Arby’s Cheddar Cheese Sauce Recipe

This Copycat Arby’s Cheddar Cheese Sauce is the ultimate crave-worthy dip you didn’t know you needed on repeat. It’s fast, easy, and cheesy in all the right ways. Skip the drive-thru and whip up a batch for game day, movie night, or literally anytime the snack attack hits.

Arby’s curly fries are iconic—but let’s be honest, it’s that creamy, melty cheddar cheese sauce that steals the show.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the Beef ‘n Cheddar sandwich or just looking to level up your snack game, this easy homemade version of Arby’s cheddar sauce is about to become your new obsession.

No more begging for extra sauce at the drive-thru. With just a few pantry staples and 10 minutes of your time, you can recreate that velvety cheddar perfection right at home—and pour it on everything from fries to burgers, or even air fried broccoli (yes, we’re calling that balance).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

• Spot-on flavor: It’s creamy, cheesy, slightly sharp, and ridiculously close to the real deal.
• No weird ingredients: Just real cheese, milk, and basic seasonings.
• Ridiculously easy: One saucepan, one whisk, one happy snack session.
• Versatile: Use it as a dip, a drizzle, or a dunk. Fries, pretzels, chips, burgers—you name it.
• Make-ahead friendly: Store and reheat whenever the cheesy craving hits.

Arby’s Cheddar Cheese Sauce Ingredients

• Unsalted butter – The base of any good sauce.
• All-purpose flour – Thickens the sauce into creamy magic.
• Whole milk – For a rich, smooth texture.
• Sharp cheddar cheese – Freshly shredded melts better than pre-packaged.
• Paprika – Adds a hint of smoky flavor.
• Garlic powder – A subtle savory kick.
• Salt – Balance the cheese.
• Optional: Hot sauce or Dijon mustard – For a little zip if you’re feeling wild.

How to Make Arby’s Cheddar Cheese Sauce

Step One: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it forms a paste and smells slightly nutty.

Step Two: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens (about 3–4 minutes). Turn the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and smooth. Add a splash of hot sauce or mustard for an extra punch if desired.

Step Three: Pour over your favorite sandwich or serve as a dip with hot curly fries.

Arby’s Cheddar Cheese Sauce Recipe Tips

• Use fresh cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that mess with the melt.
• Whisk constantly when making the roux to avoid lumps.
• Thin it out with a little more milk if it gets too thick.
• Want more zing? Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of Worcestershire.

Storing & Reheating

• Store: Pour leftover sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring in between, or warm on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk if it’s too thick.

Arby’s Cheddar Cheese Sauce Recipe Faqs

Can I use different cheese? Sure! Try Monterey Jack for a milder flavor or Pepper Jack for some heat. But for that Arby’s flavor, sharp cheddar is your best bet.

Can I make this gluten-free? Yep! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.

Is this the same cheese used in Arby’s Beef ‘n Cheddar? It’s super close—Arby’s uses a proprietary processed cheddar sauce, but this is a fresher, tastier copycat without all the mystery ingredients.

More Copycat Arby’s Recipes

Arby’s Red Ranch Sauce

Arby’s Copycat Reuben Sandwich

Arby’s Brown Sugar Bacon BLT Recipe

Arby’s Bronco Berry Sauce Copycat Easy Recipe

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Arby’s Three Pepper Sauce Recipe

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Copycat Arby’s Mac and Cheese

Arby’s Gyro Sauce Recipe

Copycat Arby’s Chicken Tender Recipe

Arby’s Ham and Cheese Melts

Arby’s Classic French Dip Sandwich Recipe

Arby’s Tangy BBQ Sauce

Arby’s Dijon Honey Mustard Recipe

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