Arby's Sauce (Copycat Recipe)

This Arby’s Sauce tastes exactly like the signature sauce from the fast-food restaurant — smooth, tangy, slightly smoky, and just the right amount of sweet. It’s the perfect condiment for Arby's roast beef sandwiches, fries, and just about anything else that needs a little flavor. Made with a simple blend of ketchup, brown sugar, and spices, this homemade version nails the iconic Arby’s flavor, but it tastes even fresher and more balanced. If you’ve tried my Shake Shack Sauce or In-N-Out Sauce, you already know I’m serious about perfecting copycat recipes, and like those, this Arby's sauce is legit.

Why I Love This Arby's Sauce

This copycat Arby’s Sauce recipe captures that tangy, slightly sweet, and smoky flavor that makes the original so addicting — except this version is even better because it’s homemade and customizable. You can make it as mild or spicy as you like, and it takes about 10 minutes from start to finish.

Of course, it’s a must for roast beef sandwiches, but it’s also amazing as a French fry sauce, a burger topping, or even a dipping sauce for chicken tenders and onion rings. Honestly, once you make a batch, you’ll find yourself putting it on everything.

What really makes this recipe great is how simple and foolproof it is — you just mix the ingredients in a pot and let them simmer until the flavors meld. The end result is a smooth, glossy, restaurant-quality sauce that keeps perfectly in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Whether you’re making it for game day, weeknight sandwiches, or to keep on hand for dipping, this homemade Arby’s Sauce proves that fast-food flavor can be even better made from scratch.

Ingredients for Arby's Sauce

• ½ cup Ketchup
• ¼ cup Apple Cider Vinegar
• 2 tbsp. Brown Sugar
• 1 tsp. smoked paprika
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• ½ tsp. saltDash of hot sauce

How To Make Arby's Sauce

Step 1: Cook the sauce

 Add all the ingredients to a pot and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes. If it starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, stirring frequently to mix the sauce and prevent it from burning.

Step 2: Cool and Serve

Allow the sauce to cool until it reaches room temperature for optimal flavor and consistency. Then serve as desired and enjoy!

Expert Tips for The Best Arby's Sauce

• Simmer low and slow for balanced flavor — don't rush! The key to getting that authentic Arby’s sauce flavor is patience. Once your ingredients are combined, keep the heat at medium-low and let the sauce gently simmer — never boil. Boiling can cause the vinegar to evaporate too quickly and make the sauce too sharp or thin. Slow simmering gives the brown sugar time to dissolve and caramelize slightly, creating a smooth, glossy sauce with the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy.
• Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Because this sauce contains ketchup and brown sugar, it can easily stick to the bottom of the pot or burn if left unattended. Stir every minute or two while simmering to ensure even cooking and maintain that silky, restaurant-quality consistency. If you notice it getting too thick, just add a splash of water or vinegar to loosen it up without losing flavor.
•  Taste and adjust before cooling. Every brand of ketchup and hot sauce has a slightly different level of sweetness and acidity, so always taste your sauce once it’s cooked and adjust as needed. For a sharper tang, add ½ teaspoon more vinegar; for extra sweetness, stir in a pinch of brown sugar; and for more spice, a few extra drops of hot sauce or a dash of cayenne does the trick. This flexibility ensures your homemade Arby’s sauce tastes exactly how you like it — or even better than the original.
• Let it cool completely before storing. Resist the urge to refrigerate it while it’s hot. Allow the sauce to cool fully at room temperature first — this thickens it naturally and enhances its flavor. Once cooled, transfer it to a mason jar or airtight glass container and refrigerate for up to two weeks. The sauce’s flavor actually improves as it chills and the ingredients meld together, so it’s even better the next day.
• Use smoked paprika for that signature smoky flavor. Smoked paprika is what gives this copycat Arby’s sauce its distinct smoky undertone that sets it apart from standard BBQ sauce. If you only have regular paprika, you can mimic the flavor by adding 1–2 drops of liquid smoke or even a pinch of chipotle powder. This touch of smokiness is subtle but crucial — it deepens the sauce’s flavor and gives it that “fast food but better” taste.
• Warm it before serving for the best texture. For that true restaurant-style experience, serve the sauce slightly warm instead of cold. Heat it in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a small saucepan over low heat until just warmed through. 

Arby's Sauce FAQS

What is Arby’s Sauce?

Arby’s Sauce is the fast-food chain’s signature condiment — a smooth, tangy, and slightly smoky sauce that’s similar to barbecue sauce but with a deeper, more complex flavor. It’s thinner in consistency than classic BBQ sauce and has a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and zesty notes from ingredients like vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and paprika. It’s that unique flavor combination that makes it so much more than your average barbecue sauce.

What can I serve Arby’s Sauce with?

This copycat Arby’s Sauce goes far beyond roast beef sandwiches — it’s the kind of condiment that instantly upgrades just about anything you pair it with. Naturally, it’s perfect with roast beef sandwiches, but it also tastes incredible as a dip for McDonald’s fries, a drizzle over a Taco Bell chicken quesadilla, or spread inside a Chick-fil-A grilled chicken sandwich. I even love using it on a chopped cheese sandwich or spooning it over burgers, grilled chicken, or crispy onion rings. Basically, if it’s savory, this sauce will make it better!

How long does Arby’s Sauce last?

Homemade Arby’s Sauce will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks when stored properly. After cooking, let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or mason jar. Seal it tightly and refrigerate. The sauce actually tastes even better once it’s had a chance to chill and the flavors meld together. Just give it a quick stir before using.

What does Arby’s Sauce taste like?

This sauce tastes like a smoky, tangy barbecue sauce with extra depth and a more refined flavor. You’ll notice a gentle sweetness from the brown sugar, a little heat from the hot sauce and paprika, and a vinegar tang that ties everything together. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, savory, and smoky, making it one of the most crave-worthy sauces you can make at home.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Absolutely! One of the best things about making your own Arby’s Sauce is being able to customize it. For a milder version, reduce or omit the hot sauce. If you prefer a little more heat, add extra hot sauce, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a pinch of chipotle powder for a smoky kick.

 

Sauce Recipes To Try Next

• McDonald's Breakfast Sauce
• Halal White Sauce
• Chik-Fil-A Honey BBQ Sauce
• Big Mac Sauce
• Wingstop Ranch
• Tomato gravy
• Hot honey sauce
• Popeye's sweet heat sauce