Arby’s Beef and Cheddar: The Ultimate Guide to This Classic Sandwich

Arby’s Beef and Cheddar, that iconic sandwich of thinly sliced roast beef drenched in a creamy, cheesy sauce, is a fast-food indulgence many of us crave. But what if I told you that you could recreate this delectable delight in your own kitchen, surpassing even the original in flavor and freshness? Forget the drive-thru line; we’re about to embark on a culinary adventure that will bring the savory goodness of Arby’s right to your table.

While Arby’s itself doesn’t boast centuries of tradition, its Beef and Cheddar has certainly carved out its own place in American fast-food history. Introduced in the 1970s, it quickly became a fan favorite, offering a unique alternative to the standard burger fare. The combination of tender roast beef and that signature cheddar sauce is simply irresistible.

So, why do people adore this sandwich so much? It’s the perfect marriage of textures and tastes. The soft, slightly sweet bun cradles the warm, savory beef, while the creamy cheddar sauce adds a tangy, rich counterpoint. It’s comforting, satisfying, and undeniably delicious. Plus, with this homemade version, you can customize it to your liking, adding extra cheese, a touch of horseradish, or even a sprinkle of crispy fried onions. Get ready to learn how to make the best Arby’s Beef and Cheddar sandwich you’ve ever tasted!

Ingredients:

• For the Beef:
• 2 lbs thinly sliced roast beef (high quality deli roast beef is perfect!)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp cold water to create a slurry)
• For the Cheddar Sauce:
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 12 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (use a good quality cheddar for best flavor!)
• 4 oz processed cheese (like Velveeta), cubed (this helps with the smooth texture)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For Assembly:
• 6 onion rolls (or Kaiser rolls), split
• Optional: Arby’s Sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Preparing the Beef:

1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Season the Beef: In a bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Gently toss the thinly sliced roast beef with this spice mixture, ensuring each slice is evenly coated.
3. Sear the Beef (Optional): For added flavor, you can sear the beef in the same skillet. Push the onions and garlic to one side of the skillet. Add the seasoned beef in batches, searing for about 30 seconds per side, just to get a little color. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the beef will steam instead of sear. Remove the seared beef and set aside. This step is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor.
4. Create the Braising Liquid: Pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds a ton of flavor!
5. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering beef broth mixture, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens slightly. This should only take a minute or two.
6. Simmer the Beef: Return the beef (and any accumulated juices) to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the beef is heated through and tender. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will become. Be careful not to overcook the beef, or it will become dry.
7. Keep Warm: Once the beef is heated through, keep it warm over low heat while you prepare the cheddar sauce.

Making the Cheddar Sauce:

1. Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce. Be careful not to burn the roux, or it will give the sauce a bitter taste.
2. Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, about 1/2 cup at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. This will prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Season the Sauce: Add the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the sauce. Stir to combine.
4. Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and cubed processed cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. The processed cheese helps to create that signature smooth texture.
5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. Remember that the beef is also seasoned, so don’t over-salt the sauce.
6. Keep Warm: Keep the cheddar sauce warm over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on top. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little more milk to thin it out.

Assembling the Beef and Cheddar:

1. Prepare the Rolls: Lightly toast the onion rolls (or Kaiser rolls) if desired. This will help prevent them from getting soggy.
2. Assemble the Sandwiches: Spoon a generous amount of the warm roast beef onto the bottom half of each roll.
3. Top with Cheddar Sauce: Ladle a generous amount of the warm cheddar sauce over the beef. Don’t be shy!
4. Add Arby’s Sauce (Optional): If you like, drizzle some Arby’s Sauce over the cheddar sauce. This adds a tangy sweetness that complements the beef and cheese perfectly.
5. Serve Immediately: Top with the other half of the roll and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade Arby’s Beef and Cheddar!

Tips for the Best Beef and Cheddar:

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of the roast beef and cheddar cheese, the better the final product will be.
• Don’t Overcook the Beef: Overcooked beef will be dry and tough. Simmer it gently until it’s just heated through.
• Use a Blend of Cheeses: The combination of sharp cheddar and processed cheese creates the perfect texture and flavor for the cheddar sauce.
• Adjust the Seasoning to Your Liking: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to suit your taste.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the beef and cheddar sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat them gently before assembling the sandwiches.
• Serve with Sides: Arby’s curly fries or potato cakes are the perfect accompaniment to a Beef and Cheddar sandwich.

Variations:

• Spicy Beef and Cheddar: Add more cayenne pepper to the beef and cheddar sauce for a spicier kick. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Jalapeño Beef and Cheddar: Add sliced jalapeños to the sandwich for a spicy and flavorful twist.
• Bacon Beef and Cheddar: Add crispy bacon to the sandwich for a smoky and savory flavor.
• Horseradish Beef and Cheddar: Mix a tablespoon of prepared horseradish into the cheddar sauce for a tangy and zesty flavor.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This isn’t just another sandwich recipe; it’s a journey back to that nostalgic Arby’s Beef and Cheddar flavor we all crave. I truly believe this homemade version captures the essence of the original, offering a satisfying and comforting experience that’s perfect for a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or even a late-night snack.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s more than just beef and cheese on a bun. It’s about recreating a beloved classic with fresh ingredients and a touch of your own personal flair. It’s about controlling the quality of what you’re eating and knowing exactly what goes into each delicious bite. It’s about saving money without sacrificing taste. And most importantly, it’s about having fun in the kitchen and creating something truly special. The creamy, tangy cheddar sauce, the tender, thinly sliced roast beef, and the soft, toasted onion roll all come together in perfect harmony to deliver an unforgettable sandwich experience.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Feel free to experiment with different variations to make this recipe your own. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheddar sauce or use a spicy brown mustard instead of the horseradish sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using a different type of cheese, such as provolone or pepper jack, for a unique flavor profile. You could even add some crispy bacon or caramelized onions for an extra layer of indulgence.

Serving suggestions? The possibilities are endless! Pair your homemade Arby’s Beef and Cheddar with a side of curly fries (naturally!), crispy potato wedges, or a refreshing coleslaw. For a lighter option, serve it with a simple green salad or a cup of tomato soup. And don’t forget the drinks! A cold glass of iced tea, a refreshing lemonade, or even a classic root beer float would be the perfect accompaniment to this iconic sandwich.

Don’t be intimidated by the thought of making your own cheddar sauce. It’s surprisingly easy and only requires a few simple ingredients. And trust me, the homemade version is far superior to anything you can buy in a jar. The key is to use high-quality cheddar cheese and to whisk constantly to prevent the sauce from burning or separating.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of creating your own Arby’s Beef and Cheddar at home. I’m confident that you’ll be amazed at how close it tastes to the real thing. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And when you do try it, please, please, please share your experience with me! I’d love to hear your feedback, see your photos, and learn about any variations you’ve tried. Let me know what you think of this homemade Arby’s Beef and Cheddar recipe. Did it bring back memories? Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? Your comments and suggestions are always welcome. Happy cooking!

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