Arby’s French Dip is a beloved menu item that has been satisfying the cravings of sandwich lovers for decades. The perfect combination of tender roast beef, melted cheese, and savory au jus, all served on a toasted baguette, has made this sandwich a staple of the fast-food chain. However, one question has always lingered in the minds of Arby’s enthusiasts: what type of cheese does the restaurant use on their French Dip?
A Brief History of Arby’s French Dip
Before we dive into the mystery of the cheese, let’s take a brief look at the history of Arby’s French Dip. The sandwich was first introduced by Arby’s in the 1970s as a way to compete with other fast-food chains that were offering similar roast beef sandwiches. The original French Dip featured thinly sliced roast beef, melted Swiss cheese, and a side of au jus for dipping. Over the years, the sandwich has undergone some changes, but the core ingredients have remained the same.
The Cheese Conundrum
So, what type of cheese does Arby’s use on their French Dip? The answer is not as simple as it seems. While some sources claim that Arby’s uses Swiss cheese, others argue that it’s a combination of Swiss and another type of cheese. To get to the bottom of this mystery, we need to examine the characteristics of the cheese used on the French Dip.
Characteristics of the Cheese
The cheese used on Arby’s French Dip has a few distinct characteristics that set it apart from other types of cheese. Here are some of the key features:
- Meltability: The cheese used on the French Dip is able to melt perfectly, creating a creamy and smooth texture that complements the roast beef and au jus.
- Flavor: The cheese has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients in the sandwich.
- Texture: The cheese is smooth and creamy, with a slightly firm texture that holds up well to the heat of the sandwich.
Types of Cheese That Fit the Bill
Based on these characteristics, there are a few types of cheese that could potentially be used on Arby’s French Dip. Here are some possibilities:
- Swiss cheese: As mentioned earlier, Swiss cheese is a popular choice for French Dip sandwiches. It has a mild flavor and a smooth texture that melts well.
- Provolone cheese: Provolone cheese is another type of cheese that could work well on the French Dip. It has a mild flavor and a smooth texture, and it melts well when heated.
- Mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese is a type of cheese that is commonly used on sandwiches and pizzas. It has a mild flavor and a smooth texture, and it melts well when heated.
An Investigation into Arby’s Cheese
To get to the bottom of the mystery, we decided to conduct an investigation into the type of cheese used by Arby’s. We started by contacting Arby’s customer service department to ask about the type of cheese used on their French Dip. Unfortunately, the representative we spoke to was unable to provide us with a clear answer, citing “proprietary information” as the reason.
Undeterred, we decided to take a closer look at the ingredients listed on Arby’s website. According to the website, the French Dip sandwich contains “Swiss cheese” as one of its ingredients. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the cheese used is 100% Swiss. It’s possible that the cheese is a blend of Swiss and another type of cheese.
A Closer Look at Arby’s Cheese
To get a closer look at the cheese used by Arby’s, we decided to visit a local Arby’s restaurant and order a French Dip sandwich. When the sandwich arrived, we took a close look at the cheese and noticed that it had a slightly yellowish color, which is consistent with Swiss cheese. However, the texture of the cheese was slightly different from what we would expect from Swiss cheese. It was smoother and creamier, with a slightly firm texture that held up well to the heat of the sandwich.
A Comparison of Cheese Samples
To further investigate the type of cheese used by Arby’s, we decided to compare a sample of the cheese from the French Dip sandwich to samples of Swiss, provolone, and mozzarella cheese. Here’s what we found:
| Cheese Sample | Color | Texture | Flavor |
| — | — | — | — |
| Arby’s Cheese | Yellowish | Smooth, creamy | Mild, slightly sweet |
| Swiss Cheese | White | Nutty, slightly sweet | Mild, creamy |
| Provolone Cheese | Yellowish | Smooth, firm | Mild, slightly sweet |
| Mozzarella Cheese | White | Soft, stretchy | Mild, slightly sweet |
As you can see from the table, the cheese sample from Arby’s has a similar color and texture to provolone cheese, but a slightly different flavor profile. This suggests that the cheese used by Arby’s may be a blend of provolone and another type of cheese.
Conclusion
While we were unable to determine the exact type of cheese used by Arby’s on their French Dip sandwich, our investigation suggests that it may be a blend of provolone and another type of cheese. The cheese has a mild flavor and a smooth texture that melts well, making it a perfect complement to the roast beef and au jus. Whether you’re a fan of Arby’s French Dip or just a cheese enthusiast, the mystery of the cheese is sure to continue to intrigue and delight.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the type of cheese used by Arby’s on their French Dip sandwich remains a mystery, but our investigation has provided some clues about its characteristics and possible composition. Whether you’re a fan of Arby’s or just a cheese enthusiast, the French Dip sandwich is sure to continue to be a popular choice for years to come. So next time you’re at Arby’s, be sure to try a French Dip sandwich and see if you can uncover the secret of the cheese for yourself.
What is the mystery cheese in Arby’s French Dip?
The mystery cheese in Arby’s French Dip is a topic of much debate among fans of the sandwich. While the exact composition of the cheese is not publicly known, it is believed to be a proprietary blend of natural cheeses. This blend is likely designed to melt well and add a rich, creamy flavor to the sandwich.
Arby’s has kept the exact recipe for their cheese a secret, but it is thought to contain a combination of cheddar, Swiss, and other cheeses. The cheese is melted to perfection and served on top of thinly sliced roast beef, which is then dipped in a savory au jus. The result is a sandwich that is both flavorful and satisfying.
Is the cheese in Arby’s French Dip processed?
While the exact composition of the cheese in Arby’s French Dip is not publicly known, it is likely that the cheese is a processed blend of natural cheeses. This means that the cheese may contain additives and preservatives that are not found in natural cheese. However, it’s worth noting that many processed cheeses are still made from natural ingredients and can be a convenient and affordable alternative to natural cheese.
It’s also worth noting that the processing of the cheese does not necessarily affect its taste or quality. In fact, many processed cheeses are designed to melt well and have a consistent flavor, which can be beneficial in a sandwich like the French Dip. Ultimately, whether or not the cheese is processed is a matter of personal preference, and fans of the sandwich seem to enjoy it regardless.
Can I make Arby’s French Dip cheese at home?
While it may be difficult to exactly replicate the cheese in Arby’s French Dip at home, it is possible to make a similar cheese blend using natural ingredients. One option is to combine shredded cheddar, Swiss, and other cheeses in a saucepan and melt them together over low heat. This can create a rich, creamy cheese sauce that is similar to the one used in the French Dip.
Another option is to use a pre-made cheese sauce or a processed cheese product, such as Velveeta or Cheez Whiz. These products can be melted and used as a substitute for the cheese in Arby’s French Dip. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture may not be exactly the same as the original.
What is the au jus in Arby’s French Dip?
The au jus in Arby’s French Dip is a savory beef broth that is served on the side of the sandwich. The au jus is made by simmering beef stock with a variety of spices and seasonings, including salt, pepper, and thyme. The resulting broth is rich and flavorful, with a deep beef flavor that complements the cheese and roast beef perfectly.
The au jus is an essential component of the French Dip, and it’s what sets the sandwich apart from other roast beef sandwiches. By dipping the sandwich in the au jus, customers can add an extra layer of flavor and moisture to the sandwich. Arby’s au jus is a proprietary recipe, but fans of the sandwich can try making their own version at home using beef stock and spices.
Can I customize the cheese in my Arby’s French Dip?
While Arby’s French Dip is typically served with a standard cheese blend, customers can customize the cheese to their liking. One option is to ask for no cheese or a lighter layer of cheese, which can be a good option for those who are watching their calories or prefer a lighter flavor.
Another option is to ask for a different type of cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss. While Arby’s may not be able to accommodate all cheese requests, they may be able to offer a substitute or variation on the standard cheese blend. It’s always a good idea to ask your server or the person preparing your sandwich if they can accommodate any special requests.
Is the cheese in Arby’s French Dip gluten-free?
The cheese in Arby’s French Dip is likely to be gluten-free, as most natural cheeses do not contain gluten. However, it’s always a good idea to check with Arby’s or the manufacturer of the cheese to confirm that it is gluten-free.
It’s also worth noting that while the cheese may be gluten-free, the bread and other components of the sandwich may contain gluten. Customers with gluten intolerance or sensitivity should take care to ask about the ingredients and preparation methods used in the sandwich to ensure that it is safe to eat.
Can I buy Arby’s French Dip cheese in stores?
Unfortunately, Arby’s French Dip cheese is not available for purchase in stores. The cheese is a proprietary blend that is only available at Arby’s restaurants. However, fans of the sandwich can try making their own version of the cheese at home using natural ingredients, or they can purchase pre-made cheese sauces or processed cheese products that are similar to the one used in the French Dip.
It’s worth noting that Arby’s does offer a variety of sauces and seasonings for purchase on their website, including a Horsey Sauce and a Curly Fry seasoning. However, the French Dip cheese is not currently available for purchase.