Arby’s Pork Belly Sandwich Copycat Recipe? I know, I know. This site doesn’t have any copycat recipes, does it? It does now, because you’ll want to know how to make one of these. Why? Because Arby’s made a wicked awesome, pork belly sando. People are encouraged to roll their eyes back and groan with pleasure after the first bite because it’s so juicy and rich. I’m proud to be a member of the Arby’s Meat Crafter group, so it made sense for me to work with them to celebrate this smokey secret treat and its entry into the quick-service world.
Now, for the recipe. This delicious mix of meat, bun, onion straws, and sauces is so good that I had to make my own. Here’s my Arby’s Pork Belly Sandwich Copycat Recipe.
Arby’s pork belly sandwich has developed a cult following among fast food lovers. Last year, it was available for just a few weeks before selling out at locations across the country. Fans eagerly anticipate its return each year. So when is Arby’s bringing back the popular pork belly sandwich in 2022?
A Brief History of Arby’s Pork Belly Sandwich
Arby’s first introduced the smoked pork belly sandwich in May 2017. It featured two thick slices of smoked pork belly topped with smoked cheddar, crispy onions, barbecue sauce, and mayo on a toasted bun.
The sandwich was test marketed in Knoxville Tennessee before rolling out nationwide. However supplies were limited and it sold out quickly. Locations posted signs letting customers know when the pork belly was sold out for the day.
In 2018, Arby’s brought back the pork belly sandwich due to popular demand Once again, the smoky, bacon-esque sandwich was only available for a short time before selling out
The Return of the Pork Belly Sandwich in 2022
Arby’s has announced that the pork belly sandwich will return in May 2022 for a limited time. Based on previous years, it will likely only be available for around 4-6 weeks while supplies last.
In a press release, Arby’s stated “The response [to the pork belly sandwich] was remarkable, significantly exceeding our wildest expectations So we worked hard to bring it back as soon as possible.”
The popular sandwich is made with a premium pork belly that is smoked for over eight hours. Arby’s says it is “Restaurant-quality pork belly worthy of being the star on your plate.” The pork belly is thicker than traditional bacon and has a deep smoky flavor.
Where and When to Get the Pork Belly Sandwich
The Arby’s pork belly sandwich will be available nationwide starting in early May, likely around May 1st based on previous rollouts. However, restaurants are given flexibility on exact start dates, so check with your local Arby’s for details.
Supplies are limited, so the sandwich often sells out completely toward the end of its 4-6 week availability window. Your best bet is to get to Arby’s soon after the launch to ensure you can try it.
The sandwich is available at participating Arby’s locations during regular business hours while supplies last. Arby’s has over 3,400 restaurants in the U.S., so there should be ample opportunity to find the pork belly sandwich.
You can order the pork belly sandwich by itself or as part of a smokehouse combo meal. Arby’s also offers a loaded version called the Smoke Mountain that piles on brisket and ham.
Why the Pork Belly Sandwich is a Must-Try
Here are a few reasons why Arby’s pork belly sandwich is a fan favorite:
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Unique flavor – The combination of smoky pork belly, tangy barbecue sauce, cheddar cheese, and crispy onions is unmatched in the fast food world. The pork belly provides a bacon-esque taste and fatty richness.
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Limited availability – The short 4-6 week window each year creates urgency and excitement. Fans flock to get it before supplies disappear.
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High-quality ingredients – The pork belly is smoked for over eight hours and the other components like cheese and bun are better than average fast food fare.
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Value pricing – For around $5-6, it’s a gourmet-tasting sandwich at fast food prices. The flavor and ingredients punch above its weight class cost-wise.
How to Ensure You Get the Pork Belly Sandwich
Because the pork belly sandwich is so popular, here are some tips to increase your chances of getting one before they sell out:
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Check social media for announcements on the official launch date in your area and any store sell-out alerts.
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Call your local Arby’s ahead to ask when they will start serving it and if they have it in stock.
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Go early in the launch window, ideally within the first 1-2 weeks. Don’t wait until the end of May.
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Ask for a received call or notification when your store is getting low on stock so you can hurry in.
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Order online for pick up rather than drive-thru, which has higher demand.
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Have back-up Arby’s locations identified in case your preferred one is sold out.
The Bottom Line
The Arby’s smoked pork belly sandwich has a near cult-like following. For 4-6 glorious weeks in early May 2022, the meaty, smoky sandwich will be available again at participating Arby’s locations nationwide.
Supplies are limited, so be sure to check ahead for launch dates in your area. Get to Arby’s in the first couple weeks before the pork belly fever really takes hold. With some planning, you can indulge in this fast food delicacy before it disappears for another year.
How to Grill Pork Belly
I placed the seasoned pork belly, fat side down, into a smoker. In this case, the smoker is my Kamado with a plate setter between the fire and hickory wood. The temp inside the Kamado/smoker is 300 degrees.
After about an hour, the pork belly is a lovely golden color:
After 2 hours, the pork belly is browning up nicely:
And after 2.5 hours, we’re ready to pull it off the smoker:
How do I know it’s ready to come off? I checked it with a probe thermometer. Target temp here is 185-195, but it would still be delicious at 195 or even 205. Pork belly is oh so forgiving:
Now time to make our sandwich
First up, toast the buns. Spray oil on the buns’ flat sides to keep them from burning, then toast them. To put it together, put mayonnaise on the bottom, then cheese, then the pork belly, then BBQ sauce, onion straws, and the top bun.
And a close up after that BBQ sauce dripped onto the butcher paper:
Here’s a picture of the pork belly sandwich from Arby’s Smokehouse and the curly fries that made it all possible:
Arby’s® Smokehouse Pork Belly Sandwich Review! Is this the Greatest Sandwich in the World?
FAQ
Will Arby’s bring back pork belly?