Creamy Horseradish Sauce

This creamy horseradish sauce packs a punch of bold flavor with just the right amount of tang. Perfect as a dipping sauce, sandwich spread, or topping for your favorite dishes, it’s a versatile condiment that’s easy to whip up and always impresses.
Why You’ll Love This Horseradish Sauce
- Bold and Creamy: The perfect blend of spicy horseradish and smooth, creamy base.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in minutes with just a few simple ingredients.
- Versatile: Ideal for pairing with roast beef, prime rib, smoked salmon, sandwiches, or veggies.
- Customizable: Adjust the level of heat and tanginess to suit your taste.
How to Make It
This sauce comes together in a flash with a handful of pantry staples. Start with prepared horseradish as the base, ensuring it’s fresh and tangy for the best results. Combine it with sour cream and mayonnaise for creaminess, adding a touch of Dijon mustard for a subtle zing.
To balance the heat of the horseradish, mix in fresh lemon juice and a dash of white vinegar. These ingredients brighten the flavors and add a bit of acidity. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper, stirring until smooth and well-blended.

Let the sauce chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. The result is a sauce that’s creamy, tangy, and full of vibrant heat.
Make Ahead Method
This sauce is a dream for prepping ahead:
- Refrigeration: Make the horseradish sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Flavor Boost: Allow the sauce to rest in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. This gives the flavors time to develop and intensify.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce thickens too much after refrigeration, stir in a teaspoon of water, milk, or lemon juice to reach your desired consistency.
Having this sauce ready in advance makes mealtime stress-free and keeps your flavors bold and fresh.
Pro Tips
- Choose Fresh Horseradish: Use high-quality prepared horseradish for the best flavor. Check the label for no added sugars or fillers.
- Balance the Heat: If you prefer a milder sauce, start with a smaller amount of horseradish and increase gradually.
- Use Full-Fat Ingredients: Full-fat sour cream and mayonnaise yield a richer, creamier texture.
- Add Herbs: Finely chopped parsley or chives can add a fresh, herby dimension.
- Let It Rest: Chilling the sauce for at least 30 minutes ensures the flavors meld together perfectly.
Storage Options
- Fridge: Store the sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.
- Freezer: This sauce doesn’t freeze well due to the dairy content. Stick to refrigeration for best results.
Tools for This Recipe
- Mixing Bowl: For combining all the ingredients.
- Whisk: To ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- Zester or Juicer: If you’re using fresh lemon juice.
- Airtight Container: For storing the sauce and keeping it fresh.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh horseradish instead of prepared horseradish?
A: Yes! Grate fresh horseradish finely and adjust the quantity based on your heat preference. You may need to add a bit more vinegar or lemon juice for balance.

Q: Can this sauce be made dairy-free?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt and vegan mayo.
Q: Is horseradish sauce gluten-free?
A: Most prepared horseradish sauces and these ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels to be sure.
Variations and Substitutions
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Herbaceous Flavor: Stir in chopped dill, parsley, or chives for a fresh twist.
- Garlic Lover’s Edition: Mix in a small clove of minced garlic for a punch of flavor.
- Sweeter Balance: Add a teaspoon of honey if you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce.
A Tangy Twist for Every Meal
This creamy horseradish sauce will elevate any dish you pair it with. Whether it’s a hearty roast or a simple sandwich, its bold flavors and creamy texture will steal the show. Try it out, and let me know how it worked for you in the comments!

Fresh and Creamy Horseradish Sauce
Ingredients
- ¼ cup prepared horseradish
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine prepared horseradish, sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and white vinegar.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Whisk the ingredients until smooth and well-blended.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled as a sauce, spread, or dip. Enjoy!