Arby's Copycat
·sauce

Arby's Horsey Sauce

This Arby's horsey sauce recipe recreates the iconic tangy, creamy condiment that has been a beloved staple at the roast beef chain since the 1970s. The original horsey sauce strikes the perfect balance between horseradish's fiery kick and mayonnaise's cooling richness, with just enough sweetness to round out the flavors. What makes Arby's version so addictive is its smooth, pourable consistency and the way it complements their roast beef sandwiches without overwhelming them. Making this sauce at home means you can enjoy that distinctive Arby's flavor anytime, whether you're creating copycat roast beef sandwiches or using it as a dip for fries and onion rings. The best part about this homemade version is that you can adjust the horseradish level to your preference, and it tastes remarkably close to the real thing. With just a handful of pantry ingredients and five minutes of mixing, you'll have a sauce that rivals the restaurant original.

Prep
5 min
Cook
—
Total
5 min
Servings
8
Yield
about 1 cup
Difficulty
Easy
Equipment: Medium mixing bowl · Whisk or fork · Measuring cups and spoons · Storage container

Ingredients

mayonnaise1/2 cup
prepared horseradish — drained3 tablespoons
granulated sugar2 tablespoons
white vinegar1 tablespoon
garlic powder1/4 teaspoon
onion powder1/4 teaspoon
salt1/8 teaspoon
white pepper — optional1 pinch

Instructions

1
Combine base ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and prepared horseradish until smooth. Make sure to drain excess liquid from the horseradish first, as too much moisture will thin the sauce. The mixture should be creamy white with visible horseradish specks throughout.
2
Add seasonings
Whisk in the sugar, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until completely incorporated. The sugar will dissolve completely, and you should smell the tangy horseradish aroma intensifying. Taste and adjust the horseradish or sugar as needed for your preference.
3
Rest and serve
Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows all the flavors to meld together and develop that authentic Arby's taste. The sauce will thicken slightly as it chills and should have a smooth, pourable consistency.

Pro tips for authenticity

▸Use prepared horseradish from a jar, not fresh grated horseradish, for the most authentic flavor and consistency that matches Arby's original sauce.
▸If you can't find prepared horseradish, substitute with 2 tablespoons of horseradish cream sauce mixed with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar.
▸This sauce can be made up to a week ahead and actually improves in flavor after a day or two in the refrigerator.
▸Don't skip draining the horseradish liquid, as excess moisture will make your sauce too thin and watery.
▸Serve with roast beef sandwiches, curly fries, onion rings, or use as a dip for vegetables and crackers.
▸For extra tang, add an additional teaspoon of vinegar, or for more heat, increase the horseradish by 1 tablespoon.
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week
Freezer
Does not freeze well due to mayonnaise base
Reheat
Serve cold, no reheating needed

Nutrition per serving

78
Calories
0g
Protein
4g
Carbs
7g
Fat
0g
Fiber
125mg
Sodium

How does it compare to the real thing?

This homemade version captures the essence of Arby's horsey sauce remarkably well, with the same creamy texture and balanced tang-to-heat ratio. The flavor is nearly identical to the original, especially after it's had time to chill and develop. The consistency is spot-on - thick enough to stay on a sandwich but thin enough to use as a dipping sauce. The main difference is that homemade versions tend to have slightly more pronounced horseradish flavor since you're using fresh jarred horseradish rather than the processed version Arby's uses. Overall, this copycat recipe delivers about 95% accuracy to the restaurant original and satisfies those Arby's cravings perfectly.

Frequently asked questions

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