Arby’s Horsey Sauce Recipe: Tangy Cream With Prepared Horseradish

This tangy, creamy sauce brings that signature Arby’s flavor to your own kitchen table. The secret lies in balancing prepared horseradish with smooth mayonnaise and ketchup for just the right kick.

Whisk together these simple ingredients in minutes for a restaurant-quality condiment that elevates sandwiches, burgers, or fries. Store in the fridge for up to a week.

Ingredients for Arby’s Horsey Sauce

Nine ingredients create this signature tangy, creamy condiment with restaurant-quality flair.

The horseradish is non-negotiable here. Gold’s or Silver Spring brands deliver consistent heat and texture (the refrigerated kind, not shelf-stable). Mayonnaise quality matters—Hellmann’s or Duke’s give that smooth, rich base. For ketchup, Heinz is the standard, but any thick, tomato-forward brand will work. Avoid cheap, watery versions—they throw off the balance.

Prepared horseradish too intense? Start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste. No Dijon? Yellow mustard at double the amount works, though it’s milder. Out of white vinegar? Apple cider vinegar is a fine swap. The sugar is optional—omit it if you prefer a sharper, more tangy profile. Garlic and onion powders can be replaced with fresh minced at half the quantity.

This sauce keeps beautifully in the fridge for 7-10 days. Store in a glass jar with a tight lid to preserve freshness. Stir before each use, as the horseradish may settle. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months—though it’s best fresh.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Horsey Sauce

Master this simple blending technique to create a perfectly balanced creamy sauce with a tangy kick.

Step 1: Combine the Creamy Base

In a medium mixing bowl, add the 0.5 cup Mayonnaise and 0.25 cup Ketchup. These two ingredients form the creamy foundation of the sauce. I prefer full-fat mayonnaise for its rich texture and superior mouthfeel in the final product.

Whisk the mixture together until completely smooth and uniform in color. You should see no streaks of either ingredient—just a consistent pale orange hue. This ensures the flavors will distribute evenly throughout the finished sauce.

Step 2: Incorporate the Tangy Elements

Add the 2 tbsp Prepared Horseradish, 1 tsp Dijon Mustard, and 1 tsp White Vinegar to the bowl. The prepared horseradish provides the signature heat, while the Dijon mustard adds complexity and the white vinegar delivers essential acidity.

Fold these ingredients into the mayonnaise-ketchup base using a silicone spatula. Take care to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to incorporate all the horseradish, which tends to settle. The mixture will lighten slightly in color as the horseradish disperses.

Step 3: Add Seasonings and Sweeten

Measure in the 1 tsp Granulated Sugar, 0.25 tsp Garlic Powder, 0.25 tsp Onion Powder, 0.25 tsp Salt, and 0.125 tsp Black Pepper. These seasonings build depth and balance the bold flavors of the horseradish and vinegar.

The granulated sugar, though optional, rounds out the sharpness of the other ingredients. I recommend adding it, especially if you prefer a slightly sweeter profile that complements the tang. Whisk vigorously until all dry ingredients are fully dissolved and the sauce appears perfectly smooth.

Step 4: Rest and Adjust Consistency

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the sauce rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the dry spices to fully hydrate. You’ll notice the sauce thickens slightly during this time.

After resting, give the sauce one final stir. If it appears too thick for your preference, you can thin it with a splash of water or additional white vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, though the original proportions typically yield a perfectly balanced result.

Perfect Pairings for This Dish

Classic Sandwich Pairings

This sauce was born for Arby’s roast beef sandwiches. Spread 2 tbsp on both sides of a toasted onion roll with thinly sliced roast beef, provolone, and crisp lettuce. The creamy tang cuts through the rich meat beautifully.

Burger Enhancement

Elevate any burger by swapping ketchup and mustard for this sauce. I love it on a ⅓ lb beef patty with American cheese and pickles. The horseradish adds a gourmet touch to backyard BBQs.

Dip for Fries and Onion Rings

Use as a dipping sauce for crispy fries, onion rings, or even tater tots. The bold flavor stands up to salty snacks. I recommend crinkle-cut fries for maximum sauce adhesion. 🔥

Seafood Companion

Pair with fried fish or shrimp for a tangy contrast. The sauce works especially well with beer-battered cod or coconut shrimp. The acidity balances the richness of fried foods.

Salad Dressing Twist

Thin with 1-2 tbsp buttermilk to create a creamy dressing for potato salad or coleslaw. It adds a zesty kick that brightens up hearty dishes. Stir well before using.

Breakfast Boost

Drizzle over breakfast sandwiches with eggs and bacon. The sauce brings unexpected depth to morning meals. I love it on a biscuit with sausage for a Southern-inspired treat.

Frequently Asked Questions