Arby’s isn’t just famous for its thinly sliced roast beef and inventive sandwiches—it’s also become a cult favorite thanks to its diverse array of sauce packets. From the signature tang of Arby’s Sauce to the bold kick of Horsey Sauce, these little packets pack a punch. In this guide, we explore each sauce packet, break down their unique flavor profiles, and suggest the perfect menu item pairings. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just curious about elevating your fast-food experience, read on to discover how you can mix, match, and experiment with Arby’s sauces to create your ideal bite.
What Makes Arby’s Sauces Unique?
Several factors contribute to the unique allure of Arby’s sauce packets:
1. Flavor Innovation
Arby’s isn’t afraid to experiment with bold flavors. While many fast-food chains stick to basic condiments, Arby’s offers sauces that can be tangy, smoky, sweet, or even spicy—all designed to enhance the natural flavors of their meat-centric menu. Whether it’s the zesty kick of Horsey Sauce or the unexpected burst of sweet-spicy Bronco Berry Sauce®, there’s always something new to try.
2. Perfect Balance
The secret behind these sauces is balance. For example, Arby’s Sauce is a hybrid between ketchup and barbecue sauce—a marriage of tang, sweetness, and a hint of smokiness that perfectly complements their roast beef. This careful balance means that the sauce elevates a sandwich rather than overwhelming it.
3. Versatility
Arby’s sauce packets are extremely versatile. They’re designed not only for dipping but also for drizzling over sandwiches, mixing with sides, and even being used as a marinade or salad dressing base. This flexibility allows customers to customize their meals to suit their personal taste preferences.
4. Consistency and Quality
Each packet is crafted to deliver the same flavor experience every time. Arby’s maintains high-quality standards in both ingredient sourcing and production processes, ensuring that whether you’re ordering at your local Arby’s or using a packet from home, the taste is consistent and true to the brand.
Arby’s Sauce List
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular Arby’s sauces and what they bring to the table.
Arby’s Sauce
Flavor Profile:
Tangy, slightly sweet, with a smoky undercurrent
Best Paired With:
- Classic Roast Beef Sandwich: The signature pairing, where the sauce enhances the natural flavor of the roast beef without overpowering it.
- Curly Fries: Use it as a dipping sauce to add a tangy kick to the crispy fries.
Arby’s Sauce is the flagship condiment that started it all. Its balanced blend of tomatoes, vinegar, and spices creates a flavor that’s reminiscent of a cross between ketchup and barbecue sauce. This makes it a natural complement to both meat and side items.
Horsey Sauce®
Flavor Profile:
Creamy, tangy, and with a bold horseradish kick
Best Paired With:
- Beef ‘n Cheddar Sandwich: The horseradish notes cut through the richness of the melted cheddar and roast beef.
- French Dip Sandwiches: Adds a spicy tang that works beautifully with au jus.
Horsey Sauce is beloved for its distinctive horseradish flavor, which adds an extra zing to roast beef. Its creaminess helps mellow the heat while still delivering a punch. Many fans consider it the perfect accompaniment for nearly any beef-based sandwich.
Bronco Berry Sauce®
Flavor Profile:
Sweet with a spicy twist—featuring hints of red jalapeño
Best Paired With:
- Chicken Tenders: The sweet and spicy profile works well as a dipping sauce for chicken.
- Sandwiches with a Fruity Twist: Try it on limited-time items where a sweet accent is welcome.
Bronco Berry Sauce® stands out with its unique combination of sweetness and spice. It’s a great choice if you want to add a little extra zing to your meal without overwhelming the other flavors.
Buffalo Dipping Sauce
Flavor Profile:
Spicy, tangy, with a hint of vinegar
Best Paired With:
- Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches or Tenders: Perfect for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
- Curly Fries: It’s a fun alternative if you’re in the mood for something different.
For spice lovers, the Buffalo Dipping Sauce delivers a burst of heat balanced by tangy notes, making it a favorite for both chicken items and even fries.
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
Flavor Profile:
Creamy, rich, and herbaceous
Best Paired With:
- Salads: As a dressing, it elevates even the simplest greens.
- Chicken Tenders and Sliders: Adds a cool, creamy contrast to crispy chicken.
Arby’s Buttermilk Ranch is often used to balance the intense flavors of some of their spicier items. Its rich texture and tang make it a versatile option across the board.
Cheddar Cheese Sauce
Flavor Profile:
Rich, cheesy, and velvety
Best Paired With:
- Curly Fries: Drench your fries in this sauce for an indulgent treat.
- Loaded Sandwiches: A drizzle over a sandwich can add a decadent, melty texture.
This sauce is a family favorite, especially when paired with crispy sides. It’s a perfect example of how Arby’s isn’t afraid to bring comfort-food classics into the fast-food arena.
Dijon Honey Mustard Dressing
Flavor Profile:
A balance of tangy Dijon mustard and sweet honey
Best Paired With:
- Turkey Sandwiches: Enhances the lean flavor of roast turkey.
- Salads and Wraps: Its brightness lifts the overall flavor of lighter items.
A refined twist on a classic, this dressing adds a touch of sophistication to any meal while keeping the overall profile friendly and accessible.
Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
Flavor Profile:
Sweet and tangy, with a mild mustard bite
Best Paired With:
- Chicken Tenders and Sandwiches: A classic pairing for chicken items.
- Curly Fries: Provides a sweet contrast to savory, crispy fries.
This sauce is a go-to option for those who want a mix of sweet and tangy that complements both chicken and side dishes perfectly.
Kentucky BBQ Bourbon Sauce
Flavor Profile:
Bold, smoky, and sweet with a hint of bourbon
Best Paired With:
- Brisket or BBQ Sandwiches: Its robust flavor profile stands up well to heartier meats.
- Loaded Italian or Brisket Sliders: Adds a deep, smoky complexity to every bite.
For barbecue lovers, this sauce is a dream. It delivers a full-bodied flavor that enhances the meaty goodness of Arby’s more indulgent sandwiches.
Red Ranch Sauce
Flavor Profile:
Zesty, tangy, with a subtle spice blend
Best Paired With:
- Chicken Sandwiches: A zesty alternative to classic ranch.
- Wraps: Its bright flavors can cut through heavier ingredients.
Often a substitute for Buffalo sauce on certain chicken items, Red Ranch offers a fresh twist on a familiar favorite.
Roasted Garlic Aioli
Flavor Profile:
Creamy with a strong roasted garlic essence
Best Paired With:
- Roast Beef Sandwiches: The garlic notes complement the rich beef flavor perfectly.
- Loaded Sliders: Adds depth and a gourmet touch to any sandwich.
For those who love a garlicky punch, this aioli is a must-try. It’s especially good on sandwiches where its robust flavor shines through without overwhelming the other components.
Pairing Your Sauces with Arby’s Menu Items
Knowing which sauce works best with your favorite Arby’s item can transform your meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Below are some pairing ideas that ensure every bite is perfectly balanced.
1. Roast Beef & Beef ‘n Cheddar
The Classics:
- Arby’s Sauce: As the original and signature condiment, it’s the natural pairing for a Classic Roast Beef Sandwich. Its tangy sweetness highlights the beef without masking its flavor.
- Horsey Sauce: For those who love an extra kick, Horsey Sauce adds a creamy, horseradish punch that cuts through the richness of both roast beef and melted cheese in a Beef ‘n Cheddar.
Why It Works:
Roast beef is the centerpiece of Arby’s menu, and the right sauce will accentuate its flavor. Arby’s Sauce’s balanced tomato and spice blend or Horsey Sauce’s fiery bite both serve to elevate the simple joy of a well-made roast beef sandwich.
2. Chicken Tenders & Crispy Chicken Items
Flavor Enhancers:
- Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce: Its sweet and tangy profile is an ideal complement to crispy chicken tenders. The mild mustard note adds depth without overpowering the natural crispiness of the chicken.
- Buttermilk Ranch: For a creamier option, this dressing works wonderfully as a dip, providing a cool contrast to hot, crunchy chicken.
Why It Works:
Chicken tenders often crave an accompaniment that can enhance their texture and taste. The bright, contrasting flavors of honey mustard or the creamy, herbaceous notes of buttermilk ranch work perfectly as a side dip.
3. Curly Fries & Sides
Perfect Dipping Options:
- Cheddar Cheese Sauce: The ultimate indulgence when paired with curly fries. Its rich, melty texture creates a decadent treat with every bite.
- Arby’s Sauce or Buffalo Dipping Sauce: For a lighter, tangier alternative, try Arby’s Sauce or even Buffalo Sauce. The latter adds a spicy kick to the golden, crispy fries.
Why It Works:
Curly fries are already a standout side thanks to their unique shape and seasoning. Pairing them with a sauce that complements their crunch—whether it’s a cheesy dip or a tangy burst—can transform your snack into a gourmet experience.
4. Fish Sandwiches & Seasonal Offerings
During Lent or when in the mood for seafood, Arby’s offers fish sandwiches that can be elevated with the right sauce.
Top Pairings:
- Tartar Sauce (found on some fish sandwich packets): The classic pairing for any fried fish fillet. Its creamy tang cuts through the richness of the fried fish.
- Light Italian Dressing: For those looking for a lighter, more refreshing complement, a tangy Italian dressing can brighten up a fish sandwich, especially one served on a King’s Hawaiian bun.
Why It Works:
Fish sandwiches benefit from sauces that do not overwhelm the delicate flavor of the fish. A well-chosen sauce can provide just the right amount of acidity and creaminess to create a balanced bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular Arby’s sauce?
While tastes vary, many fans cite Horsey Sauce and the original Arby’s Sauce as the top contenders. Their balanced flavor profiles and ability to enhance roast beef make them standouts.
Can I mix different Arby’s sauces together?
Absolutely! Experimenting with combinations like Arby’s Sauce and Buffalo Dipping Sauce or Horsey Sauce with a dab of Dijon Honey Mustard can lead to exciting flavor breakthroughs.
Are these sauces only available at Arby’s restaurants?
Many Arby’s locations offer extra packets upon request, and in some cases, you can even purchase bottles of the signature sauces through select retailers or online marketplaces.
Conclusion
In this guide, we’ve explored the history behind these sauces, broken down each sauce’s flavor profile, and provided expert pairing recommendations for your favorite Arby’s menu items.
Whether you’re enjoying a classic roast beef sandwich or spicing up your homemade fries, don’t underestimate the power of the perfect sauce. With the ideas and pairings outlined in this guide, you’re now well-equipped to explore, experiment, and enjoy the full spectrum of flavors that Arby’s sauce packets have to offer.