby's uses a cheddar cheese sauce, which is often described as mild and creamy. This cheese sauce is not just your average sauce; it has a secret ingredient—sodium citrate—that gives it that signature smooth and saucy texture. Creating the perfect cheese sauce involves slowly melting shredded cheddar cheese and combining it with other ingredients, such as half-and-half or milk, to achieve the right consistency.
While some people opt for pre-made canned cheddar cheese sauces, true Arby's enthusiasts insist on making their own sauce from scratch to capture the unique flavor. The process involves shredding the cheddar cheese, adding milk or cream, and heating it slowly over medium-low heat while stirring occasionally. This slow melt technique ensures a smooth and creamy sauce that oozes out of the sandwich, making it a messy yet irresistible treat.
To elevate the flavor of the cheddar cheese sauce, some copycat recipes suggest using a combination of sharp or extra sharp cheddar and American cheese. The sharp cheddar adds a bold kick of flavor, while the American cheese lends a smoother, more fluid texture to the sauce. This blend of cheeses creates a perfect balance, resulting in a sauce that is both flavorful and easy to spread on the sandwich.
In addition to the cheese sauce, Arby's Beef 'N Cheddar sandwich also features a signature Red Ranch sauce, which adds a tangy-sweet twist to the overall taste profile. The combination of the cheddar cheese sauce and the Red Ranch sauce creates a delightful duo that keeps customers coming back for more.
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Cheese sauce recipes
Arby's is famous for its Beef 'N Cheddar sandwiches, which are made with roast beef, cheese sauce, and red ranch sauce. The cheese sauce used in the Beef 'N Cheddar sandwiches is made with cheddar cheese, and various recipes suggest using a combination of sharp or extra sharp cheddar and American cheese.
Recipe 1:
- Start by shredding the cheese off the block.
- Add the cheese, half-and-half, and seasonings to a small saucepan and heat on medium-low heat.
- Cover and stir the mixture every 5-10 minutes until it is melted and smooth.
- Reduce the heat to the lowest setting while preparing the rest of the recipe.
Note: This recipe requires a slow melt, so it is important to start the cheese sauce first.
Recipe 2:
- Add 1 cup of cream or whole milk to a pan and let it reduce.
- Add 2 slices of processed American cheese and 1 teaspoon of tapioca flour.
- Stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture has a smooth, creamy consistency.
Recipe 3:
- Heat up undiluted Campbell’s Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup.
- Add a slice of mild natural cheddar.
Recipe 4:
Use pre-made, canned cheddar cheese sauce, such as Velveeta, and heat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm.
Tips for the Best Results:
- Use a combination of sharp cheddar for flavor and American cheese for a smooth and saucy texture.
- Don't use smoked paprika if you want the sandwich to taste like an original Arby's Beef 'N Cheddar.
- Make the cheese sauce just before assembling the sandwiches so it is still warm. Reheating the sauce may cause it to break.
- If you want to add extra flavour to the roast beef, season it with garlic powder, salt, and brown sugar.
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Arby's red ranch sauce
The Red Ranch sauce is different from Arby's sauce, which is also served on the Beef 'n Cheddar sandwiches but has a distinct flavour profile. The Red Ranch sauce is only available at Arby's restaurants and is not available in sauce packets or as a standalone product. However, some people have created copycat recipes that attempt to replicate the unique taste of the Red Ranch sauce.
The Beef 'n Cheddar sandwich at Arby's features thin, flavorful roast beef, cheese sauce, and the Red Ranch sauce, all served on an onion bun. The combination of the meat, cheese, and unique sauce has made this sandwich a popular choice among customers.
The cheese sauce used in the Beef 'n Cheddar sandwich can be made with a variety of cheeses, including processed American cheese, Velveeta, cheddar cheese, or a combination of these. The cheese is melted and combined with milk to create a creamy sauce that complements the Red Ranch sauce. Some people also add additional seasonings to the cheese sauce, such as garlic powder, salt, and brown sugar, to enhance the flavour.
Overall, the Arby's Red Ranch sauce is a key component of the Beef 'n Cheddar sandwich, providing a sweet and tangy flavour that pairs perfectly with the meat and cheese. The sauce has a loyal following, with many customers enjoying its unique taste and texture.
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Arby's beef and cheddar sandwich
Arby's, the fast-food restaurant chain known for its roast beef sandwiches, offers a variety of menu items, including its signature Beef 'n Cheddar sandwich. This sandwich has become a popular item and has been a staple on the menu for decades. The Beef 'n Cheddar is a simple yet flavorful combination of roast beef, cheese, and a few key toppings, served on a toasted onion roll. The star of the sandwich, apart from the roast beef, is the cheddar cheese sauce, a distinct and unique feature.
The cheddar cheese sauce used by Arby's is a processed cheese product, designed to melt smoothly and evenly, creating an appealing and consistent texture. This cheese sauce is made with a blend of cheddar cheese, milk, and other ingredients, resulting in a creamy and slightly tangy flavor. The sauce is designed to be fluid and easily pourable, allowing for efficient and quick service in the fast-food environment. While some may prefer a natural, sliced cheddar, the sauce provides a unique taste and mouthfeel that has become synonymous with the Arby's sandwich.
Arby's sources its cheddar cheese sauce from a variety of suppliers, ensuring a consistent product across all its locations. The sauce is delivered in bulk to each restaurant, where it is then heated and poured generously over the roast beef. The Beef 'n Cheddar sandwich typically features thin slices of roast beef, stacked high, and topped with the melted cheddar cheese sauce. The sandwich is then finished with a dash of salt and pepper and served with toppings such as sliced tomatoes, red onion, and a tangy light sauce or mayonnaise.
Over the years, the Beef 'n Cheddar sandwich has spawned several variations, including the Double Beef 'n Cheddar, which simply adds more roast beef to the original, and the Beef 'n Cheddar Classic, which replaces the onion roll with a sesame seed bun. There's also the Beef 'n Cheddar Toasted Sub, which offers a longer roll and more meat, and the Beef 'n Cheddar Wrap, which swaps the roll for a flour tortilla. These variations allow customers to enjoy different takes on the original, showcasing the versatility of the roast beef and cheddar cheese combination.
The success of the Beef 'n Cheddar sandwich lies in its simplicity and the quality of the ingredients. Arby's uses a proprietary blend of spices and slow-roasts its beef, ensuring a tender and flavorful base for the sandwich. The sharpness of the cheddar cheese sauce cuts through the richness of the meat, providing a balanced and satisfying bite. The toasted onion roll adds a subtle sweetness and a crunchy texture, bringing all the elements together. This combination of flavors and textures has kept customers coming back for more for over 30 years.
In conclusion, the Arby's Beef 'n Cheddar sandwich is a testament to the appeal of comfort food done right. The use of a processed cheddar cheese sauce may be unconventional, but it has become a beloved and signature part of the sandwich. With its long history on the Arby's menu, this sandwich continues to be a favorite among customers, proving that sometimes, it's the simplest ideas that stand the test of time.
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Arby's sauce packets
Arby's is a popular fast-food chain known for its roast beef sandwiches, and its Beef 'n Cheddar sandwich is one of its signature offerings. The sandwich features a combination of roast beef, cheese sauce, and a distinctive Red Ranch sauce, served on an onion bun.
While Arby's sauce packets are available to add to the sandwich, the Beef 'n Cheddar variety does not typically come with this sauce. Instead, it features the Red Ranch sauce, which has a tangy-sweet flavour profile that complements the beef. This sauce can be made at home, with some recipes suggesting a combination of Catalina or Dorothy Lynch dressing, or French salad dressing, to replicate the unique taste.
The cheese sauce used in the Beef 'n Cheddar sandwich can also be replicated at home. Recipes vary, but a basic version involves melting shredded cheddar cheese with half-and-half or milk, and seasonings, in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Some recipes suggest adding American cheese or processed cheese slices to achieve the right consistency and smoothness.
For those looking to recreate the Arby's Beef 'n Cheddar experience at home, the key seems to be in the sauces. The Red Ranch sauce provides a unique flavour, while the cheese sauce adds a creamy, rich cheddar taste. The thin-sliced roast beef and onion bun are also essential components to consider.
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Frequently asked questions
Arby's uses cheddar cheese sauce in its Beef and Cheddar sandwich.
Arby's cheese sauce is made from a combination of sharp or extra sharp cheddar and American cheese.
To make the Arby's cheese sauce, shred the cheese off the block and add it to a saucepan with half-and-half and seasonings. Heat this on medium-low heat, stirring every 5-10 minutes until melted and smooth.
You can use pre-made canned cheddar cheese sauce or Velveeta cheese sauce as a substitute for Arby's cheese sauce.

























