There may be food left over after your Arby’s meal, either because you bought too much or just don’t feel like eating it anymore.
Considering that Arby’s uses processed food, you may wonder if it’s safe to keep and reheat later.
Arby’s roast beef sandwiches are a fast food staple, loved for their tender sliced roast beef, melty cheese, and zesty horseradish sauce. But like any perishable sandwich, proper storage is crucial for food safety and preserving freshness. So how long will an Arby’s roast beef sandwich last?
Here’s a complete guide to maximizing the shelf life and quality of your Arby’s roast beef sandwich, whether dining out or making them at home.
How Long Can You Leave an Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich Out?
If your Arby’s sandwich isn’t going to be eaten right away, refrigeration is key The USDA recommends not leaving perishable foods containing meat, cheese, lettuce etc out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. After sitting out for more than 2 hours, bacteria can multiply quickly on the roast beef and cheese.
For best safety and quality, eat your Arby’s sandwich within 2 hours of purchasing, or refrigerate it immediately. If the room temperature is especially warm (90°F and above), only leave the sandwich out for 1 hour before putting it in the fridge. Higher heat accelerates bacterial growth.
Fridge Life of an Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich
Once refrigerated, an Arby’s roast beef sandwich keeps well for 3-5 days in the fridge before the quality starts to decline. To maximize freshness:
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Store the sandwich in a sealed container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying out.
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Keep your fridge at 40°F or below Higher temperatures reduce how long food stays fresh
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Eat within 3 days for best texture and flavor.
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Inspect the sandwich carefully before eating and discard any with mold, unpleasant odors, or sliminess.
The fridge life also depends on the perishability of the ingredients. The roast beef and cheese will last a shorter time than vegetables like lettuce and tomato.
Can You Freeze an Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich?
Freezing is a great option for longer term storage of Arby’s sandwiches. To freeze properly:
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Wrap the sandwich very tightly in plastic wrap first, then heavy duty foil, eliminating as much air as possible.
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Place wrapped sandwiches in airtight freezer bags or containers and label with date and contents.
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For best quality, consume frozen sandwiches within 1 month. 3 months maximum is possible but texture and flavor will decline over time.
To thaw, keep the sandwich wrapped and refrigerate overnight until fully defrosted. Unwrap, then briefly microwave until warm before eating.
How to Reheat an Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich
It’s safe to reheat an Arby’s sandwich as long as it’s within the 3-5 day fridge life. Reheat leftovers until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Good reheating methods include:
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Microwave 20-30 seconds until hot. Check for cold spots and continue microwaving in short bursts.
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Oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes wrapped in foil.
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Pan fry in a skillet 2-3 minutes per side to crispen the bun.
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Air fry at 360°F for 4-6 minutes, monitoring closely to avoid overcooking.
Avoid leaving reheated sandwiches out for over 2 hours before refrigerating.
How to Know if Your Arby’s Sandwich is Spoiled
Watch for these signs that your Arby’s sandwich has gone bad and should be thrown out:
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Mold growth, appearing as fuzzy spots/patches on the meat or bread
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Slimy texture and appearance
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Sour odors
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Unnatural colors like green, brown, or yellow
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Dry, shriveled bread
When in doubt, it’s best to play it safe and discard the sandwich. Trust your senses – if something seems “off”, don’t risk eating it.
Storing Sandwich Ingredients for DIY Arby’s-Style Sandwiches
Want to recreate Arby’s sandwiches at home? Here are some fridge life guidelines for the ingredients:
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Roast beef: 5 days refrigerated, 2-3 months frozen
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Cheese slices: 1 week refrigerated, 3 months frozen
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Horseradish sauce: 2-3 weeks refrigerated, 3 months frozen
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Onions: 3-5 days refrigerated when cut
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Lettuce/tomatoes: 3-5 days refrigerated
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Bread: 3-5 days room temperature, 1-2 weeks refrigerated, 3 months frozen
With proper storage and handling, you can enjoy fresh, crave-worthy Arby’s style roast beef sandwiches even when making them at home. Just remember to eat leftovers ASAP and keep sandwiches chilled.
FAQs About Arby’s Roast Beef Storage
How long can an Arby’s sandwich sit out unrefrigerated?
No more than 2 hours – eat it or refrigerate it within 2 hours. Discard if left out longer.
Can you freeze and reheat an Arby’s sandwich?
Yes, freeze up to 1 month and reheat fully until 165°F. Refrigerate first if thawing.
How long does an Arby’s sandwich last refrigerated?
3-5 days in the fridge before quality declines. Consume within 3 days for best freshness.
What’s the best way to reheat an Arby’s sandwich?
Microwave, oven, air fryer, or pan frying are all good methods. Heat to 165°F.
How do you know if an Arby’s sandwich is spoiled?
Look for mold, slime, foul odors, unusual colors, dry or shriveled bread. When in doubt, throw it out.
Enjoy Arby’s Sandwiches Safely
Arby’s roast beef sandwiches are delicious but need proper storage. Follow these guidelines to maximize the shelf life while keeping your sandwiches safe to eat. Refrigerate promptly after purchasing and practice safe reheating. With the right handling, you can enjoy fresh Arby’s taste whether dining out or making them at home.
Put Meat On Plate
Arrange the slices of gyro meat on the plate in a circle.
It takes longer for the heat to reach the center of the plate than it does the edges.
Place Tray In Center Of The Oven
You can use either a standard oven or a toaster oven to reheat the Reuben.
Whichever appliance you use, the baking tray needs to be at the center of the oven.
This will help distribute the heat through the contents of the sandwich evenly.