If you find yourself craving the rich, savory flavors of the Arby’s Beef and Cheddar sandwich, you’re in luck! This keto-friendly version of this favorite fast-food item, is the perfect way to satisfy that craving without carb loading.
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Copycat Arby’s Beef and Cheddar
Creating a keto-friendly Arby’s Beef and Cheddar at home means you get to enjoy all the delicious flavors without the added carbs. By paying attention to the sauce and buns, you can enjoy this sandwich that’s close to the original and just as tasty.
The key is in the details – getting the sauce just right and choosing the best possible bun option, whether store-bought or homemade. Let’s face it, we aren’t looking for just another sandwich. We want a delicious replacement for the iconic Arby’s Beef and Cheddar. Am I right?
Tools Needed
Below are the kitchen essentials needed to make this sandwich. Lucky for you, nothing fancy is needed. All you’ll need is a pot and some measuring cups and spoons.
How to Make Copycat Arby’s Beef and Cheddar
Make or buy the buns (see below). Stir together the ingredients for the sauce in a small bowl until well combined.
Add the cheese, heavy whipping cream and paprika into a pot over medium low heat. Stir and simmer until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Spread some sauce on the bottoms of the buns.
Add a layer of roast beef over the sauce. Spread some of the cheese sauce on top.
Add more sauce to the other side of the buns and place them over the cheese sauce.
Brush the top of the buns with the butter, and sprinkle with the black sesame seeds before serving.
What is the Flavor of Arby’s Sauce
Arby’s sauce is a unique blend of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor, making it a perfect complement to the savory beef and creamy cheddar. It’s the secret ingredient that gives the sandwich its distinctive taste. It is precisely this blend of flavors that has made it loved by so many people.
What is the Best Bun to Use?
The bun can make or break your keto copycat experience. Store-bought keto buns might seem convenient, but it’s crucial to read the labels carefully as some might contain gluten or other non-keto-friendly ingredients.
For the best bun, consider making your own buns. Not only does this ensure that they are truly low carb, but homemade buns also tend to have a better texture and flavor, complementing the rich beef and cheddar.
My favorite homemade bun recipe is this Keto Buns Recipe. The buns are not only delicious and keto-appropriate but also hold up well to the juicy beef and creamy cheddar of your sandwich.
How Many Carbs in Arby’s Beef and Cheddar?
There are quite a few carbs in the original sandwich, but in this keto copycat, there are only about 4 net carbs. This is dependent, of course, on the bun that you choose.
Substitutions
Even the best recipes might need tweaking depending on availability or time. Here are some substitutions for the Keto Copycat Arby’s Beef and Cheddar:
- Keto Buns: Can’t find store-bought keto buns or don’t have time to make them from scratch? Consider using large lettuce leaves for a fresh, crunchy wrap. This will change the entire landscape of the recipe, but it is an option for some.
- Deli Roast Beef: If you prefer homemade or want to avoid certain additives, consider roasting your own beef or using leftover steak thinly sliced.
- Butter and Black Sesame Seeds: These are used to enhance the buns. If you want to skip the butter, consider brushing the buns with olive oil instead. As for sesame seeds, they’re optional but add a nice touch.
- Cheddar Cheese: Any meltable cheese can work in this recipe. Cheeses like provolone or gouda can also create a delicious sauce.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Coconut cream can be a good substitute for heavy whipping cream if you’re in a pinch.
- Sugar-Free Ketchup & Low Carb Brown Sugar Substitute: These are essential to keep the sauce keto-friendly.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a tang to the sauce. If unavailable, a squeeze of lemon or lime can mimic the acidic component, although the flavor will slightly differ.
Remember, substitutions can slightly alter the taste and texture of the final sandwich, but they can also lead to fun new variations.
Copycat Arby’s Beef and Cheddar (optionally Keto or Gluten Free)
Ingredients
For the sandwich
- 4 buns regular, gluten free or keto – see notes
- 1 pound sliced deli roast beef
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- ½ teaspoon black sesame seeds
For the cheese sauce
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese from a block
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- Pinch of paprika
For the Arby’s sauce
- ¼ cup sugar free ketchup
- ½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon low carb brown sweetener
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Dash of hot sauce
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Make or buy the buns.
- Stir together the ingredients for the sauce in a small bowl until well combined.
- Add the cheese, heavy whipping cream and paprika into a pot over medium low heat. Stir and simmer until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Spread some sauce on the bottoms of the buns.
- Add a layer of roast beef over the sauce.
- Spread some of the cheese sauce on top.
- Add more sauce to the other side of the buns and place them over the cheese sauce.
- Brush the top the buns with the butter, and sprinkle with the black sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Trina Krug is a Holistic Nutritionist, Integrative Health Coach and host of the Carbless Conversations Podcast. With a Master’s Degree in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, her single mission in life is to facilitate self-healing in herself and those around her through awareness, lifestyle shifts and low-carb eating. As a current Doctor of Science student, she continues her studies in functional nutrition.