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There’s something unmatched about the moment you slice into a tender prime rib and drizzle it with a cool, velvety Creamy Horseradish Sauce. This recipe captures that perfect balance of smoothness and bold heat that you might recognize from the finest steakhouses. The tang of cider vinegar keeps it bright, while the chives add a fresh pop of flavor – and the best part? You can whip this up in under five minutes. Whether you’re preparing an elegant Sunday roast or looking to elevate your steak sandwich, this sauce will quickly become your go-to condiment.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Horseradish Sauce
You know that zing you crave from a prime rib dinner? This delivers. Unlike overly harsh horseradish preparations, this sauce is mellowed by sour cream and mayonnaise, so you can taste the meat as well as the heat. Plus:
- Ready in just minutes – no cooking required.
- Stores well for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.
- Versatile enough for beef, pork, seafood, or even deviled eggs.

Perfect Creamy Horseradish Sauce Recipe for Any Meal
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
A smooth, steakhouse-style creamy horseradish sauce with balanced heat and tang, perfect for prime rib, steaks, or sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 Tbsp prepared horseradish, drained
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp chives, finely chopped
Instructions
1. In a small mixing bowl, stir all of the ingredients together.
2. Serve right away or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Adjust horseradish quantity for desired heat.
Use fresh horseradish for a stronger kick.
Pairs beautifully with beef and pork dishes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients for Homemade Creamy Horseradish Sauce
Below is the ingredient breakdown (yield: ¾ cup, serves 12):
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Sour cream | ½ cup |
Prepared horseradish (drained) | 2 tablespoons |
Mayonnaise | 2 tablespoons |
Apple cider vinegar | 1 teaspoon |
Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
Black pepper | ⅛ teaspoon |
Chives (finely chopped) | 1 tablespoon |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix Ingredients
In a small bowl, combine sour cream, prepared horseradish, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, and chives. - Blend
Stir thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and smooth. - Taste & Adjust
Sample the sauce; if you prefer more kick, add extra horseradish. - Serve or Store
Enjoy immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 14 days.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Creamy Horseradish Sauce
- Strength Control: Store-bought horseradish is milder; fresh grated horseradish root can be twice as strong. Adjust accordingly.
- Drain Well: Too much liquid from horseradish can make the sauce watery.
- Serving Ideas: Pair with prime rib, beef tenderloin, steaks, sandwiches, or even use a dab in sushi.
- Make Ahead: Prepping in advance actually enhances the flavor as it sits.
FAQs About Creamy Horseradish Sauce
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes – refrigerating it for a few hours (or even overnight) lets flavors meld and improves the taste.
Is this sauce spicy?
It has a mild, pleasant heat. For stronger horseradish flavor, simply increase the prepared horseradish.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Definitely. It will add tang while keeping a creamy texture, but slightly lighter.
Conclusion
This Creamy Horseradish Sauce isn’t just a condiment it’s a flavor enhancer that turns a good dish into a memorable one. With its easy preparation, balanced heat, and versatility, it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection. Next time you’re serving beef, pork, or even seafood, give this sauce a try – your guests will taste the difference.