Roast beef sandwiches are iconic, but if you ask fans what truly sets Arby’s apart, you’ll almost always hear about Horsey Sauce. Creamy, sharp, and just spicy enough, this sauce takes simple meat dishes to another level. Learning to make your own isn’t only convenient—it lets you tailor the taste and texture to suit any meal or craving. Here’s how to create a spot-on copycat of Arby’s Horsey Sauce, plus tips, background, and more to help you master this classic condiment.
What Is Arby’s Horsey Sauce?
Horsey Sauce is a smooth, creamy, mildly spicy condiment first introduced by Arby’s. The “horsey” in the name comes from the main ingredient: horseradish. Instead of overpowering, the sauce blends the root’s sinus-clearing sharpness with airy mayonnaise for a balanced flavor that lingers softly. Its silky consistency makes it perfect not only for roast beef sandwiches but also as a dip, salad dressing, or zesty topping for burgers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating your own Horsey Sauce is refreshingly easy. With just a few basic items, most of which you probably have in your kitchen, you’ll be set in minutes. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mayonnaise: Brings the essential creamy base. Any brand or homemade mayo works. Regular mayonnaise yields the best texture.
- Prepared Horseradish: Gives the signature heat. Cream-style prepared horseradish mirrors Arby’s original best, but grated fresh horseradish also works.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds a pinpoint sweetness, rounding out the sharp edges of the horseradish.
- Salt: Optional but recommended. It amplifies all the flavors for a balanced finish.
Ingredient Ratio Table
| Ingredient | Standard Amount | Substitute Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup | Low-fat mayo, whipped salad dressing |
| Prepared horseradish | 2½ tablespoons | Grated fresh horseradish |
| Granulated sugar | 1½ tablespoons | Honey, sweetener |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon | Sea salt, kosher salt |
You can adjust proportions to either mellow the kick or up the spicy bite. For me, a slightly heavier scoop of horseradish works best on steak, while extra sugar makes a perfect dip for fries.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Combine the Main Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and add your mayonnaise, prepared horseradish, sugar, and salt. Stir gently at first, then whisk until completely smooth. You want everything evenly distributed, without any lumps of horseradish or streaks of mayonnaise.
2. Taste and Adjust
Give your mixture a quick taste. If you want extra heat, fold in another teaspoon of horseradish. For more sweetness, add a pinch more sugar and whisk again. Salt can be adjusted at the end, especially if you use a saltier mayo variety.
3. Rest and Meld
Cover your bowl and let the sauce rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This mellowing time allows the sharp flavors to combine for a smoother, more cohesive taste. If you have time, leaving it overnight is even better.
4. Serve or Store
When you’re ready to use the sauce, stir once more. Serve chilled, either drizzled over roast beef or spooned generously onto sandwiches. Any leftovers will keep refrigerated in a glass jar or airtight container for up to two weeks.
Best Ways to Use Horsey Sauce
While the classic pairing is Arby’s-style roast beef, this creamy, zesty sauce is far more versatile. Here are some favorite ways to enjoy it:
- Sandwich Spread: Layer onto turkey, ham, or veggie sandwiches for a peppery finish.
- Burger Upgrade: Replace ketchup or mustard with a spoonful of Horsey Sauce.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve with steak fries, potato wedges, or fish sticks.
- Topping for Grilled Meats: Drizzle over grilled chicken, steak, or pork.
- Salad Dressing Base: Thin with a little milk or vinegar for a spicy salad drizzle.
Customizing the Sauce
Horsey Sauce has room for experimentation if you enjoy tweaking recipes. Here are some ways to personalize the flavor and texture:
Adjusting the Heat
- Milder: Use less horseradish, or opt for a mild “prepared” version found in most supermarkets.
- Spicier: Add extra horseradish or a pinch of hot English mustard.
- Tangy: Splash a teaspoon of white wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice.
Creaminess Level
- Richer: Swap a couple of tablespoons of mayo for heavy cream or sour cream.
- Lighter: Try using low-fat or vegan mayonnaise options.
- Smooth Texture: Blend in a food processor for an ultra-smooth consistency.
Flavor Additions
- Herbs: Chives or dill add subtle freshness.
- Garlic: Stir in a small clove of grated fresh garlic for depth.
- Pepper: Add a pinch of black pepper for extra warmth.
Tips for the Perfect Consistency
Getting the right texture matters for Horsey Sauce. Arby’s sauce is famously velvety and spreadable, never gloppy or runny. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Use creamy-style prepared horseradish. If you opt for fresh horseradish, grate it very finely and add a spoonful less than the recipe calls for—fresh root is more pungent.
- Chill before serving. The sauce not only tastes better but thickens a bit after refrigeration.
- If using chunky horseradish, pulse the mixture in a small blender or food processor. This distributes all those flavorful bits and avoids clumps.
Storing and Shelf Life
Homemade Horsey Sauce keeps well as long as you store it properly. Here’s how to enjoy it at its best:
- Refrigeration: Always keep in a sealed jar or lidded container.
- Best within two weeks: Flavors tend to fade after about 14 days, and the texture may break down.
- Do not freeze: Freezing mayonnaise-based condiments can cause them to separate and become watery.
If you plan on making a big batch for dipping or parties, dividing it into small jars works great. You can keep one jar for everyday use, while the others stay fresh until needed.
Understanding Horseradish
Horseradish has been used for centuries both as a condiment and a natural remedy. This sturdy white root has a unique, nose-tingling aroma when cut or grated, thanks to compounds released during preparation. Most store-bought horseradish includes a little vinegar to stabilize the flavor. There are varying levels of heat, from mild to extra-hot. Cream-style varieties tend to match the consistency and mellow heat found in Arby’s sauce.
If you ever want more bite, freshly grated horseradish can offer an added punch. Just be careful: its flavor peaks quickly, then mellows if allowed to sit.
Origins of the Name
Despite plenty of jokes, “horsey” refers not to horses, but to the English term for strong or coarse, which fits the root’s robust flavor. The “radish” part comes from the Latin word “radix,” or root. In German, horseradish is called “meerrettich,” meaning “sea radish.” Over time, the English language morphed this into “horseradish.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Ahead?
Absolutely. Horsey Sauce tastes better after a few hours in the fridge. Make it a day ahead for the best flavor.
Can I Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Mayo?
You can substitute up to half the mayo with Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-packed version. The result will be slightly less rich but still tasty.
Is Horsey Sauce Dairy-Free?
Most prepared horseradish and mayo are dairy-free, but always check labels to be sure. If you’re avoiding eggs, a vegan mayo substitute works well.
How Can I Thin the Sauce for Drizzling?
Stir in a tablespoon of milk or water until you reach the right consistency.
Bringing Arby’s legendary Horsey Sauce into your kitchen is quick, affordable, and straightforward. With just four ingredients and a desire for bolder sandwiches, you can recreate that classic taste and customize it however you like. Whether slathered on roast beef, dolloped on veggies, or spooned up with fries, homemade Horsey Sauce is sure to be a new staple in your fridge.
Arby’s Horsey Sauce
The project implementation began in January 2023. Team Alpha was responsible for initial research and data collection. They completed these tasks by March 2023. Team Beta then analyzed the data in April 2023. They prepared a comprehensive report by May 2023. The final review and approval happened in June 2023.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons creamed horseradish
Instructions
- Stir the mayonnaise, horseradish, and sugar in a large bowl until well-combined. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Enjoy!