Arby’s Ham and Cheese Melts are a classic comfort food featuring thinly sliced ham and melty cheese layered on a warm, soft bun. They’re simple, satisfying, and perfect when you’re craving a quick, savory bite. These melts bring that nostalgic fast-food flavor straight to your kitchen.

Homemade Arby’s ham and cheese melt with gooey cheese on a toasted bun.
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If you love the classic taste of Arby’s, you’ll love these easy Ham and Cheese Melts made right at home!

With thinly sliced ham, melty cheese, and a soft toasted bun, this sandwich delivers that signature flavor without the drive-thru. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, busy weeknight dinner, or even game day snacking. Plus, you only need a few ingredients and a few minutes to pull it all together!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Quick and Easy – Ready in under 15 minutes with just a few simple ingredients.
  • Classic Fast-Food Flavor at Home – Get that Arby’s taste without leaving your kitchen.
  • Kid-Approved – Cheesy, savory, and satisfying—perfect for picky eaters.
  • Budget-Friendly – Cheaper than takeout and made with everyday staples.
  • Great for Meal Prep – Make a batch and reheat for quick lunches or snacks all week.

Ingredients Needed For Arby’s Ham and Cheese Melts

  • Deli-sliced ham: Savory, thinly sliced ham for sandwich filling.
  • American cheese slices: Melty, creamy cheese with mild classic flavor.
  • Soft sandwich buns: Light, fluffy buns perfect for warm melts.
  • Butter: Adds golden crispiness and rich, buttery flavor.
  • Optional Arby’s sauce or mustard: Tangy sauce to add extra flavor boost.

How To Make Copycat Arby’s Ham and Cheese Melt

Brush butter onto the hamburger buns.

Step One: Lightly butter the inside of each sandwich bun for a golden, toasty finish.

Step Two: Place sliced ham and a slice of American cheese on the bottom half of each bun.

Place the ham and cheese onto the hamburger bun, before air frying or cooking.

Step Three: Close the sandwiches with the top bun and gently press down.

Step Four: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches on the skillet, buttered side down. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the buns are golden brown and the cheese is melted. Or use the air fryer place the sandwiches into the air fryer basket and cook for 4-5 minutes at 350 degrees F.

Step Five: Remove from the skillet or air fryer and serve immediately, with optional Arby’s sauce or mustard for dipping.

Homemade Arby’s Ham and Cheese Melt in air fryer with golden toasted bun and melted cheese.

Tips for the Best Arby’s Ham and Cheese

  • Use thinly sliced ham – It melts better with the cheese and mimics the original Arby’s texture.
  • Choose a soft bun – Regular hamburger buns or sesame seed buns work great for that fast-food feel.
  • Melt the cheese completely – If using the air fryer, watch closely to avoid over-crisping the bun before the cheese melts.
  • Wrap in foil for softness – Wrapping the sandwich in foil helps steam the bun and keep it soft, just like Arby’s.
  • Add Arby’s Sauce or Horsey Sauce For the full experience, serve with homemade or store-bought versions of their iconic sauces.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

  • Storing: Wrap sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Wrap each sandwich individually in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 month.
  • Reheating: Air fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 3–5 minutes until warmed through and cheese is melted. Oven: Wrap in foil and bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes. Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30–45 seconds, but note the bun may become soggy. For best texture, reheat in air fryer or oven.
Close-up of a toasted Arby’s-style ham and cheese melt sandwich with melted cheese and ham inside.

What To Serve With Arby’s Ham And Cheese Recipe

Arby’s Ham and Cheese Melts pair perfectly with classic sides that balance their savory, melty goodness. Serve them alongside crispy curly fries or seasoned steak fries for that authentic fast-food experience. A fresh, crunchy side salad or coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast, while a cup of warm tomato soup makes for a comforting combo. For dipping, don’t forget Arby’s signature sauce or a tangy honey mustard to elevate every bite.

Arby’s Ham And Cheese Recipe Faqs

What kind of ham is best for this recipe? Thinly sliced deli ham, such as Black Forest or Applewood smoked, works best for that tender, flavorful melt.

Can I use other types of cheese?: Absolutely! Swiss cheese is classic, but American, cheddar, or provolone also melt beautifully and taste great.

Do I need to butter the buns? Buttering the buns helps achieve that golden, crispy outside and adds rich flavor, but it’s optional if you prefer a lighter sandwich.

Can I make this recipe in an air fryer? Yes! Assemble the sandwiches, then air fry at 350°F for 4–5 minutes until the cheese melts and the buns are toasted..

Is there a copycat Arby’s sauce to use? Yes, you can make a tangy red sauce using ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and spices to mimic Arby’s signature flavor.

Close-up of a homemade Arby’s ham and cheese melt sandwich with melted cheese and sliced ham on a toasted bun.

More Copycat Arby’s Recipes

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Arby’s Bronco Berry Sauce Copycat Easy Recipe

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Arby’s Three Pepper Sauce Recipe

Arby’s Tzatziki Sauce

Air Fryer Copycat Arby’s Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches

Homemade Arby’s Cherry Turnovers

Arby’s Steakhouse Onion Rings Copycat Recipe

Ninja Creami Arbys Orange Creamsicle Shake Recipe

Ninja Creami Jamocha Shake (Arby’s Copycat)

Arby’s Horsey Sauce Copycat Recipe

Copycat Arby’s Chicken Tender Recipe

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Homemade Arby’s ham and cheese melt with gooey cheese on a toasted bun.

Arby’s Ham and Cheese Melts

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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

Make delicious Arby’s Ham and Cheese Melts at home with melty cheese, savory ham, and toasted buns—quick, easy, and perfect for any meal.

Ingredients 

  • ½ pound deli ham, Black Forest or Applewood smoked, thinly sliced
  • 4 sandwich buns, sesame or onion buns work well
  • 4 slices American cheese, or Swiss cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • Optional: Arby’s sauce or mustard for serving

Instructions

  • Lightly 2 tablespoons butter the inside of each 4 sandwich buns for a golden, toasty finish.
  • Place sliced ham and a slice of American cheese on the bottom half of each bun.
  • Close the sandwiches with the top bun and gently press down.
  • Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches on the skillet, buttered side down. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the buns are golden brown and the cheese is melted. Or use the air fryer place the sandwiches into the air fryer basket and cook for 4-5 minutes at 350 degrees F.
  • Remove from the skillet or air fryer and serve immediately, with optional Arby’s sauce or mustard for dipping.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer, or skillet
  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 433kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 22gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 71mgSodium: 1379mgPotassium: 253mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 373IUCalcium: 279mgIron: 2mg

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