• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipe Index
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
Fox Valley Foodie
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About the Fox Valley Foodie
  • Subscribe
  • Recipe Index
  • Contact
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Condiments and Sauces

    Arby's Sauce Copycat Recipe

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

    • Facebook108
    • Twitter
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Arby's Sauce Copycat Recipe - BBQ Sauce

    If you are craving Arby's Sauce at home, this sweet and tangy BBQ sauce is quick and easy to throw 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.

    Arby's Sauce Recipe

    My daughter is a toddler and she is now old enough to want to mimic everything we do. This is a fun age to start 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.

    Arby's Sauce Copycat

    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.

    This article contains affiliate links. Any Amazon purchases made through these links help support FoxValleyFoodie.com at no additional cost to you.

    Arby's Sauce Copycat Recipe
    Arby's Sauce Copycat Recipe

    Arby's Sauce Copycat Recipe

    If you are craving Arby's Sauce at home, this sweet and tangy BBQ sauce is quick and easy to throw together and requires minimal ingredients.
    4.13 from 16 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved
    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 Ribs or learn how to make Arby's Roast Beef Sandwich in your own kitchen!!
     

    Nutritional Information

    Calories: 45kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Sodium: 153mg | Potassium: 73mg | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 85IU | Vitamin C: 0.8mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.2mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it Today!Mention @FoxValleyFoodie or tag #foxvalleyfoodie!

    If you enjoyed reading about my Arby's Sauce Copycat Recipe then you should probably like me on Facebook and follow me on Pinterest too. That’s what I would do at least, because if you don’t get to know me but you still use my recipe it is kind of like taking candy from a stranger, and your mom taught you not to do that. Don’t disobey your mom, subscribe to Fox Valley Foodie today.

    Get My FREE eCookbook

    mailer

    Subscribe to FoxValleyFoodie.com and get each tantalizing new post sent directly to your inbox, along with my complementary eCookbook just for signing up!

    « Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Dijon Cream Sauce
    How to Make Arby's Roast Beef Sandwich »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. 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
    2. 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
    3. Peter Griffin

      February 25, 2022 at 9:59 pm

      1 star
      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 fucking 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
    4. Dave

      October 19, 2021 at 8:24 am

      3 stars
      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
    5. 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
    6. Brandi

      February 07, 2020 at 5:52 pm

      3 stars
      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
    7. Brandi Michlig

      January 03, 2020 at 1:45 am

      5 stars
      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
    8. Dennis Walsh

      December 17, 2019 at 10:52 am

      5 stars
      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
    9. Dave

      September 23, 2019 at 2:55 pm

      Great recipe! Can't wait to try it on my ribs.

      Reply
    10. Angela

      August 13, 2018 at 12:43 pm

      5 stars
      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
    11. 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

        1 star
        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
    12. Travis and Terri Majszak

      May 25, 2018 at 5:27 pm

      5 stars
      Tried this recipe and she nailed it

      Reply
      • Fox Valley Foodie

        May 25, 2018 at 6:18 pm

        Great to hear!

        Reply
    13. Annette

      January 15, 2018 at 9:11 pm

      5 stars
      I love this!

      Reply
    14. 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
    15. 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

            3 stars
            Same. Just tried it yesterday. It tastes good, but it's really far off from Arbys sauce. Not even close.

            Reply
    16. 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
    4.13 from 16 votes (6 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    Subscribe

    15834

    Get each tantalizing new recipe

    sent directly to your inbox.

    AND GET MY eCOOKBOOK FREE!

    Search for your favorite post!

    Popular Recipes

    Big Mac Sauce Copycat Recipe

    McDonald's Big Mac Sauce (Copycat Recipe)

    Homemade mozzarella sticks with string cheese

    Homemade Mozzarella Sticks with String Cheese

    Fried chicken gizzards recipe.

    Fried Chicken Gizzards

    Venison Meatloaf Recipe

    Venison Meatloaf

    How to make paprika

    How to Make Paprika

    Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs - Bone In

    Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs (Bone-In)

    Brown Sugar Meatloaf with Secret Ingredient

    Brown Sugar Meatloaf - With a Secret Ingredient

    Close up Sloppy Joes

    Homemade Manwich (Sloppy Joes)

    As featured in yahoo, buzzfeed, oprah, msn and more!

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    Fox Valley Foodie, LLC

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Brunch Pro on the Brunch Pro Theme

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.