Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe scent of a succulent prime rib wafting through the kitchen can instantly transport me to special gatherings and family celebrations. That’s why I’m excited to share my recipe for Creamy Horseradish Sauce, a true game-changer for elevating your beef dishes. This versatile sauce blends rich sour cream and sharp horseradish, creating a flavorful combination that’s perfectly balanced and oh-so-easy to whip up. Not only does it take mere minutes to prepare, but it also impresses guests with its gourmet flair. Serving it alongside your prime rib will have everyone raving about your culinary skills! Are you ready to ditch the store-bought options and craft something special that gets everyone talking? Why is Horseradish Sauce a Must-Try? Versatile and Flavorful: This creamy horseradish sauce shines not just with prime rib but on sandwiches, roasted veggies, and even as a dip! Quick to Make: You’ll be amazed at how easily you can whip up this gourmet accompaniment in just a few minutes. Perfect Flavor Balance: The tangy notes of sour cream paired with the spicy kick of horseradish elevate any dish to chef-level dining. Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it a day in advance to let the flavors meld, saving you time when it’s time to serve. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether entertaining guests or having a cozy family dinner, this sauce will impress everyone at the table. Ready to elevate your meals? Don’t forget to explore variations like using it as a sandwich spread or even pairing it with a Honey Glazed Sauce! Horseradish Sauce Ingredients • Get ready to make this zesty delight! For the Base Prepared Horseradish – Adds that recognizable heat and flavor; be cautious with the amount for your preferred spice level. Sour Cream – Ensures a creamy texture and tang; full-fat gives the best mouthfeel for our horseradish sauce. Mayonnaise – Infuses richness and smoothness; regular mayo is perfect for achieving that delectable balance. For the Zest Lemon Juice – Brightens up the sauce and enhances the overall flavor; apple cider vinegar can be a zippy alternative. Salt – Elevates all ingredients; season to taste, remembering it’s key for our horseradish sauce. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamy Horseradish Sauce Step 1: Combine Ingredients In a medium mixing bowl, bring together prepared horseradish, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Use a spatula for smooth blending, ensuring all components are well integrated. The mixture should appear creamy and homogeneous. This base is crucial for your horseradish sauce, setting the stage for the perfect balance of flavors. Step 2: Mix Thoroughly Gently stir the mixture until the ingredients are fully combined, and you achieve a consistent texture. Take a moment to taste your sauce, adjusting the salt or horseradish level* to your preference. For a milder flavor, add less horseradish initially, remembering you can always increase later! Step 3: Chill for Flavor Development Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer your creamy horseradish sauce to an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The chilled sauce will thicken slightly and take on a deliciously robust flavor that will elevate your prime rib. Step 4: Serve and Enjoy Once ready, remove the horseradish sauce from the refrigerator. Give it a quick stir to ensure its texture is smooth and creamy. Serve it chilled alongside your prepared prime rib or as a zesty dip for vegetables and roasted potatoes. This versatile sauce is sure to impress your family and guests alike! What to Serve with Creamy Horseradish Sauce for Prime Rib Elevate your dining experience with delightful pairings that complement every creamy dollop of horseradish sauce. Juicy Prime Rib: The classic pairing; the sauce’s heat cuts through the richness of the beef, enhancing each bite. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, these potatoes soak up the sauce beautifully, adding a comforting element to your plate. Steamed Asparagus: The crunchy, fresh taste of asparagus pairs nicely with the sauce’s creamy texture, creating a delightful contrast. Crusty Bread Rolls: Perfect for mopping up the flavor-packed sauce, warm rolls provide a textural balance to your meal. Roasted Root Vegetables: Tender and slightly sweet, seasonal veggies like carrots and parsnips harmonize with the zesty bite of horseradish. Vibrant Salad: A crisp salad with tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance, cleansing the palate between bites of rich prime rib. Red Wine: A full-bodied red wine brings warmth and depth, pairing effortlessly with both the beef and the bold flavors of the sauce. Chocolate Mousse: End the meal on a sweet note; the rich and smooth dessert contrasts beautifully with the zesty starter, leaving a lasting impression. How to Store and Freeze Horseradish Sauce Fridge: Store the horseradish sauce in an airtight container for up to one week. This will allow flavors to continue developing as it sits. Make-Ahead: You can prepare the sauce a day in advance. The chilled sauce improves in flavor, making it a perfect addition to your meal prep. Separation: If you notice any separation, simply give the sauce a good stir before serving to reincorporate the ingredients smoothly. Freezer: While not ideal, you can freeze horseradish sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then stir well to restore consistency before use. Make Ahead Options These Creamy Horseradish Sauce for Prime Rib is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can easily make the sauce up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen and blend beautifully. To prep, simply follow the regular recipe instructions and store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This not only saves time but also ensures your sauce remains fresh and flavorful when it’s time to serve. If you make it a few days ahead, just remember to give it a quick stir to regain its creamy consistency before serving. With a bit of planning, you’ll have that luxurious dining experience ready with minimal effort! Horseradish Sauce Variations & Substitutions Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing this creamy delight to match your tastes and dietary needs! Dairy-Free: Swap sour cream and mayonnaise with a plant-based yogurt or cashew cream for a creamy texture without dairy. A plant-based option doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. You’ll be surprised how deliciously rich and creamy this variation can be! Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to amplify the heat for those who crave a fiery experience. This adds a welcome twist that can transform your sauce from simple to sensational! Tarragon Infusion: Mix in fresh or dried tarragon for a subtle herbal note that pairs beautifully with beef. Tarragon introduces a gourmet feel, making your horseradish sauce exceptionally special. Apple Cider Vinegar: Use apple cider vinegar in place of lemon juice for a tangy sweetness that pairs well with the spiciness. This swap adds a unique flavor profile that elevates your dish to new heights. Horseradish Boost: For horseradish enthusiasts, increase the amount of prepared horseradish for a sharper punch! This potent twist is perfect for those who love their sauce packed with a zing. Creamy Avocado: Blend in mashed avocado for an unexpected twist that enhances creaminess and adds healthy fats. The richness of avocado makes the sauce even smoother and delectable! Tangy Mustard: Incorporate a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for added depth and complexity, perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors. This simple addition transforms your sauce into a gourmet delight, perfect for impressing dinner guests. Honey Drizzle: A hint of honey can add a touch of sweetness, balancing out the heat beautifully for a unique flavor experience. This is especially great if serving with glazed meats—try it with my Honey Glazed Sauce for that perfect pairing! Explore these delectable variations and feel free to mix and match them to find your perfect flavor profile! Expert Tips for Horseradish Sauce Taste as You Go: Always start with a smaller amount of horseradish; you can add more to meet your desired heat level for the horseradish sauce. Chill Time Matters: Allow the sauce to chill for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors. Serving it immediately may not provide the full taste experience. Ingredient Quality: Opt for full-fat sour cream and regular mayonnaise to ensure a rich and creamy texture in your horseradish sauce. Substituting with low-fat options may compromise the taste. Adjust for Consistency: If the sauce is too thin, try draining excess liquid from the horseradish. This prevents your sauce from being watery and enhances its creaminess. Storage Tips: Store your horseradish sauce in an airtight container for up to a week. Stir gently before serving to maintain its velvety consistency! Creamy Horseradish Sauce for Prime Rib Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right horseradish for my sauce? Absolutely! When selecting prepared horseradish, be mindful of the type you choose. The heat and flavor intensity can vary significantly. I recommend using jarred prepared horseradish rather than fresh; fresh can be too intense, and cream-style horseradish tends to dilute the sauce’s consistency. How should I store leftover horseradish sauce? Very! Store the horseradish sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. As it sits, the flavors will continue to meld beautifully. If you notice any separation, don’t fret—just give it a gentle stir to restore its creamy texture before serving. Can I freeze horseradish sauce? Of course! While horseradish sauce is best served fresh, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To do this, transfer your cooled sauce into a freezer-safe container, leaving space for expansion. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and stir to combine once it reaches room temperature. What should I do if my sauce is too thin? If your sauce is watery, no worries! First, ensure to drain any excess liquid from the prepared horseradish. If it’s still too thin, consider adding a bit more sour cream or mayo until you reach your desired consistency. Remember to taste as you go so that your flavor balance stays on point. Is this sauce suitable for people with allergies? Definitely! However, it’s important to note that this horseradish sauce contains dairy due to the sour cream and mayonnaise. Those with dairy allergies should look for non-dairy alternatives, like a coconut-based sour cream. Always double-check ingredient labels to avoid any allergens specific to your needs. How can I use horseradish sauce besides with prime rib? What a great question! This versatile sauce is perfect not just for prime rib but also as a spread for turkey sandwiches, dipping sauce for roasted vegetables, or even paired with potato wedges. The more the merrier in terms of creative uses! Creamy Horseradish Sauce for Prime Rib That Impresses Every Time Elevate your prime rib with this creamy horseradish sauce that combines rich sour cream and sharp horseradish for an impressive flavor. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsChill Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 40 minutes mins Servings: 8 servingsCourse: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanCalories: 100 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Base1 cup Prepared Horseradish Adjust amount for preferred spice level1 cup Sour Cream Full-fat for best mouthfeel1/2 cup Mayonnaise Regular mayo for balanceFor the Zest2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Can substitute with apple cider vinegarto taste Salt Key for flavor enhancement Equipment Mixing bowlSpatulaAirtight container Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a medium mixing bowl, combine prepared horseradish, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth.Gently stir until fully combined and adjust seasoning to your taste.Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld.Stir again before serving with prime rib or as a dip for vegetables. Nutrition Serving: 2tablespoonsCalories: 100kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 1gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 50mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 0.5mg NotesThis sauce can be prepared a day in advance, and the flavors will only improve as it chills. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!