Arby’s Horseradish Sauce Recipe: Tangy Kick for Roast Beef Sandwiches

This creamy horseradish sauce brings that signature tangy kick to your favorite sandwiches without leaving home. The perfect balance of spicy horseradish and cool mayonnaise creates a condiment that enhances any roast beef creation.

With just a handful of pantry staples and 5 minutes of mixing, you’ll have a sauce that tastes just like the restaurant version. Store it in the fridge for up to a week to keep the bold flavor on hand.

Ingredients for Arby’s Horseradish Sauce

Eight ingredients blend into that signature tangy kick for sandwiches at home.

The horseradish is the star—Gold’s or Inglehoffer are solid brands (look for the white label with green cap, that’s the classic). Mayonnaise needs to be full-fat; Hellmann’s or Duke’s hold up best to the horseradish bite. Sour cream adds that cool contrast, but Greek yogurt works too if you’re in a pinch (just strain it first).

No prepared horseradish? Fresh grated at double the amount (but it mellows over time). Out of sour cream? Plain yogurt at the same ratio. The vinegar can be apple cider in a pinch (same tang, slightly fruitier). Sugar can be swapped for honey, but keep the amount identical to maintain balance.

This keeps in an airtight container for 1 week in the fridge. The flavor actually gets better after 24 hours as everything melds. Don’t freeze—it’ll separate and get watery.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Horseradish Sauce

This comes together in minutes with no cooking required—just mix, taste, and adjust to your liking.

Step 1: Combine the Creamy Base

In a medium bowl, add the 1 cup Mayonnaise and 0.25 cup Sour Cream. I use full-fat versions for the richest texture, as the fat content helps carry the bold flavors of the other ingredients.

Whisk them together until completely smooth and uniform in color. You should see no streaks of white or yellow—just a consistent, creamy base. This forms the foundation that will mellow the sharpness of the horseradish while keeping the sauce thick and spreadable.

Step 2: Add the Tangy and Sweet Elements

Next, stir in the 1 tbsp White Vinegar and 1 tsp Granulated Sugar. The vinegar adds the necessary acidity to brighten the sauce, while the sugar balances it out, preventing the mixture from being overly sharp.

Mix well and let it sit for 1 minute to allow the sugar to dissolve completely. You’ll notice the sauce lighten slightly in texture as the vinegar interacts with the dairy. Taste at this stage—you should detect a pleasant tang with just a hint of sweetness.

Step 3: Incorporate the Horseradish and Seasonings

Add the 3 tbsp Prepared Horseradish, 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder, 0.5 tsp Salt, and 0.25 tsp Ground Black Pepper. The horseradish is the star here, so distribute it evenly to avoid pockets of intense heat.

Fold everything together gently to avoid breaking down the horseradish too much—you want those visible flecks for texture and visual appeal. The garlic powder enhances the savory depth, while the salt and pepper round out the flavors. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Adjust and Finish

Give the sauce a final stir and taste again. If you prefer more heat, add additional prepared horseradish, 1 tsp at a time, until it reaches your desired spice level. For a smoother consistency, you can pulse it briefly in a food processor, but I like the rustic texture of hand-mixing.

The finished sauce should be creamy, slightly tangy, with a noticeable but not overpowering horseradish kick. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time lets the flavors fully develop and blend together.

Flavor Customization for These Flavors

Spice Level Adjustments

For a milder version, reduce the prepared horseradish to 2 tbsp and add an extra 1 tbsp sour cream to balance the heat. This creates a gentler kick that still delivers that signature tang without overwhelming your sandwich.

Extra Creamy Variation

Swap the sour cream for ½ cup Greek yogurt (strained if thin) for a thicker, protein-packed version. I prefer Fage 2% for its rich texture. The yogurt adds a subtle tang that complements the horseradish beautifully. 💪

Sweet and Spicy Twist

Increase the sugar to 2 tsp and add 1 tsp honey for a sweeter contrast to the horseradish bite. This works especially well with smoked meats, as the sweetness cuts through the richness.

Garlic Lover’s Boost

Double the garlic powder to 1 tsp and add ½ tsp onion powder for deeper savory notes. If using fresh garlic, finely mince 1 clove and let it sit in the vinegar for 5 minutes to mellow its sharpness.

Smoky Depth Addition

Stir in ½ tsp smoked paprika or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a complex, umami-rich profile. This variation pairs exceptionally well with grilled roast beef sandwiches. 🔥

Herb-Infused Freshness

Add 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill or 1 tsp dried dill for a bright, herby note. The dill’s grassy flavor enhances the sauce’s freshness, making it perfect for lighter sandwiches.

Frequently Asked Questions