A simple recipe for creamy, homemade horseradish sauce perfect for prime rib, beef tenderloin, or steak sandwiches made easy with two ingredients: store-bought, prepared horseradish and sour cream.
We've served this creamy horseradish sauce alongside prime rib, beef tenderloin, and steaks for years, but it's especially non-negotiable at Christmas dinner when prime rib is on the menu. While some recipes call for Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, or extra vinegar, our family and guests have always preferred this simpler version. The prepared horseradish already brings plenty of tang and heat, while the sour cream keeps everything balanced and creamy.
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What is Horseradish Sauce?
Creamy horseradish sauce is tangy, rich, and creamy. It's ideal for adding flavor, heat, and brightness to savory cuts of beef like prime rib, ribeyes, and even beef tenderloin.
We use it as both a steak sauce and as a condiment for sandwiches made with leftover prime rib, roast beef, and steak.
This recipe has been in our family for generations, my Uncle Daryl pulling it out every Christmas year after year. When I asked for his recipe, I was shocked to find out just how simple the ingredient list was.
Horseradish Sauce Ingredients
- Prepared Horseradish | This ingredient is a flavor powerhouse with a sharp, mustard-like bite. It's tangy thanks to the fact that it is preserved in vinegar and comes with a quick burst of wasabi-like heat.
- Sour Cream | Responsible for creating a smooth, creamy texture and rounding out flavor, and taming the heat, sour cream does a quite a bit of heavy lifting when it comes to creating a full-flavored, creamy horseradish sauce.
- Salt and Pepper | A pinch of Kosher salt and black pepper both enhancing and balancing out the flavors of the prepared horseradish and sour cream.
Prepared Horseradish Vs. Prepared Horseradish Sauce
Prepared horseradish is grated horseradish (which is a root) that is preserved in vinegar. You can sometimes find it in the deli section of your grocery store and other times near the gourmet cheeses. You might also look for it in the condiment aisle, but take care not to accidentally purchase prepared horseradish sauce. It will not be nearly as good as the real thing.
I suggest purchasing Boar's Head's Prepared Horseradish. This has been the best product I've found as far as prepared horseradish goes thus far.
Why This is the Best Horseradish Sauce for Prime Rib
Our family has enjoyed prime rib for Christmas dinner for generations and although we love a chimichurri and a bearnaise, prime rib would be utterly incomplete without this creamy horseradish sauce for prime rib alongside it.
Prime rib is rich, buttery, and intensely beefy. Horseradish sauce brings cool, creamy texture and a sharp tangy bite that cuts through that richness beautifully.
That's exactly why this prime rib horseradish sauce works so well. The horseradish wakes up the palate of each bite of savory beef, while the sour cream mellows out that quick, aromatic wasabi-style heat. It cuts through the richness of the beef without covering up the flavor.
While au jus might be the most classic pairing for prime rib, I'd say this sauce gives it a good run for its money. If you're looking for the perfect horseradish cream sauce for prime rib, this is it. Rich, tangy, and balanced, it's the ultimate prime rib enhancer.
How to Make Creamy Horseradish Sauce
- Measure ingredients and add them to the bowl.
- Stir to combine.
Horseradish sauce is a simple mixture of prepared horseradish, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Simply add the ingredients to a bowl, whisk to combine, and serve.
Many other recipes call for a touch of Dijon mustard and a splash of vinegar, but if the sour cream and horseradish are added in the right quantity, this is truly all you need to make a stellar sauce at home. The prepared horseradish has a substantial amount of vinegar flavor, and there is no need for added tang beyond this.
What to Serve with Horseradish Sauce
Large Cuts of Beef | Horseradish sauce is most often served alongside large beefy cuts such as prime rib or beef tenderloin. The cool, tangy sauce balances the richness of the meat without overpowering its flavor. It's also excellent with a classic roast beef if you're looking for an alternate to gravy.
Grilled Steaks | Steak night? You need this 2-minute sauce. It's a natural match for sirloins, ribeye, New York strip, and T-bone steaks. A dollop on the side is all it takes to elevate an everyday steak dinner.
As an Appetizer Topping | For years, we served this sauce on a canape-style appetizer made with toasted baguette slices, arugula, sliced filet mignon, and a drizzle of creamy horseradish sauce. It quickly became one of those dishes our guests looked forward to every holiday season. It's equally at home during football season, adding a tangy, peppery kick to roast beef sliders and game-day sandwiches.
As Part of a Sauce Flight | Everybody loves a good sauce. Add this creamy horseradish sauce to a trio alongside creamy gorgonzola sauce and peppercorn sauce, then let guests choose their favorite pairing for steaks, tenderloin, or prime rib.
On Sandwiches | This creamy condiment also does wonders for a sandwich. If you've got leftover prime rib or tenderloin from the holidays, thinly slice the beef and pile it on to crusty bread with a generous smear of horseradish sauce. We also love it on a Deli-Style Roast Beef Sandwich for an easy weeknight dinner packed with flavor.
Creamy Horseradish FAQs
Horseradish sauce has a sharp, peppery heat, but isn't spicy in the same way a bottle of hot sauce made with chiles is. Instead of a lingering burn, horseradish delivers a quick, sinus-clearing heat that fades quickly. In addition to that, the cream in horseradish sauces mellows out the heat.
Yes, making horseradish sauce a few hours in advance (or even a day ahead) gives the flavors time to meld and develop. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.
Do not freeze this sauce. Dairy-based sauces will separate and become grainy when thawed.
This creamy horseradish sauce is made with simple ingredients: prepared horseradish, sour cream, Kosher salt, and black pepper.
Horseradish sauce will keep for 3 days stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Yes, the terms are used interchangeably.
Homemade Creamy Horseradish Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- â…“ cup + 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish (not to be confused with horseradish sauce)
- 1 ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in a small mixing bowl, and whisk to combine.
Lisa | Garlic & Zest says
Horseradish sauce is the perfect accompaniment to our holiday roast, but I have to be honest, I'd spread that sauce on sandwiches, over eggs and everything in between.
Demeter says
Such an easy recipe to add to any holiday table, thanks!
Claudia Lamascolo says
I have heard about sauce like this for meat but never had it. This sure looks great and I will pass it off to my brother he loves meat and I am vegan but he will love this!
Julia says
I have never tried making horseradish sauce myself so thanks for the easy recipe! Will give it a go soon!
Gabi says
My mom used to make a horseradish sauce with shredded apples and some vinegar and oil which we usually ate with cooked beef. But yours with sour cream sounds at least as delicious. And the recipe is so quick and easy!
Patricia Wrate says
How long will this keep in frig ...
Kelly Anthony says
I would say you could go 2-3 days, and it should be fine. It might be a little watered down toward the 3rd day!
Gloria says
Wow..I really need to give this a try. Hubby loves horseradish. What a great sauce for roast beef, steak, sandwiches...on lamb too. He will be thrilled with this. Printing right now.
Lesli Schwartz says
I love making horseradish sauce from scratch for my beef tenderloin dinners! So easy!!
Amanda says
Oh, there are not many better meals out there than a good prime rib with creamy horseradish sauce. I just love the zip it adds, and this recipe is awesome. Definitely a holiday staple for me. Thanks for sharing!
Stine Mari says
Proof that a recipe doesn't need to contain a million things to be tasty. This looks and sounds fantastic!
Sophie says
Looks so delicious! I ll try this for sure
Danielle Wolter says
i am grilling a tri-tip for dinner tomorrow night and this would be perfect. i just love horseradish sauce and yours is so simple. can't wait to try it!
Sophia says
Yum, I love this recipe! Creamy horseradish sauce and roast beef is such a a classic combo and your pics looks so delicious!
Linda says
I've never tried making horseradish sauce at home but we love this sauce, and it's perfect for meat. Making it this weekend.
Heather says
I LOVE horseradish but typically I have it just grated on the side with my meat, but I love this idea of a sauce. I'm sure this sauce would also be a good dip for chips 🙂
Kelly Anthony says
Oh I've never had it grated on the side! That's a fun idea too!
Jacqueline Debono says
I love horseradish sauce with beef! So delicious! Never thought to make my own. Have to look out for some prepared horseradish!
Lathiya says
The horseradish sauce looks so creamy and delicious. I loved the fact tha it can be done with in 2 minutes
April says
Love it. I've noticed that simple recipes are often the most delicious recipes you can find. I am sure this sauce is exactly like that! Fantastic side to so many meals!
Mimi says
I love sauces that use sour cream. They all seem so rich and delicious to me. I can't wait to try your way of making this sauce now - it looks absolutely amazing!
Maman de sara says
This horseradish sauce is easy to make and goes well with red meat but I would spread it on my chicken sandwich too, yum.
Jori says
Prime rib and horseradish sauce are some of my favourite foods. I love the combo but I've never tried making horseradish sauce. Your recipe is sooo easy! Definitely making it from scratch from now on.
Dannii says
Horseradish sauce and roast beef are a must on a sunday roast dinner. I am going to have to try making this sauce myself.
Michelle Miller says
Genius! Love that you took an overlooked ingredient to make a great sauce for meat! Great blogpost, very nice to read and to discover all about horseradish!
Kelly Anthony says
Thanks, Michelle!
Mindy Fewless says
I needed this recipe!! So much better than store-bought!
Julia says
This sauce is delicious! Definitely better than the store-bought version 🙂
Meghna says
We love horseradish and this sauce looks so creamy & delicious. Thanks for the amazing recipe. Can you just tell me how can I keep it in the fridge?
Kelly Anthony says
You're welcome, Meghna! Keep it in the refrigerator in an airtight, sealed container for up to 3 days 🙂
Nicoletta says
This is another great sauce that needs to be added to the repertoire! Thanks for sharing!
Jacquelyn Hastert says
If only I could enjoy prime rib every day! I will have to whip this up the next time. Nothing beats a good horsey sauce with a slab of prime rib cooked to perfection.
Dan from Platter Talk says
Horseradish. is an underused condiment in my kitchen and this post is an excellent reminder that I need to correct that issue; I especially love it with a good prime rib and your beautiful photos have my stomach growling!
Veena Azmanov says
Have never tried one and this is unique to me. Looks delicious and creamy and love all the options given to using it.
Elaine Benoit says
This looks incredibly easy and delicious! I love horseradish and I could eat it on everything. I can't wait to make your recipe!
Aleta says
Yummm I can already taste the roast beast sandwich I am going to make with this horseradish sauce! I love that I already have all the ingredients at home, nothing funny! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Katherine says
I had no idea making horseradish is SO easy. This looks so creamy! I want to add it to some meat right away!
Marisa F. Stewart says
Love how easy this is and it's one of our favorite sauces. It tastes fantastic with meat and potatoes. A great recipe to keep on hand for company and every day. I'd forgotten about making it. Thanks for the reminder.
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you, Marisa!
Anne Lawton says
I love horseradish sauce, and this recipe sounds delicious. I love that there isn't any mayonnaise in it too!
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness says
2 minute AND 2 ingredients?? Yes please! Count me in! I have actually never tried horseradish sauce before, so I would love to try something new!
Lori says
Oh my goodness, my husband's family will go nuts over this recipe! I've already emailed it to my mother in law as I know she will positively love it.
Daniela says
Yum this would pair so nicely with a good piece of steak! And it's so easy to make too! Thanks so much for sharing :).
DOUG REICHERT says
Kelly, your smile says it all. You have a great smile and you have great recipes. I don't have to be a Rocket Scientist to follow them. They are simple, make complete sense and taste great !! I came to your site thru Pinterest looking for Prime Rib Au Jus. Got that one and ended up with your Creamy Horseradish Sauce. Both are simple and Excellent. Thanks
Kelly Anthony says
So very kind! Thank you, Doug!
Barry Sabino says
Only took me a few years before I came upon this recipe.Worth the wait! Simple and on point.