Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sauce delivers the perfect balance of creamy texture and sharp, zesty flavor. The horseradish adds a bold kick without overpowering the meat.
It comes together in just minutes with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
The flavor actually improves as it chills, making it ideal for preparing ahead of time.
Beyond prime rib, it’s versatile enough to serve with steak sandwiches, roasted beef, or even as a dipping sauce for roasted potatoes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
prepared horseradish, drained
sour cream
mayonnaise
Dijon mustard
lemon juice
garlic, finely minced
salt
black pepper
fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)
Directions
- In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Stir in the prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Fold in finely chopped chives if using.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: about 1 cup (approximately 8 servings)
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Total time: approximately 40 minutes
Variations
For a stronger kick, add extra horseradish or a small splash of white vinegar.
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for part or all of the sour cream.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for subtle heat.
For a more herb-forward flavor, mix in fresh parsley or dill along with the chives.
If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend all ingredients in a food processor until completely silky.
Storage/Reheating
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Stir well before serving, as slight separation may occur.
This sauce is meant to be served cold or chilled and does not require reheating.
FAQs
How spicy is this sauce?
The spice level depends on the amount and strength of the horseradish used. You can easily adjust it to your preference.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it’s actually better when made several hours or even a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld.
What type of horseradish should I use?
Prepared horseradish found in the refrigerated section works best. Be sure to drain excess liquid before mixing.
Can I use fresh horseradish root?
Yes, but freshly grated horseradish is much stronger, so use it sparingly.
Is mayonnaise necessary?
Mayonnaise adds richness and smoothness, but you can reduce or omit it and increase the sour cream instead.
How do I thicken the sauce?
If needed, add a bit more sour cream or mayonnaise to achieve your desired consistency.
Can I freeze this sauce?
Freezing is not recommended, as dairy-based sauces can separate and change texture when thawed.
What else can I serve this with?
It pairs beautifully with roast beef sandwiches, grilled steaks, roasted vegetables, or even as a burger spread.
How do I tone down the horseradish flavor?
Add more sour cream or mayonnaise to mellow the heat.
Can I make it dairy-free?
You can experiment with dairy-free sour cream and mayonnaise alternatives, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
Conclusion
Creamy Prime Rib Horseradish Sauce is the perfect finishing touch for a beautifully cooked roast. With its smooth texture and bold, tangy flavor, it enhances the richness of prime rib without overpowering it. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, this classic sauce is sure to become a staple at your holiday table and special dinners.
PrintCreamy Prime Rib Horseradish Sauce
Creamy Prime Rib Horseradish Sauce is a rich, tangy, and slightly spicy condiment that perfectly complements tender slices of beef. With a smooth, creamy base and a bold horseradish kick, this classic steakhouse-style sauce enhances prime rib and other roasted meats.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup (about 8 servings)
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup prepared horseradish, drained
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine sour cream and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Stir in prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Fold in chopped chives if using.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
- Drain excess liquid from horseradish before mixing to prevent thinning.
- Adjust spice level by increasing or decreasing horseradish.
- Flavor improves when made several hours in advance.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing is not recommended due to dairy separation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
