Arbys Cheese Sauce Recipe (Easy Copycat Cheese Sauce)

In my opinion there’s no cheese sauce that makes a sandwich taste better than the famous Arby’s cheese sauce, and this copycat Arbys cheese sauce recipe comes about as close as you can get!

This Arby’s Cheese Sauce Recipe is the creamy cheddar sauce that makes their Beef ‘n Cheddar so famous. It’s smooth, rich, and has that tangy bite that keeps you hooked.

I’ve always loved how it takes a plain roast beef sandwich and turns it into something crave-worthy. After trying it a few times, I knew I wanted to bring that same flavor home. And honestly, once you learn how easy it is, you’ll never look at jarred cheese sauce the same way again.

You don’t need anything fancy—just sharp cheddar, butter, milk, and a little flour. That’s all it takes to get that silky sauce you can drizzle on sandwiches, dip fries into, or spoon over nachos.

What Kind of Cheese Does Arbys Use?

Arby’s uses a cheddar cheese (a firm, natural cheese from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England. It’s usually off-white or orange (with annatto) and has a mild to sharp flavor.) to make the cheese sauce for their sandwiches, mainly the Beef ‘n Cheddar. It’s smooth, tangy, and creamy, which makes it easy to drizzle on meat or fries.

They don’t just throw slices of cheese on top. Instead, they melt cheddar down into a sauce that stays creamy even when warm. That’s the same kind of feel we’re going for in this recipe, using sharp cheddar for the strong taste and smooth finish.

Arby’s Cheese Sauce Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – I use unsalted butter so I can control the seasoning. It melts smoothly and forms the creamy base for the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – The flour mixes with butter to make a roux, which thickens the sauce and gives it that perfect creamy texture.
• 1 cup whole milk – Whole milk adds richness and smoothness. It balances the sharpness of the cheese and helps the sauce reach the right consistency.
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar gives the sauce its classic tangy flavor. I shred it myself for a smoother melt and creamy finish.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Just a little salt enhances the cheese flavor without overpowering the sauce. I always taste and adjust at the end.
• Pinch of black pepper – Black pepper adds a gentle warmth and depth, cutting through the richness and making every bite more flavorful.

Kitchen Tools

• Small saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Grater (if shredding cheese yourself)

How To Make Arby’s Cheese Sauce Copycat

Step 1: Melt the Butter

Place a small saucepan on the stove over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt completely, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t brown. The butter should be fully liquid before moving to the next step.

Step 2: Make the Roux

Once the butter is melted, add the all-purpose flour. Use a whisk to stir continuously, combining the butter and flour into a smooth paste.

Keep whisking and cooking for about 30 seconds. This cooks out the raw flour taste while creating the base for the sauce.

Step 3: Add the Milk

Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly. Start with a small splash to loosen the roux, then gradually add the rest in a steady stream.

Keep whisking to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture begins to thicken, which should take about 3–5 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Turn off the heat once the milk mixture has thickened. Immediately add the shredded cheddar cheese. Whisk slowly but steadily until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes velvety smooth.

The residual heat will be enough to melt the cheese without causing it to separate or turn grainy.

Step 5: Season the Sauce

Taste the sauce and season with salt and black pepper. Start lightly, stir, and taste again before adding more. The seasoning should enhance the cheddar flavor without overpowering it.

Step 6: Serve

Your Arby’s-style cheese sauce is now ready to use. Serve warm as a dipping sauce for fries, drizzle over roast beef sandwiches, or spoon onto any dish that needs a creamy cheddar kick.

Tips for Getting the Right Creamy Texture Every Time

1. Always shred your own cheese – Shredded cheese melts smoother, giving the sauce a creamy, velvety texture.
2. Keep the heat low when adding cheese – Too much heat makes the cheese separate or turn grainy.
3. Add milk slowly – Pour gradually while whisking to prevent lumps and ensure even creaminess.
4. Whisk steady – Constant stirring keeps the sauce smooth and avoids clumps forming.
5. Taste at the end – Adjust salt carefully to enhance flavor without overpowering the cheese.

Variations & Substitutions

• Use Monterey Jack for a mild flavor.
• Try pepper jack if you want a little heat.
• Swap whole milk with 2% milk or half-and-half for thicker sauce.
• Add a pinch of garlic powder for more depth.
• Mix in a spoon of cream cheese if you want extra smoothness.

What To Serve Using Arbys Cheese Sauce

Loaded Fries – Drizzle Arby’s cheese sauce over crispy fries, top with bacon or green onions. Makes simple fries look irresistible and taste amazing.

Nachos – Pour the sauce over tortilla chips, add jalapeños or olives. Quick, cheesy snack that’s full of flavor and easy to serve.

Hot Dogs – Spoon the sauce over hot dogs for extra juiciness. It melts in perfectly, giving a rich, cheesy kick every bite.

Burgers – Skip the slices and pour this cheese sauce over burgers. Adds creamy texture and boosts the flavor of every bite.

Soft Pretzels – Use as a warm dip for pretzels. Smooth, cheesy, and perfect for a snack or appetizer.

Broccoli or Cauliflower – Pour over steamed veggies to make them tasty. Kids and adults both love the creamy, cheesy touch.

Breakfast Sandwiches – Add to eggs, bacon, or sausage on a sandwich. Brings a gooey, cheesy layer that pulls everything together.

FAQs

Can I store leftover this cheese sauce?

Yes, keep it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm it on low heat and stir in a splash of milk to loosen it back up.

Is sharp cheddar the only choice?

No, you can use mild cheddar, white cheddar, or a mix. Sharp cheddar is closest to the flavor at Arby’s, but other cheese still tastes great.

Can I use this sauce as a dip?

Of course. I use it with fries, chips, pretzels, or even fried chicken strips. It stays creamy when warm, so it works well as a dip.

Why did my sauce turn grainy?

That happens if the cheese was added over too much heat. Turn off the stove before stirring cheese in, and it will melt smooth every time.

Making this Arby’s Cheese Sauce Recipe at home is easier than you think. The sauce turns ordinary sandwiches, fries, or veggies into something special. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor in every bite.

Give it a try, taste the difference, and enjoy the satisfaction of serving something homemade.