With its thin-sliced roast beef melty cheese and signature horseradish sauce, an Arby’s roast beef sandwich is a fast food classic. But like any perishable sandwich, proper storage is key to keep that freshly-sliced roast beef safe to eat.
So how long can you keep an Arby’s roast beef sandwich before it goes bad? What’s the fridge life of these iconic sandwiches? Here’s a complete guide to maximize the shelf life and freshness of your Arby’s sandwich.
How Long Can an Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich Sit Out?
If your Arby’s sandwich is sitting out unrefrigerated, it’s best to eat it within 2 hours. The USDA recommends not leaving perishable foods like sandwiches containing meat, cheese lettuce etc. at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
After sitting out for more than 2 hours, bacteria can multiply quickly on perishable ingredients like roast beef and cheese. So for food safety, it’s advised to refrigerate or discard your Arby’s sandwich within 2 hours of purchasing.
If the room temperature is over 90°F, only leave the sandwich out for 1 hour before refrigerating. Higher heat accelerates bacterial growth.
Fridge Life of an Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich
Once refrigerated, an Arby’s roast beef sandwich will last 3-5 days in the fridge. To maximize freshness:
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Store the sandwich in a sealed container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This prevents drying out.
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Make sure your fridge is 40°F or below Higher temps shorten shelf life
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Eat within 3 days for best texture and flavor.
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Inspect carefully before eating and discard if any mold, unpleasant odors, or sliminess develops.
The shelf life also depends on the sandwich ingredients. The roast beef and cheese will last shorter than produce like lettuce and tomato.
Can You Freeze an Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich?
Freezing is an option for longer term storage of Arby’s sandwiches. To freeze:
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Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap followed by heavy duty foil. Eliminate as much air as possible.
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Place in freezer bags or airtight containers. Label with date and contents.
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Freeze for up to 1 month for best texture and flavor. 3 months maximum is possible but quality declines over time.
To thaw, keep the sandwich wrapped and place it in the refrigerator overnight. Unwrap and microwave briefly until warm before eating.
Reheating an Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich
It’s safe to reheat an Arby’s sandwich within its fridge life of 3-5 days. Reheat leftover sandwiches until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Here are some good reheating methods:
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Microwave 20-30 seconds until hot. Check for cold spots and microwave in short bursts.
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Oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes wrapped in foil.
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Fry in a skillet 2-3 minutes per side to crispen the bun.
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Air fryer at 360°F for 4-6 minutes. Monitor closely to avoid overcooking.
Avoid keeping reheated sandwiches at room temp for over 2 hours. Refrigerate promptly.
How to Know if Your Arby’s Sandwich is Bad
Here are signs your Arby’s sandwich has spoiled and should be discarded:
- Mold growth – this appears as fuzzy spots or patches on the bread or meat
- Slimy texture – bacteria causes a slippery, shiny appearance
- Sour or unpleasant odors
- Change in color like green, brown, or yellow discoloration
- Dry, shriveled appearance
When in doubt, remember it’s better to be safe than sorry. If your Arby’s sandwich exhibits any odd qualities, it’s best to throw it out.
Storing Ingredients for DIY Arby’s-Style Sandwiches
Want to recreate Arby’s sandwiches at home? Here are some storage tips for the ingredients:
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Roast beef – Store sliced roast beef up to 5 days refrigerated. Freeze 2-3 months.
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Cheese slices – Last 1 week refrigerated or up to 3 months frozen.
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Horseradish sauce – Keeps 2-3 weeks refrigerated. Can freeze in airtight containers up to 3 months.
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Onions – Whole onions last up to 3 months in a cool, dry place. Cut onions 4-5 days in fridge.
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Lettuce/tomatoes – Keep 3-5 days refrigerated in breathable packaging or containers. Discard if soggy or moldy.
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Bread – Bread lasts 3-5 days at room temp. Refrigeration can extend life up to 1-2 weeks. Freeze for 3 months.
With proper storage and handling, you can enjoy fresh, crave-worthy Arby’s style roast beef sandwiches even with homemade ingredients. Just remember to consume leftovers promptly and store sandwiches safely in the fridge or freezer.
Frequently Asked Questions about Arby’s Roast Beef Storage
How long can an Arby’s sandwich sit out at room temperature?
At room temperature, an Arby’s roast beef sandwich should be eaten within 2 hours maximum. After sitting out for more than 2 hours, the sandwich should be discarded.
What happens if you eat an Arby’s sandwich left out overnight?
It’s unsafe to consume an Arby’s sandwich left out overnight at room temperature. Bacteria multiply quickly on perishable ingredients like meat and cheese after 2 hours without refrigeration. Discard sandwiches left out more than 2 hours.
Can you freeze and reheat an Arby’s sandwich?
Yes, you can freeze an Arby’s sandwich for up to 1 month and reheat it after thawing in the refrigerator. Reheat to 165°F using a microwave, oven, or air fryer until hot. Avoid keeping reheated sandwiches at room temperature for over 2 hours.
How long does an Arby’s sandwich last in the fridge?
Properly stored in the fridge, an Arby’s roast beef sandwich will last 3-5 days before quality degradation occurs. For best flavor and texture, consume refrigerated sandwiches within 3 days.
What is the best way to reheat an Arby’s roast beef sandwich?
Recommended reheating methods include microwaving for 20-30 seconds, oven heating at 300°F for 10-15 minutes, or air frying at 360°F for 4-6 minutes. All ensure the sandwich reaches safe internal temperatures.
How do you know when an Arby’s sandwich has gone bad?
Signs of spoilage include mold growth, slimy texture, foul odors, unnatural discoloration, and dry or shriveled bread. When in doubt, play it safe and discard questionable sandwiches.
Enjoy Arby’s Sandwiches Safely
Arby’s roast beef sandwiches are tasty cold or hot. Follow the storage, freezing, and reheating guidelines in this article to safely maximize the shelf life of your Arby’s sandwiches. Proper refrigeration and handling keeps the roast beef, cheese, and veggies fresh and delicious whether dining out or making sandwiches at home.