If you love a zingy, velvety condiment that instantly transforms savory dishes, this Creamy Horseradish Sauce is about to become your new kitchen icon. It’s a simple, elegant recipe that delivers the perfect blend of creamy richness and bold horseradish heat, guaranteed to wake up your taste buds. Whether you dollop it onto roast beef, serve it with smoked salmon, or spread it onto sandwiches, this sauce packs punchy flavor with zero fuss. The best part? It comes together in just minutes, yet tastes like something you’d order at a fancy steakhouse.

Creamy Horseradish Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Creamy Horseradish Sauce is chosen for maximum flavor and balance, with no fillers or unnecessary extras. Quality matters, so use the freshest and best you have for each item—a little attention to detail goes such a long way in the final flavor and smoothness.

Sour cream: The silky base for the sauce, offering tang and lush creaminess that ties it all together.
Prepared horseradish (drained): Adds the signature spicy kick—make sure to drain well so the sauce stays nice and thick.
Mayonnaise: Rounds out the texture and brings a mellow depth, making the sauce super smooth.
Dijon mustard: Delivers a punch of sharpness and complexity that lifts all the flavors.
White vinegar or lemon juice: Just a touch brightens and balances, keeping the sauce from feeling heavy.
Garlic powder: For that gentle, savory undertone that lingers pleasantly with every bite.
Salt: Essential for bringing out every note; don’t skip it, but taste and adjust to your liking.
Black pepper: Just a pinch deepens the overall pop and enhances the horseradish flavor.
Chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional): These bring color and a hint of garden-fresh flavor, making every serving instantly more inviting.

How to Make Creamy Horseradish Sauce

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Start by making sure all your ingredients are measured out and ready—a good mise en place always makes this process smooth. If you’re using prepared horseradish, give it a quick drain in a fine sieve or press out excess moisture with a spoon. Chop your fresh herbs if you’re adding them so they’re ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and prepared horseradish. You’ll see the mixture come together into a luxurious, cloud-like base. Whisking well at this stage ensures the sauce will be perfectly smooth and every bite just right.

Step 3: Add Flavor Boosters

Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and your choice of white vinegar or lemon juice. Give everything another thorough whisk. This is where the flavors fully meld, creating that classic contrast of cooling creaminess and peppy heat that Creamy Horseradish Sauce is known for.

Step 4: Stir in Herbs (Optional)

If you’re feeling a little extra, fold in your chopped chives or parsley. This step doesn’t just add a pop of color—it gives a light, fresh finish that truly elevates the sauce, especially if you’re serving it with rich meats or smoked fish.

Step 5: Chill and Let the Flavors Develop

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the sauce to an airtight container. Pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes—this is my non-negotiable step for Creamy Horseradish Sauce. The chill time lets the flavors deepen and mingle, transforming the sauce from simple to sensational.

How to Serve Creamy Horseradish Sauce

Garnishes

A final flourish of chopped chives or parsley transforms the look of your Creamy Horseradish Sauce, making it as pretty as it is delicious. If you love a little sparkle, a pinch of cracked black pepper on top adds instant restaurant vibes.

Side Dishes

This sauce is an absolute dream with roast beef, prime rib, smoked salmon, or grilled vegetables. But don’t sleep on spooning it alongside roasted potatoes, drizzling over baked sweet potatoes, or using it as a punchy dip for crispy fries—its creaminess and gentle heat play well with just about everything.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon your Creamy Horseradish Sauce into a small, elegant bowl or ramekin for sit-down dinners, or swirl it onto a platter as the bed for slices of steak or fish. For a playful twist, use it as a sandwich spread or swirl into deviled eggs for a gourmet upgrade. It’s even gorgeous dolloped onto crostini with roast beef for special occasions!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Horseradish Sauce in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 4 days, and I honestly think the flavors get even better as the days go by. Give it a little stir before serving, especially if it’s been sitting overnight.

Freezing

I wouldn’t recommend freezing Creamy Horseradish Sauce, since dairy-based sauces tend to separate and lose their lovely creamy texture once thawed. It’s so quick to whip up fresh, you won’t miss freezing at all!

Reheating

This is a no-cook, cold-served sauce, so skip the reheating altogether. Just serve it chilled directly from the fridge, or let it warm to room temperature for about 10 minutes so it softens up for easier spreading or drizzling.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt will give your Creamy Horseradish Sauce a slightly tangier, lighter flavor, and it works perfectly as a substitute. Just be sure it’s full-fat for the best texture.

How spicy will this sauce be?

The spice level mostly depends on the horseradish you use and your taste preferences. For a milder version, reduce the horseradish a touch, or add more for a bigger punch—it’s totally customizable!

Is this sauce gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients in this Creamy Horseradish Sauce are naturally gluten-free, so it’s a safe and savory choice for anyone avoiding gluten.

What dishes pair best with Creamy Horseradish Sauce?

This sauce shines with roast beef, prime rib, smoked salmon, or grilled veggies, but it’s also phenomenal as a dip for potato chips, spread for sandwiches, or even as a topper for baked potatoes.

How far in advance can I make Creamy Horseradish Sauce?

You can make Creamy Horseradish Sauce up to 2 days in advance. In fact, letting it chill overnight helps the flavors meld even more for a richness you’ll love!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a versatile, flavor-packed condiment that instantly elevates any meal, this Creamy Horseradish Sauce belongs in your lineup. It’s so easy, endlessly adaptable, and always impressive. I hope you’ll give it a whirl—once you taste it, you’ll find excuses to serve it with absolutely everything!

Kimberly