What Sauces Does Arby’s Have, Taste Test & Pairings
Arby’s is my Disneyland. Whenever I need something to lift my spirits, it is the first thing on my mind. Their attention to detail and variety make Arby’s my happiest place on Earth! But, in addition to their finger-licking delicious sandwiches and snacks, the extra magic is in the sauce.
Arby’s has 17 sauces: hot honey, horsey sauce, bronco berry sauce, red ranch, tangy barbecue, smoky-Q sauce, Dijon honey mustard sauce, spicy brown honey mustard sauce, (spicy) buffalo sauce, marinara, tzatziki sauce, Arby’s sauce, ranch, gyro, parmesan peppercorn, cheddar cheese sauce, and spicy three pepper sauce.
They all definitely deserve time under the spotlight. Since there are so many, you may find it challenging to decide which to have. So, in this article, I will try and make things easier for you by listing all Arby’s sauces and what to pair them with. Or, you can scroll down for the table summary.
List of Arby’s Sauces
For me, Arby’s means a mountain of options — and you can see it in their sauces, too. Out of all seventeen, there is not one that I do not like! If you’re not sure about the taste, though, I have described it in detail, but I have also given you the best pairings so you can enjoy each sauce to its fullest — and here we go!
Hot Honey Sauce
Opening this list with one of my favorites — Arby’s Hot Honey Sauce. This sauce perfectly balances sweetness and heat, which is exactly why I love it. As someone who isn’t crazy about extra hot sauces, this sauce is definitely my cup of tea precisely because of the mastery of flavor balance.
It pairs well with chicken tenders, crispy chicken sandwiches, or drizzled-over fries for a spicy-sweet twist, which is how I like it best.
To make it at home, you’ll need honey, your favorite hot sauce, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Mix and adjust as you prefer.
Horsey Sauce
Creamy and tangy with a bold horseradish flavor, the horsey sauce has a zesty kick intensifying the taste of sandwiches and fries. I find that, on its own, it doesn’t do much, but when paired, it releases powerful magic.
To enjoy it to the fullest, pair the horsey sauce with Arby’s roast beef sandwiches. You can also try it with curly fries and other savory dishes that will fit well.
Mix mayonnaise, prepared horseradish, a splash of white vinegar, a pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper to make a DIY version of the horsey sauce. Mix and match until you get the desired flavor. If you’re not in the mood for DIY-ing, you can always order it from Amazon.
Bronco Berry Sauce
This powerful sauce combines sweet and tangy flavors with a noticeable but still understated kick of jalapeno. You can feel a slight fruitiness as well as a spicy twist.
Chicken tenders and crispy chicken sandwiches are the pairs I recommend for this sauce. Still sweet and tangy, it adds flavor to other savory dishes, so feel free to pair it with what you prefer.
Mix canned raspberries with jalapeno slices (fresh or pickled) for a homemade version of Bronco Berry Sauce. Blend them until smooth and adjust the amount of jalapeno according to your desired level of spiciness.
Red Ranch Sauce
Arby’s Red Ranch Sauce is a creamy and tangy delight with a subtle but noticeable hint of dill. It combines tanginess and creaminess with a gentle herby note. I love this sauce because of its freshness and the cooling sensation it creates.
To enjoy it the most, pair it with roast beef sandwiches, curly fries, and chicken tenders, or have it as a dipping sauce.
If you want to make it at home, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a few drops of lemon juice.
Tangy Barbecue Sauce
Arby’s Tangy Barbecue Sauce has an irresistible smoky feel with a tangy twist. It is exceptionally rich and meaty, making your mouth water when it greets the nose. It balances smokiness, sweetness, and a delightful subtle tang.
Tangy Barbecue Sauce fits perfectly roast beef sandwiches, corned beef sandwiches, sliders, and a dipping sauce for nuggets or fries.
If you feel creative and want to make it at home, combine ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar (apple cider vinegar or white vinegar), Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and hot sauce. Simmer and enjoy.
Smoky-Q Sauce
The Arby’s Smoky-Q Sauce is even more intense-flavored than the tangy barbecue sauce. It has a bold, smoky barbecue flavor, expressive savory note, and a slight hot sensation. It is too robust for my taste, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t delicious.
To pair it, I recommend the roast beef sandwiches, smoked meats, burgers, or chicken tenders. If you want something less intense, pair it with the sliders or the crispy chicken options.
Combine ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper for a homemade Smoky-Q. Adjust the amounts to taste and simmer to let the flavors meld.
Dijon Honey Mustard Sauce
When it comes to mustard sauces, I am sold the second I hear “mustard,” but that doesn’t mean I can’t be objective. Arby’s Dijon Honey Mustard Sauce combines the tanginess of Dijon mustard with the sweetness of honey, and it really is as delicious as described.
I love this sauce with chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, and even as a dipping sauce for fries or nuggets. Give mozzarella sticks a chance with this sauce; you’ll thank me later.
The best thing about this sauce is how easy it is to make at home and how similar the homemade version is to the real thing. Mix Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt, and prepare for a flavor bomb!
Spicy Brown Honey Mustard Sauce
Again, an inexplicably delicious sauce with a robust mustard taste and a touch of sweetness from the honey, all enveloped in spiciness and a slight tang.
Pair it with chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, or as a dipping sauce for fries, nuggets, or mozzarella sticks.
Making it at home is a piece of cake. Just mix spicy brown mustard, honey, mayonnaise, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
Spicy Buffalo Sauce
Spicy and tangy, this buttery sauce is way richer and more refined than the name says. I love it for its complexity and depth and how it adds flavor without overwhelming the palate.
I usually pair it with chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, or as a dipping sauce for curly fries, but you can combine it with roast beef sandwiches or sliders too. It is a very versatile sauce, fit for many combos.
The homemade version is really close to the original sauce, but don’t expect to fully replicate it. Combine hot sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Mix everything together and adjust the amounts to your liking.
Marinara Sauce
Arby’s marinara sauce is a classic tangy marinara you have probably tried many times before. What makes Arby’s marinara sauce unique is the balance between the tomato tang and acidity and the sweet and slightly spicy notes at play.
This sauce is so versatile you can pair it with almost everything Arby’s offers. I love it with mozzarella sticks, jalapeno roast beef slider, buffalo chicken slider, or as a dipping sauce for curly fries.
Simmer diced tomatoes, garlic, onions, basil, oregano, and a pinch of sugar in a saucepan until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you have a perfect homemade version of Arby’s marinara sauce.
Tzatziki Sauce
Zesty, refreshing, tangy, and slightly herbal, with a refreshing cucumber and garlic flavor, Arby’s tzatziki sauce is definitely among my top 5 all-time favorites.
The Arby’s Gyro sandwiches are obvious pairings for tzatziki, but the sauce goes with so many more Arby’s food items. Roast beef sandwiches, wraps, chicken tenders, nuggets, and fries are all excellent options to pair with tzatziki.
For a homemade Arby’s tzatziki experience, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, herbs, dill, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate for an hour or so to allow for the flavors to develop.
Arby’s Sauce
Named simply Arby’s sauce, it really has become synonymous with Arby’s. If you’ve had it, you know what I’m talking about. It is a deliciously tangy and slightly sweet sauce with a discreet smokiness.
I love it with all Arby’s sandwiches, sliders, sides, and wraps. I think that that’s exactly the point of the sauce, to fit with all Arby’s has to offer, hence the name — Arby’s sauce.
Before I tell you how to make it at home, know that you won’t get the exact flavor, but you will come close enough. Mix ketchup, brown sugar, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Play with the sweetness and smokiness you prefer.
For the most accurate flavor possible, order it from Amazon — this way, you’ll be 100% sure you’re getting what you wanted.
Ranch Sauce
Arby’s ranch sauce is a classic ranch sauce, creamy and herbaceous with just a hint of tanginess. It is an overall refreshing sauce, very light, and very vibrant.
Although it pairs heavenly with roast beef sandwiches, it goes even better with Arby’s chicken sandwiches, mozzarella sticks, or as a dipping sauce for curly fries.
The homemade version is very easy to make, and the result is surprisingly similar to the original version. You’ll need mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix, adjust, and most importantly, enjoy!
Gyro Sauce
As the name hints, this is a very creamy and tangy sauce with a Mediterranean sensation. Similar to tzatziki, but not the same, Arby’s Gyro sauce offers a unique creamy, and refreshing experience, which is why I love it.
You guessed it, the Arby’s Gyro sandwiches are the best ones to pair this sauce with but don’t underestimate it with crispy chicken sandwiches, fries, mozzarella sticks, or roast beef sliders.
Mix mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, herbs, salt, and pepper for a homemade gyro sauce. Season to taste and enjoy the Mediterranean whiff in your own home!
And here you can see what it looks like in the order of Arby’s Greek Gyro.
Parmesan Peppercorn Sauce
This Arby’s sauce is one of the most unique sauces I’ve ever tried. It is creamy, peppery, and savory, with a hint of tanginess and a whole lot of deliciousness.
I think that this sauce has been designed to pair with roast beef sandwiches or as a dipping sauce for Arby’s fried items, such as fries and nuggets. It has a rather limiting flavor and doesn’t tolerate much experimentation.
This sauce is a little difficult to make at home, not because it requires a lot of skill, but because it requires quite a few ingredients. You’ll need mayonnaise, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, crushed black peppercorns, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Mix, adjust, serve, and enjoy!
Cheddar Cheese Sauce
This is probably the richest sauce they offer. Flavorful, cheesy, rich, buttery, and creamy, it definitely isn’t the lightest option, but it is exceptionally delicious.
Before you order this sauce, know that light isn’t an option. Your meal will vary from greasy to decadently greasy, so if you are in the mood for something lighter, go with another option. Otherwise, it pairs perfectly with Arby’s roast beef sandwiches, nuggets, or crispy chicken sandwiches.
To make it at home, you’ll need butter and cheddar. The more cheddar you add, the better. Melt the butter and add the cheese inside the pan, stir, and season to taste.
Spicy Three Pepper Sauce
If you like peppery flavors, this sauce has them in abundance. Slightly hot, with a whole lot of style, this sauce is very captivating.
The best thing is you can pair this sauce with almost everything Arby’s offers, such as beef and chicken sandwiches and wraps. I don’t recommend it with the Gyro sandwiches because it just doesn’t fit well.
Mix mayonnaise, hot sauce, crushed black pepper, red pepper flakes, a pinch of garlic powder, and a squeeze of lemon juice to make it at home.
| Sauce Name | Taste | Best Pairing | DIY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Honey | Sweet and spicy | Chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce | Honey, hot sauce, and a pinch of cayenne pepper |
| Horsey Sauce | Creamy and tangy | Roast beef sandwiches or as a dipping sauce | Mayonnaise, horseradish, and Dijon mustard |
| Bronco Berry Sauce | Sweet and tangy | Chicken tenders, curly fries, or as a dipping sauce | Raspberry preserves and horseradish sauce |
| Red Ranch | Creamy and tangy | Sandwiches, wraps, or as a dipping sauce | Mayonnaise, ketchup, and ranch seasoning |
| Tangy Barbecue | Sweet and tangy | Barbecue sandwiches, chicken tenders, or as a dipping sauce | Ketchup, molasses, vinegar, and spices |
| Smoky-Q Sauce | Smoky and savory | Barbecue sandwiches or as a dipping sauce | Combine ketchup, molasses, and spices |
| Dijon Honey Mustard | Sweet, tangy, and savory | Chicken sandwiches, pretzel bites, or as a dipping sauce | Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and spices |
| Spicy Brown Honey Mustard | Spicy, tangy, and sweet | Chicken tenders, sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce | Brown mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and hot sauce |
| (Spicy) Buffalo Sauce | Spicy and tangy | Chicken wings, sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce | Hot sauce, butter, vinegar, and spices |
| Marinara | Tomatoey and savory | Mozzarella sticks, sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce | Tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and spices in a saucepan |
| Tzatziki Sauce | Creamy, tangy, and garlicky | Gyro sandwiches or as a dipping sauce | Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, and lemon juice |
| Arby’s Sauce | Tangy and slightly spicy | Roast beef sandwiches or as a dipping sauce | Ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and spices |
| Ranch | Creamy, tangy, and herby | Chicken sandwiches or as a dipping sauce | Mayonnaise, buttermilk, herbs, and spices |
| Gyro Sauce | Creamy and tangy | Gyro sandwiches or as a dipping sauce | Mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, garlic, and herbs |
| Parmesan Peppercorn Sauce | Creamy, peppery, and savory | Roast beef sandwiches or as a dipping sauce | Mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, peppercorns, and spices |
| Cheddar Cheese Sauce | Rich and cheesy | Loaded curly fries, cheeseburgers, or as a dipping sauce | Butter, whisk in flour, then add milk and cheddar cheese |
| Spicy Three Pepper Sauce | Bold and peppery | Sandwiches, burgers, or as a dipping sauce | Mayonnaise, hot sauce, peppers, garlic powder, and lemon juice |
What Is the Best Arby’s Sauce for Chicken Tenders?
In my personal experience, one of the best Arby’s sauces for chicken tenders is the Spicy Brown Honey Mustard sauce. I’ve enjoyed the perfect blend of sweetness, tanginess, and just the right amount of spiciness that enhances the flavor of the tender chicken.
What Sauces Come with Arby’s Gyro Sandwich?
Arby’s gyro sandwich typically comes with their signature Tzatziki sauce. This creamy and tangy sauce is made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and various herbs and spices, providing a refreshing and flavorful accompaniment to the gyro meat.
Have you tried all seventeen — which one is your favorite? Waiting to read about your favorite flavor combos in the comments below!
