Creamy Horseradish Sauce is that one magical condiment that instantly amplifies any meal, bringing velvety texture and an unmistakable punch of flavor. You’ll love the way the cool creaminess tames the sharp bite of horseradish, creating a harmonious blend that’s bold but never overpowering. Whether you’re serving roast beef, layering it into sandwiches, or seeking out new dip ideas, this sauce delivers effortless sophistication and reliable crowd-pleasing results. Plus, it all comes together in minutes with common kitchen staples!

Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of real, everyday ingredients combine to make Creamy Horseradish Sauce undeniably special. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s lending richness, depth, tang, or just enough heat to keep things interesting!
- Sour Cream: The creamy, tangy canvas that gives the sauce its smooth body and subtle tartness.
- Prepared Horseradish (drained): The star ingredient providing that signature kick; drain well for the best texture.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a sharp, lively edge that brightens up the sauce beautifully.
- White Wine Vinegar or Lemon Juice: Either option brings zesty acidity, balancing the richness perfectly.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Just a splash delivers savory, umami undertones rounding out the flavors.
- Garlic Powder: Subtle, gentle heat without overpowering the sauce’s creamy core.
- Salt: Brings the flavors together and sharpens every bite.
- Black Pepper: Adds a mild bite and enhances all the other spices.
- Fresh Chives or Parsley (optional): A pop of freshness and color, especially lovely for garnish.
How to Make Creamy Horseradish Sauce
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl. Scoop in the sour cream, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar or lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This step is simple, but the order doesn’t really matter — the magic happens once everything’s mingling together.
Step 2: Mix Until Smooth
Using a spatula or a whisk, stir everything until silky and well-blended. Take a moment to admire the transformation as the mixture becomes thick, creamy, and glossy, with flecks of horseradish and pepper peeking through. Don’t rush; a thorough mix is the secret to perfect texture.
Step 3: Taste and Season
Give your Creamy Horseradish Sauce a quick taste. Want more heat? Stir in an extra spoonful of horseradish. Prefer a little more brightness? A splash more lemon or vinegar does the trick. Season until you absolutely love it!
Step 4: Chill for Bold Flavor
Cover the bowl and let your sauce rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This pause allows the flavors to fully marry and mellow, resulting in a richer, more balanced sauce that’s ready for company.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle chopped chives or parsley over the top. Their fresh green color is a perfect finishing touch. Present the sauce chilled, and watch everyone’s eyes light up as they taste it!
How to Serve Creamy Horseradish Sauce

Garnishes
A little flourish goes a long way: a sprinkle of vibrant fresh chives or parsley not only jazzes up the look but also brings a hint of garden freshness to the bowl. If you want to get creative, a pinch of cracked black pepper or a swirl of olive oil dresses things up even further.
Side Dishes
Classic pairings steal the show—think tender slices of roast beef, juicy prime rib, or a hearty sandwich loaded with grilled veggies or brisket. This Creamy Horseradish Sauce is equally welcome beside crispy potato wedges, baked sweet potatoes, or even roasted carrots for a pop of excitement.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your sauce into the star at parties by serving it as a zesty dip with fresh crudités and pita chips. Dollop it onto baked potatoes or use it as a sophisticated spread for burgers and wraps. For an elegant twist, offer individual ramekins at dinner parties so everyone can dunk and drizzle to their heart’s content.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Creamy Horseradish Sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors actually improve after a day, making it a fantastic make-ahead option. Use within 4–5 days for peak freshness and punch.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this sauce, as dairy-based mixtures like sour cream tend to separate and become grainy when thawed. For the best consistency and taste, prepare just what you’ll use within the week.
Reheating
This sauce is best enjoyed cold or at cool room temperature. If you prefer it slightly warmer (for baked potatoes, perhaps), let it stand at room temp for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving or heating directly, as it can dull both the flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute if you’re after a lighter, protein-rich sauce. Just expect a slightly tangier flavor and a bit less richness, but it still creates a wonderfully creamy horseradish sauce.
How spicy is this Creamy Horseradish Sauce?
The sauce has a lovely, balanced heat that’s noticeable but not overpowering. If you crave more kick, simply bump up the horseradish. For something milder, reduce the amount by a tablespoon or two until you find your ideal level.
What’s the best way to drain prepared horseradish?
Just scoop the horseradish into a mesh strainer or fine sieve, press with the back of a spoon, and let the excess liquid drip out. This helps keep your creamy horseradish sauce thick and dreamy, never watery.
Can I make creamy horseradish sauce ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it’s highly recommended. Mixing and chilling the sauce a few hours (or even a day) ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a stir before serving.
Is this sauce gluten-free and vegetarian?
Yes, this creamy horseradish sauce is both gluten-free and vegetarian, as long as you check that your Worcestershire sauce is free of anchovies or gluten (some brands vary).
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made Creamy Horseradish Sauce from scratch before, now’s the perfect time to try! This recipe is quick, approachable, and endlessly versatile—ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Give it a whirl and get ready for rave reviews at your table!
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Creamy Horseradish Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy and zesty flavors of this homemade Creamy Horseradish Sauce that pairs perfectly with roast beef, prime rib, sandwiches, or as a versatile dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Sauce:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons prepared horseradish (drained)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives or parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix sour cream, horseradish, Dijon mustard, vinegar or lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chives or parsley and serve chilled with your favorite dishes.
Notes
- Adjust horseradish to taste for milder or spicier sauce.
- Greek yogurt can be a lighter alternative to sour cream.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg