Whether you’re planning to serve this horseradish sauce with prime rib, beef tenderloin, steak, or pork roast, this creamy horseradish sauce will have everyone asking for more! It’s truly better homemade, even better than any steakhouse horseradish sauce you’ve ever had! It’s super easy to make and is made with simple ingredients you’re likely to have on hand.

Horseradish Sauce For Prime Rib

This creamy horseradish sauce is absolutely delicious! It’s so creamy, the perfect thick consistency, and has so many layers of tasty flavor.

It’s made with sour cream, a little mayo, a touch of brightening acid from lemon juice that cuts through the creaminess, a little zip from the Dijon, and truly the perfect amount of prepared horseradish.

Even my family members who aren’t big dip people love having this at the holidays. Plus, it makes the perfect amount for a 4-5 pound roast. If you’re serving a larger roast than that, you could always double the recipe.

Homemade horseradish sauce is also the best spread for roast beef sandwiches, it completely elevates average sandwiches to something amazing. You can even use it as a dip for hot dogs or a topping for burgers. The options are endless!

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Ingredients

Sour Cream: This is the base of our sauce. It creates a lovely creamy texture and adds a slight tang to balance out the sharpness of the other ingredients. I like using full-fat sour cream for the richest flavor and creamiest texture.

Prepared Horseradish: This adds the heat and lots of flavor. Prepared horseradish is horseradish root that’s been grated and preserved in vinegar. Look for a brand with minimal additional ingredients to make sure you end up with the best flavor.

Mayonnaise: This ingredient adds a smooth, rich taste and helps to give the sauce the perfect consistency.

Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is a must for this recipe. It adds a touch of acidity that brightens up the flavors and cuts through the creaminess. Opt for fresh lemons rather than bottled juice for the best taste.

Dijon Mustard: This adds a bit of tang and complexity to the sauce, complementing the spiciness of the horseradish.

Salt & Pepper: Using fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper will give the best flavor. These simple spices enhance the other flavors in the sauce.

Chives: Chives not only add a pop of color but also a subtle oniony flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.

Alternative Ingredients

If you’re out of sour cream, Greek yogurt makes a lighter, tangy alternative. No prepared horseradish? Try a bit of wasabi for a similar kick. Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can replace lemon juice, and stone-ground mustard can be used instead of Dijon.

How To Make Horseradish Sauce

Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Measure out the sour cream, prepared horseradish, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. (See the recipe card below for the full printable instructions.)

Combine the Ingredients: Add your measured ingredients to a mixing bowl. Stir until they’re all fully mixed together.

Chill the Sauce: Once everything is mixed thoroughly, cover the bowl. You’ll want to pop it in the refrigerator to rest, giving the flavors time to meld and the sauce time to thicken.

Add the Final Touch: Just before you’re ready to serve the sauce, give it a taste. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Then, sprinkle the chives on top, or stir them into the sauce for a burst of color and fresh flavor. See the recipe card below for the full written instructions, including ingredient amounts, and helpful tips, etc.

Pro Tips

• Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Using fresh lemon juice instead of bottled gives the best taste.
• Drain Your Horseradish: This helps to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery and improves the flavor of the sauce.
• Make Sure to Rest: Letting the sauce chill allows the flavors to develop fully and gives the sauce a chance to thicken.

What Is Horseradish Sauce Made From?

Horseradish sauce is a blend of perfectly balanced sharp and creamy ingredients. It’s made from prepared horseradish, sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. The result is a tangy, spicy, and creamy sauce that’s full of flavor.

What Is Horseradish Sauce Good With?

It pairs perfectly with roasted meats, especially prime rib and air fryer steak. It’s also a tasty spread for sandwiches and wraps, perfect as a dip for veggies, and you can even stir it into mashed potatoes for a spicy kick. I love serving it at Christmas dinner with reverse seared boneless prime rib, this easy air fryer prime rib, or this incredibly tender sous vide prime rib.

What Does It Taste Like?

It’s creamy yet mildly spicy, with a tangy kick. The sour cream and mayonnaise make a smooth and creamy base, while the horseradish brings a flavorful element of heat. The lemon juice and Dijon mustard add a tangy element.

Why Do People Put Horseradish On Prime Rib?

Horseradish and prime rib are a match made in culinary heaven. The bold flavors of the sauce complement the rich, savory taste of the meat, enhancing its flavor and adding a lightly spicy kick. It cuts through the fattiness of the prime rib, making each bite a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and creamy.

What Is The Difference Between Creamy Horseradish And Regular Horseradish?

Regular horseradish is grated horseradish root, normally preserved in vinegar. It has a sharp, pungent, spicy flavor. Creamy horseradish also has additional ingredients like sour cream and mayonnaise. These additions mellow out the heat of the horseradish, resulting in a smoother, creamier, and slightly less spicy condiment. It’s a more versatile option and can be used in a wider variety of dishes. Since it’s milder, I prefer it for nice cuts of meat because the flavor complements the meat instead of overpowering it.

Is Horseradish Sauce Spicy?

Yes, horseradish sauce does have a bit of a spicy kick to it. You can control the heat! If you prefer a milder sauce, simply reduce the amount of horseradish. If you’re a fan of spicy, feel free to add a little extra!

Can I Make Horseradish Sauce Ahead Of Time?

Yes! In fact, making the sauce ahead of time allows the flavors to really come together, creating an even tastier sauce. After preparing the sauce, just pop it in the fridge in a covered container, and it will be ready to serve whenever you need it. 

How Long Does Homemade Horseradish Sauce Last?

When stored correctly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your homemade horseradish sauce should stay fresh and tasty for up to five days. It’s a great make ahead sauce, perfect for meal planning or preparing in advance for a holiday gathering. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving to make sure all the flavors are evenly distributed.

Can You Freeze Horseradish Sauce?

No, I wouldn’t recommend it. The texture of the sauce can change when frozen and then thawed, becoming less creamy and more watery.

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Christmas Recipes

If you like this recipe, be sure to check out all of our other Christmas recipes. Some reader favorites are:

• Boneless Prime Rib Recipe
• Au Jus Recipe
• Air Fryer Prime Rib
• Prime Rib Rub
• Sous Vide Prime Rib
• Corned Beef with Cabbage
• Instant Pot Deviled Eggs
• Air Fryer Steak

If you’re looking for a delicious simple sauce that’s perfect for the holidays, you have to try out this horseradish sauce recipe!