If you’re hunting for a condiment that instantly transforms everything from roast beef to grilled vegetables, let me introduce you to the world of Creamy Horseradish Sauce. This sauce is a revelation — bold and tangy with just the right kick from horseradish, smoothed out by creamy, cool sour cream. Whether you’re looking to impress at your next dinner party or simply upgrade your weekday sandwiches, this quick-mix favorite will have everyone raving. The best part? It comes together in minutes and brings a zesty elegance to any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Horseradish Sauce is how such common ingredients deliver restaurant-style results in your own kitchen. Each contributes a bit of zing, richness, or brightness, making every spoonful irresistible.
- Prepared horseradish (½ cup, drained): This is the star ingredient, bringing the signature heat and unmistakable flavor. Adjust for more or less spiciness!
- Sour cream (1 cup): The backbone of the sauce adds a luscious creaminess that tames the heat and makes the texture luxurious.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Just enough to add mild richness and help everything blend into silky perfection.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Gives a subtly sharp, complex layer of flavor that balances the creaminess beautifully.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Fresh, citrusy brightness lifts the sauce and keeps it from tasting heavy.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for making all the other flavors pop.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a gentle background warmth that ties the sauce together.
How to Make Creamy Horseradish Sauce
Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients
Set out all your ingredients so you’re ready to go — trust me, this recipe moves fast! Make sure to drain the prepared horseradish well to avoid watery sauce. A quick stir of each ingredient in its container helps, and fresh lemon juice will make a noticeable difference.
Step 2: Combine and Mix
In a medium mixing bowl, add the drained horseradish, sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Give everything a good stir with a spatula or a whisk until the sauce turns creamy and smooth, with no noticeable streaks. You want every bite to be perfectly blended and luxurious.
Step 3: Season to Taste
Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper. Stir again and give your Creamy Horseradish Sauce a taste. If you love a fiery kick, add a bit more horseradish — or mellow things with an extra dollop of sour cream. If it needs a touch of sweetness or acidity, a pinch of sugar or a splash of white vinegar can work wonders.
Step 4: Chill for Flavor
Scoop your finished sauce into a container and pop it in the fridge. Allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes. During this time, the flavors mix and develop, making for a sauce that’s even more impressive. This step makes all the difference in achieving that harmonious, crave-worthy taste.
How to Serve Creamy Horseradish Sauce
Garnishes
Garnish your Creamy Horseradish Sauce with a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives, a little cracked black pepper, or even a hint of lemon zest for a pop of brightness. Not only does it look inviting, but these little touches make the flavors even more vibrant and dynamic.
Side Dishes
This sauce is a classic with roast beef or prime rib, but don’t stop there — it’s fantastic swirled on baked potatoes, alongside roasted carrots or root vegetables, or drizzled over grilled chicken. A small dish on your next charcuterie board will have everyone talking!
Creative Ways to Present
Use a decorative small bowl or ramekin and swirl the top for an artisanal feel, or layer it between bread and sliced steak for a beautiful sandwich spread. If you want to get especially fancy, pipe the sauce in dollops atop appetizers using a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. The possibilities for Creamy Horseradish Sauce are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Creamy Horseradish Sauce into an airtight container. It will stay fresh and delicious in your refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before serving, as some separation may occur.
Freezing
While you may be tempted to freeze Creamy Horseradish Sauce for later, it doesn’t fare well in the freezer. The dairy elements tend to separate after thawing, leading to a watery and grainy texture. It’s best enjoyed freshly made and chilled from the fridge.
Reheating
This is a sauce designed to be served cold, so reheating isn’t needed! If you find it’s too thick after a few days, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes and give it a stir before serving to bring back its ideal texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh horseradish instead of prepared?
Absolutely! If you have fresh horseradish root, peel and grate it, then use about half the amount called for prepared (start with a quarter cup), and adjust to taste. Keep in mind fresh horseradish is often spicier, so add gradually to avoid overwhelming heat.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in Creamy Horseradish Sauce are naturally gluten-free. However, always double-check your mayonnaise, mustard, and horseradish packaging for any hidden sources of gluten, especially if serving guests with sensitivities.
How long should I chill the sauce before serving?
A minimum of 30 minutes is ideal, but longer chilling allows the flavors to meld even better. You can make this sauce a day ahead, which makes planning easy if you’re hosting a gathering or prepping meals in advance.
How spicy is Creamy Horseradish Sauce?
It’s delightfully zippy but not overwhelming by default! For a milder sauce, decrease the horseradish a bit; for a real kick, add extra. The sour cream and mayonnaise temper the heat, making it approachable for most palates.
What else can I add for extra flavor?
Feel free to experiment! Try stirring in a teaspoon of white vinegar or a pinch of sugar for balance, a finely minced garlic clove for depth, or some smoked paprika for a new twist. This recipe is a perfect canvas for personal flair.
Final Thoughts
If you love big flavors and effortless recipes, you owe it to yourself to try this Creamy Horseradish Sauce. It’s a true crowd-pleaser and will instantly elevate your meals, whether you’re entertaining or just indulging in a sandwich upgrade at home. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to condiment — and you find yourself making it again and again!
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Creamy Horseradish Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 1 1/2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Horseradish Sauce is a versatile and flavorful condiment that pairs perfectly with roast beef, prime rib, or sandwiches. This easy-to-make sauce adds a zesty kick to any dish.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup prepared horseradish, drained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine horseradish, sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve cold alongside roast beef, prime rib, or sandwiches.
Stir until smooth and fully blended. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Notes
- Adjust horseradish amount for desired heat level.
- Add a splash of white vinegar or a pinch of sugar to balance flavors if needed.
- Keeps in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
