Arby’s Horsey Sauce

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If you’ve ever dipped a sandwich or roast beef slider at Arby’s, you’re likely familiar with their Horsey Sauce — a creamy, sharp, and lightly spicy condiment. Known for its unmistakable kick and smooth texture, this sauce pairs well with far more than fast food. Whether brushed on burgers, spooned over grilled meats, or stirred into potato salad, its tangy blend elevates everyday meals. What’s the secret? It’s all about the balance of horseradish and mayonnaise.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to recreate Arby’s Horsey Sauce at home. We’ll look at choosing ingredients, offer flavor variations, and answer the most common questions about making, storing, and serving this iconic sauce.

The Appeal of Arby’s Horsey Sauce

Horsey Sauce combines gentle heat with a mellow, satisfying creaminess. The backbone of its flavor is prepared horseradish, a root-based condiment that delivers a peppery punch without lingering burn. Mayonnaise is what makes it spreadable and mild. When blended, these create a distinctive sauce that cuts through the richness of roast beef and fried foods alike.

Why make it yourself?

• No hunting for packets.
• Tailor the heat and texture.
• Use it on much more than roast beef.

What is Horseradish?

Horseradish is a perennial root vegetable with a history dating back thousands of years in Europe and Asia. When grated, it transforms from nearly flavorless to intensely pungent, its natural compounds releasing nose-tingling sharpness.

Prepared horseradish is a pantry staple for many cooks. It typically contains grated horseradish root, vinegar (which preserves and tames the heat), and salt. Cream-style versions blend the root with a creamy base, creating a spreadable condiment less fiery than the raw root.

Common culinary uses:
– Accompanying prime rib or roast meats
– Mixed into deviled eggs
– Spiking salad dressings and dips
– Stirred into Bloody Mary cocktails

The Essential Ingredients

Here’s what makes up the foundation of Arby’s Horsey Sauce:

Core Components

Preferred ratios:
For a classic version, keep the mayo and horseradish close to equal parts. Sugar softens the edges. Salt is optional but brightens the sauce.

Example recipe formula:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup prepared horseradish (cream-style for smoothness)
• 1–2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Horsey Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup prepared or cream-style horseradish
• 1–2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (to taste)

Method

• Combine:
  In a medium bowl, whisk together mayo and horseradish. The mixture should look creamy and speckled.

• Sweeten and Season:
  Add sugar and salt. Blend well until sugar dissolves. Taste as you go, adjusting for sweetness and spice.

• Chill:
  Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors meld.

• Serve:
  Spoon or pour over your favorite meats, sandwiches, or sides. Store leftovers in a sealed jar for up to 2 weeks.

Adjusting for Taste and Texture

Everyone’s heat tolerance is different. Prefer something milder? Use less horseradish or opt for a lower-heat, creamier version. Want more bite? Add an extra spoonful of horseradish or leave out some of the sugar.

Tips:
– Cream-style horseradish gives a silkier sauce.
– Freshly grated horseradish is much hotter. Reduce the amount if using fresh root.
– If you like an even lighter, airier sauce, blend in a tablespoon of sour cream or heavy cream.

Table: Customizing Your Sauce

Serving Suggestions

Horsey Sauce’s tang and heat complements much more than roast beef sandwiches. Try using it:

• On burgers and grilled chicken sandwiches
• As a dip for French fries, onion rings, or fried pickles
• Alongside fish sticks or fried shrimp
• Swirled into mashed potatoes for added zip
• In deviled eggs for a spicy variation
• Drizzled over roasted vegetables

For gatherings, consider assembling a simple sauce bar with classic condiments and freshly made Horsey Sauce. Invite guests to drizzle, dip, or spread to their liking.

Tips for the Best Homemade Version

• Use quality mayonnaise: Flavor varies by brand, so pick one you love.
• Check your horseradish date: Prepared horseradish loses its zing over time.
• Rest before serving: Chilling for at least 30 minutes is key; overnight is even better.
• Food processor for smoothness: Pulse the finished sauce if you want no visible horseradish flecks.
• Storage: Always refrigerate in a sealed jar. Homemade sauces don’t contain stabilizers; use within 2 weeks.

Variations and Substitutions

Not every pantry is stocked with horseradish. If you’re out, try these swaps:

• Wasabi paste: Has similar heat. Use sparingly.
• English mustard: Delivers punch, though the flavor shifts.
• Plain Greek yogurt: Swap for some mayo for a tangy, lighter base.

Want an herbed version? Fold in minced chives, tarragon, or dill for a garden twist.

Common Questions

Can I make Horsey Sauce without sugar?

Absolutely. The sugar smooths out the bite but isn’t required. Replace with a touch of honey, agave, or a sugar substitute if you like.

Is fresh horseradish better?

Fresh root brings powerful heat but less consistency. For stable results that mimic Arby’s texture, stick with jarred cream-style horseradish.

Can I freeze Horsey Sauce?

Freezing changes the texture, making it watery and grainy. Always refrigerate and discard if off smells develop.

Storing and Keeping the Sauce Fresh

• Store in a tightly lidded jar in the refrigerator.
• Use a clean spoon for every serving to avoid contamination.
• The flavor deepens after a day, so make it ahead if you can.

Quick Shelf-Life Table

Homemade Arby’s Horsey Sauce offers flexibility and freshness that rival the restaurant packets. You control the kick, sweetness, and smoothness. Once you taste it on your favorite burger or sandwich, there’s a good chance it’ll become your go-to sauce for grilled meats, crispy fries, and much more. Keep a jar handy in the fridge — you’ll reach for it more often than you expect.