Arby's Sauce Copycat Recipe (2024)

Published: Jan 8, 2018 · Modified: Dec 2, 2020 by Fox Valley Foodie · This post may contain affiliate links

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If you are craving Arby's Sauce at home, this sweet and tangy BBQ sauce is quick and easy tothrow together and requires minimal ingredients.

Confession time. I wish babies were born two years old. I really do. The little pooping rogue alarm clocks stress me out something fierce. However, since I work from home it is Daddy Daycare until mommy gets home. I am mostly just tasked with keeping the baby alive until 2:30 pm then my wife rescues me, and so far I've been fairly successful. On the flip side, I really like toddlers, they are adorably irrational but still perfectly capable of communication.

My daughter is a toddler and she is now old enough to want to mimic everything we do. This is a fun age tostart cooking with them. Though I strongly believe children shouldn't flambé until at least pre-school, making recipes like this Arby's Sauce is perfect to do with children. They love being helpful - holding the measuring cups as you fill it and stirring the ingredients together.

I stumbled upon my Arby's Sauce recipe by accident. I made my Brown Sugar Meatloaf for dinner last week and tasted the sauce before I slathered it over the hamburger mixture and thought, "EUREKA this reminds me of Arby's!" Then the other day I swung through the Arby's drive-thru to get an Arby's Roast Beef Sandwich and requested a few packets of their Arby's Sauce to bring home to deconstruct.

How to Make Arby's Sauce

Upon doing an initial taste test between my meatloaf sauce and the Arby's Sauce I instantly noticed their tangy BBQ sauce had a strong flavor of Worchestshire. When tweaking my recipe I found 2 tablespoons to be a bit too much, but 4 teaspoons put us pretty dang close. Arby's sauce also had a subtle heat I didn't initially notice. Cayenne pepper seems to replicate it nicely.

Though the sauce tastes great simply mixed together, it really needs to be simmered briefly on the stove top. This melts the brown sugar into the sauce, giving you a smoother texture.

I store my copycat Arby's Sauce in canning jars, however, you can buy empty sauce bottles as well.

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Arby's Sauce Copycat Recipe

If you are craving Arby's Sauce at home, this sweet and tangy BBQ sauce is quick and easy tothrow together and requires minimal ingredients.

4.13 from 16 votes

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Course: Condiment

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 3 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 13 minutes minutes

Servings: 16

Calories: 45kcal

Author: Fox Valley Foodie

Ingredients

▢ 1 cup ketchup
▢ ½ cup brown sugar
▢ ½ cup apple cider vinegar
▢ 4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
▢ ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

Add all ingredients to a small saucepan, stir to combine, and bring to a simmer. Reduce to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
Let sauce cool and store in air-tight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

IF YOU LIKE THIS RECIPE try slathering it over my Oven Baked BBQ Ribsor learn how to make Arby's Roast Beef Sandwich in your own kitchen!!

Nutritional Information

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Reader Interactions

Comments

Jessica Rupe
March 04, 2023 at 3:16 pm
I have made this and it's delicious. A few tips, add in 1/2 teaspoon of beef bouillon powder and 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves. I used to work at Arby's for 4 years and my boss said this recipe is very close to what we serve!
Reply
Jon A
October 03, 2022 at 5:44 pm
I'm planning on trying the RB sandwich recipe, but for anyone looking for near perfect Arby's sauce, I highly recommend Secret Stadium Sauce. It has been around WI for decades, but I don't think all other parts of the US. You can find it online though.
Reply
Peter Griffin
February 25, 2022 at 9:59 pm

I'm gonna be real honest here, this is the worst recipe I've ever tasted. I first saw this recipe and was ecstatic, I LOVE Arby's sauce and the closest Arby's is about 700 miles away so this was a great opportunity. I made this recipe with my 7 year old son when he suddenly fell to the ground. He needed to be rushed to the hospital immediately and ended up in the icu. I sat there while they shoved tubes down his throat and took a bite of the sandwich I made using this sauce. It was so f*cking disgusting that I threw up all over my comatose son. Do NOT recommend.
Reply
- Nic
  April 25, 2022 at 5:20 pm
  I'll take things that never happened for 800, Alex. Pfft. Get a life, "Peter Griffin." Go pet Bryan or give Stewie a bottle.
  Reply
Dave
October 19, 2021 at 8:24 am

This is a nice vinegar style sauce, but it's not close to real Arby's sauce. Arby's sauce is not nearly as sweet as this recipe makes, that's one of the main draws for me. The real stuff is tangy with a slight heat and a more savory flavor, very little sweetness but just enough in the background. This recipe hits you over the head with the sweetness, which isn't a bad thing in itself but it's just not what Arby's sauce tastes like. This is closer to the red sauce they put on Beef n Cheddars although that sauce doesn't have any spice to it.
Reply
Kimberly
July 02, 2020 at 1:01 pm
Arby's has two red sauces! The one in the packets is "Arby's sauce" and is tangier, less sweet. The red sauce that they put on their beef and cheddar (my go-to) is called "Red Ranch." It is sweetier and reminds me of Catalina dressing. If that is the sauce you love, like me, just ask them for a side of red ranch to go with your order. Great for dunking those curly fries! It would be cool if you could formulate a red ranch recipe- you'd be my hero!
Reply
- Al
  October 12, 2021 at 9:39 pm
  I don't know where the name Red Ranch came from, Arby's refers to i to it as Sweet-n-Tangy If we're Talking the same sauce That comes on the Super beef sandwich. Ranch has its own distinctive flavor and adding red to the ranch conjures the taste buds to believe your going to taste a hint of ranch in the sauce which I have not seen in all the recipes. I'm also a fan of the sauce, It complements the tomato and meat on the super which is my go to when burgers get boring.
  Reply
  - Dave
    October 19, 2021 at 8:20 am
    I worked at Arby's in the 80's. The sweet red sauce was indeed called Red Ranch, but I believe they changed the name because it's too confusing with traditional ranch dressing (which that sauce is nothing like). It is much closer to Catalina dressing as others have mentioned.
    Reply
    See Also
    Canadian Maple Pie Recipe
Brandi
February 07, 2020 at 5:52 pm

I found that doctoring up Chili sauce with some ingredients above makes it like Arby’s sauce. If u look what is in it u will see the same ingredients!
Reply
Brandi Michlig
January 03, 2020 at 1:45 am

My hubby accidentally made beef ribs tonight instead of a roast. He had planned on making chili. I love Arby’s sauce and when I’m in the mood and have a packet on hand I usually heat any beef in a saucepan and add a packet of sauce on top then put on toasted bread. Well of course I was craving the sauce but no packets to be found. Did this recipe and followed the directions to the t... until I found my brown sugar rock hard. I improvised on the amount I added but I’m telling you, the outcome was wonderful! The hubby tried it and said screw the chili, shred the beef and dump the sauce on! He was so surprised that I accidentally made a great supper for tomorrow.
Reply
Dennis Walsh
December 17, 2019 at 10:52 am

I can't say if it is just like Arby's sauce, but I found myself drenching my turkey sandwich in it just like I do at Arby's because it is so good. I cut the recipe in half, which was a mistake since I already have to make another batch.
If you want to add some zip to your mayonnaise based coleslaw or pasta salad, add a tablespoon or two of this sauce.
Tonight I'll be having it on pork sliders and dipping chicken wings into it.
Thank you for your recipe
Reply
Dave
September 23, 2019 at 2:55 pm
Great recipe! Can't wait to try it on my ribs.
Reply
Angela
August 13, 2018 at 12:43 pm

This sauce was FANTASTIC we loved it.It's nice too make copycat versions of your favorites without actually eating out so much healthier thank you so much.
Reply
Richard Rosborough
August 05, 2018 at 7:09 am
This is way too much vinegar and brown sugar. About 1/3 of the amounts is much better.
Reply
- Lily
  August 29, 2018 at 6:41 pm
  
  I agree, this recipe tastes nothing like Arby's sauce. I'll try your idea of lessening the amount of vinegar and brown sugar next time I give it a shot. But sadly, this is a dud for us.
  Reply
Travis and Terri Majszak
May 25, 2018 at 5:27 pm

Tried this recipe and she nailed it
Reply
- Fox Valley Foodie
  May 25, 2018 at 6:18 pm
  Great to hear!
  Reply
Annette
January 15, 2018 at 9:11 pm

I love this!
Reply
Maryanne
January 14, 2018 at 9:53 am
How long will it last in the fridge?
Reply
- Fox Valley Foodie
  January 14, 2018 at 9:55 am
  If you cook it properly first it will last as long as any BBQ sauce.
  Reply
Raquel Silies
January 08, 2018 at 2:08 pm
If 2 tablespoons was too much, shouldn't it be 4 teaspoons was just enough? It is correct in the recipe, but not in the post!
Reply
- Fox Valley Foodie
  January 08, 2018 at 2:14 pm
  Thanks for catching that!
  Reply
  - Darryl
    January 07, 2020 at 7:12 pm
    Not even close, just a standard bbq sauce. I agree this would probably be great on a meat loaf, but it’s insanity to say Arby’s sauce.
    Reply
    - Tony
      January 13, 2020 at 8:52 am
      
      Same. Just tried it yesterday. It tastes good, but it's really far off from Arbys sauce. Not even close.
      Reply
Robert M. Oshetski
January 08, 2018 at 12:05 pm
Sounds great,can't wait to try it! Have any Venison Chili Recipe's?
Reply
- Fox Valley Foodie
  January 08, 2018 at 12:14 pm
  Swap out ground venison for the beef and this recipe will rock your world! https://www.foxvalleyfoodie.com/worlds-second-best-chili/!
  Reply

FAQs

What is arby sauce made of? ›

Stir ketchup, water, corn syrup, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, steak sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg together in a saucepan over medium heat until smooth; bring to a boil and immediately remove from heat to cool completely.

Tell Me More ›

What is the same as Arby's sauce? ›

One of the closest alternatives to Arby's Sauce is homemade BBQ sauce. You can easily make your own by combining ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and a blend of spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

Who makes Arby's horsey sauce? ›

LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT TO BE SOLE SUPPLIER OF ARBY'S® SAUCES TO RETAILERS.

Tell Me More ›

Does Arby's roast beef have sauce? ›

ARBY'S ROAST BEEF SANDWICHES & MELTS

Our Arby's® Roast Beef Classic sandwich has thinly sliced, oven roasted beef piled high on a toasted sesame seed bun. Try it with our delicious Arby's Sauce®, or for an extra kick go with the zesty Horsey Sauce®. What could make our signature sandwich even more delicious?

Explore More ›

Is Arby's sauce and red ranch the same thing? ›

Don't be confused; Red Ranch Sauce isn't related to ranch dressing at all. Think of it as a less spicy version of the original Arby Sauce. It has the same ketchup base with garlic, onion, and Worcestershire sauce seasoning but omits the cayenne pepper.

Know More ›

What was Arby's called before it was Arby's? ›

They wanted to call their restaurants "Big Tex", but that name was already used by an Akron business. Instead, they chose the name "Arby's," a phonetic pronunciation of the letters R and B, short for "Raffel brothers".

Find Out More ›

What is similar to Arby's? ›

Arby's's competitors

Burger King Holdings is a fast-food restaurant chain that operates and franchises Burger King restaurants. McDonald's is a foodservice retailer that operates and franchises McDonald's fast-food restaurants. Papa Gino's is a restaurant chain company.

Learn More Now ›

What type of beef is Arby's? ›

Arby's "rost beef" is emulsified beef, reformed with meat glue. That's how they can get product consistency. Think of it as hot dogs sliced thin.

What makes Arby's sauce so good? ›

Arby's Sauce

It is a tangy and slightly sweet sauce that pairs perfectly with their roast beef sandwiches. It's a cross of ketchup and BBQ sauce, so is made with a blend of tomatoes, vinegar, and spices.

Read The Full Story ›

What chain owns Arby's? ›

Inspire Brands LLC is an American fast-food restaurant franchise company. Owned by Roark Capital Group, it owns the Arby's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Sonic Drive-In, Jimmy John's, Mister Donut, Dunkin' Donuts, and Baskin-Robbins chains, which have a combined 31,700 locations and US$30 billion in system sales.

Show Me More ›

Why is it called horsey sauce? ›

Many believe the English mispronounced the German word “meer” and began calling it “mareradish.” Eventually it became known as horseradish. The word “horse” (as applied in “horseradish”) is believed to denote large size and coarseness.

Get More Info ›

Why is Arby's roast beef pink? ›

Arby's roast beef is still pink, it isn't fully cooked. Just like when you cook steak, their roast is cooked more to medium rare. So when you are buying your roast beef you have the option to buy Rare Roast Beef from the deli. It is perfectly safe to eat and is cooked.

Discover More Details ›

Is Arby's sauce sweet? ›

Arby's famous Arby's Sauce. A sweet and tangy sauce with hints of vinegar, garlic and onion. First discovered in a packet in on Arby's.

Is Arby sauce Vegan? ›

Because its delicious, and so super duper easy to make. Arby's sauce is in fact vegan according to their website, but being that not much else is at an Arby's other than the fries, it is much easier to make this sauce by the jar full at home!

Find Out More ›

What is Arby's stand for? ›

They wanted to call their restaurants "Big Tex", but that name was already used by an Akron business. Instead, they chose the name "Arby's," a phonetic pronunciation of the letters R and B, short for "Raffel brothers". The Raffel brothers opened the first new restaurant in Boardman, Ohio, on July 23, 1964.

Did Arby's change their sauce? ›

They keep changing their sauces - their BBQ and Arby's sauces have changed drastically; many times over the last 20 years. They keep serving cold food. Why is Arby's not as popular as other fast food chains?

View Details ›