Arby's Beef 'N Cheddar: What's The Cheese?

Arby's Beef and Cheddar sandwich is a popular menu item at the fast-food chain Arby's. It features thinly sliced roast beef, cheddar cheese sauce, and red ranch dressing piled on an onion bun. The key to this sandwich is the rare and very thinly sliced roast beef, which can be challenging to achieve without a deli slicer. The red ranch sauce also sets this sandwich apart and is made with ketchup, water, onion powder, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and apple cider vinegar. The cheddar cheese sauce can be made with butter, flour, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese.

How to make the cheese sauce

How to Make the Perfect Cheese Sauce for an Arby's Beef and Cheddar

The key to a great cheese sauce is getting the right consistency and flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide to making the perfect cheese sauce for an Arby's Beef and Cheddar sandwich.

Ingredients:

• Butter
• Flour
• Milk
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
• Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Method:

• Start by taking a small saucepan and placing it on the stove over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely.
• Once melted, it's time to make a roux. Stir in the flour and continue stirring for about 1 minute. This will cook the flour and ensure your sauce doesn't taste like raw dough.
• Now, slowly and carefully pour in the milk, whisking constantly as you do so. This will prevent lumps from forming and ensure a smooth sauce.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes. Keep whisking occasionally to prevent the sauce from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• After 5 minutes, remove the pan from the heat. It's now time to add the cheese. Stir the shredded cheddar into the sauce until it is completely melted and combined.
• Finally, add salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or onion powder for an extra kick of flavour.

Tips for the Best Cheese Sauce:

• Always shred the cheese by hand. Pre-shredded cheese is often coated with cornstarch, which can affect how well it melts and the overall creaminess of the sauce.
• If your sauce becomes too thick, simply add a little more milk and whisk until smooth.
• If you're reheating the sauce, place it in a pan over medium-low heat and add a splash of milk. Whisk together as it warms up to restore its creamy texture.

Now you have a delicious, creamy cheese sauce ready to be piled on your Arby's Beef and Cheddar sandwich!

What type of cheese to use

The type of cheese used in the Beef and Cheddar sandwich is important to get right, as it is one of the star ingredients. The cheese sauce should be made with sharp cheddar cheese, as this will ensure the flavour really shines through. You can use mild or medium cheddar if you prefer a less intense flavour, but it is not recommended to use other varieties of cheese as this will change the sandwich. Freshly shredded cheese is also key for the right texture and melting capabilities.

For the best results, shred the cheese by hand, as pre-shredded cheese is often coated in cornstarch, which will affect how well it melts. You could also use processed American cheese or Velveeta, which melts well and has a similar texture to the cheese sauce used by Arby's.

If you are making a large batch of cheese sauce, it is best to use it immediately while it is still warm and pourable. If the cheese sauce gets cold and is then reheated, it may break or become lumpy. However, you can fix a lumpy cheese sauce by adding a small amount of milk and whisking until smooth.

What type of roast beef to use

The type of roast beef used in an Arby's Beef and Cheddar sandwich is ultra-thinly sliced roast beef. The best option is pre-packaged, rather than freshly sliced from the deli counter. The meat should be tender, not tough, and not likely to stick together.

Two recommended brands are Hillshire Farm and Land 'O Frost, which have a reasonably similar flavour to Arby's roast beef. The Buddig brand is not recommended.

The amount of meat used in an Arby's Beef and Cheddar is 2.2 ounces, although you can add more if you prefer a bigger sandwich.

What to serve with the sandwich

There are a variety of dishes that you can serve with an Arby's Beef and Cheddar sandwich. Here are some ideas:

Sides

• Curly fries
• Mozzarella sticks
• Jalapeno poppers
• Crispy Baked Cauliflower Tots
• Root Vegetable Chips
• Baked Asparagus Fries
• Panko Fried Pickle Chips
• Onion rings
• Onion straws
• Lettuce
• Jalapenos
• Tomatoes

Dips

• Arby's sauce
• BBQ sauce
• Horseradish sauce

Drinks

Jamocha shake

How to store and reheat the sandwich

How to Store and Reheat the Arby's Beef and Cheddar Sandwich

The Arby's Beef and Cheddar sandwich is a delicious treat, but what happens when you can't finish it all in one go? Here are some tips on how to store and reheat this sandwich to ensure maximum flavour and texture retention.

Storing:

Firstly, it is important to note that any leftover sandwiches should be stored in the refrigerator due to the perishable ingredients. The best way to store them is to wrap the sandwich in plastic wrap and then foil, which will help prevent it from drying out. Stored this way, the sandwich should keep for up to four days.

Reheating:

When it comes to reheating, it is recommended to avoid using a microwave as this can make the bread soggy and rubbery. Here are some alternative methods to try:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to around 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit and wrap your sandwich in aluminium foil. Place the foil-wrapped sandwich on a baking tray and heat for 10-20 minutes, or until it is warmed through.
• Stovetop: For a crispier texture, try using a cast-iron skillet or regular cooking pan. Heat your pan over medium heat and add a small amount of butter. Place the sandwich in the pan, along with a few drops of water, and cover for about three minutes. This will create steam, helping to reheat the bread evenly. After three minutes, flip the sandwich and repeat the process.
• Toaster Oven: A toaster oven is another option for reheating your sandwich. Simply preheat the oven and place the sandwich inside until warmed through.
• Air Fryer: If you have an air fryer, this can also be used to reheat your sandwich. Preheat the air fryer and place the sandwich inside until it reaches your desired temperature.

No matter which method you choose, it is important to keep an eye on your sandwich to ensure it doesn't overheat and burn. Additionally, if your sandwich has fresh ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, or pickles, it is recommended to remove these before reheating to prevent them from wilting or becoming soggy.

Now you can enjoy your Arby's Beef and Cheddar sandwich, even if you can't finish it all in one go!

Frequently asked questions