Horseradish Sauce for Prime Rib

Learn how easy it is to whip up your own Horseradish Sauce for prime rib. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious condiment to serve alongside your holiday meal.

Making this Horseradish Sauce for Prime Rib

Are you a fan of prime rib for your Christmas feast? If so, you’re in for a treat!

I created this recipe a few years ago when I realized that making homemade horseradish sauce to go with our prime rib is so much better than purchasing it store bought, and it is actually really simple!

Never made prime rib sauce before? Read on to learn everything you need to know!

What is Horseradish?

Horseradish is a unique perennial plant belonging to the same botanical family as mustard, wasabi, broccoli, cabbage, and radish.

This spicy root vegetable, typically growing up to 5 feet tall and bearing white four-petalled flowers, may seem unassuming since it has little to no aroma when intact. However when the root is cut or grated, a process occurs that produces mustard oil.

What is Prepared Horseradish?

Prepared horseradish is a condiment created by mixing grated horseradish root, vinegar, and salt. Prepared horseradish packs a spicy punch, making it a favorite spice and condiment in all sorts of cooking.

Keep in mind that prepared horseradish isn’t the same as horseradish sauce; instead, it’s a key ingredient for making horseradish sauce from scratch.

Tools Needed for this Recipe

You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools to prepare this recipe for horseradish cream sauce. Here’s what I recommend having on hand before getting started:

• Measuring Cups and Measuring Spoons – to measure the ingredients in the recipe.
• Cutting Board and Sharp Knife – to chop the fresh chives.
• Citrus Juicer – to juice the lemon.
• Mixing Bowl – to make the prime rib sauce in.
• Spatula, Whisk, or Mixing Spoon – to stir the horseradish sauce.

What’s in Creamy Horseradish Sauce?

This recipe for horseradish sauce is made from simple ingredients that you’ll easily find at your local grocery store. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to make it:

• Sour Cream
• Prepared Horseradish
• Dijon Mustard
• Lemon Juice
• Fresh Chives
• Kosher Salt
• Black Pepper

For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions to make horseradish sauce for prime rib, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.

How to Make Horseradish Sauce for Prime Rib

This creamy condiment couldn’t be easier to prepare! Here’s a quick overview of how to make prime rib sauce:

1. Combine the sour cream, prepared horseradish, dijon mustard, and lemon juice in a bowl. Stir to combine.
2. Chop the fresh chives. Then add them to the sour cream mixture.
3. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.
4. Refrigerate until serving.

The above is simply a quick summary of how to make horseradish cream sauce. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.

Tips for Making the Best Horseradish Sauce

• Make sure you are purchasing prepared horseradish and not bottled horseradish sauce.
• For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice. Juice from fresh lemons has much better flavor than the bottled variety.
• Use fresh chives instead of dried for better flavor.
• Make the sauce ahead of time so the flavors can meld.
• Use full-fat sour cream, not low-fat or non-fat sour cream. The flavor of the horseradish sauce won’t be as rich and creamy with the lower fat varieties.
• If using fresh horseradish root, start with half the amount – fresh horseradish is a a lot spicier than prepared. Then, add more to adjust to your own taste if needed.

Horseradish Sauce Recipe FAQs

Got questions about how to make this horseradish sauce for prime rib? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.

I don’t have lemon juice. What can I use instead?

If you don’t have any fresh lemon juice, I recommend substituting a mild vinegar, such as white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.

I don’t recommend plain white vinegar as it is a lot stronger in flavor.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

I haven’t personally tested this recipe with any substitutes.

However, I often substitute plain full-fat Greek Yogurt for sour cream if that’s all I have on hand, so I feel comfortable saying that it would most likely be a good option here.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes! In fact, you should make it at least 4 hours in advance so the flavors have the chance to meld, but you can make it up to 2 days ahead of time if needed.

How should I store leftovers?

Leftover horseradish sauce should be stored in the refrigerator in a clean, airtight container.

How long is leftover horseradish sauce good for?

Any remaining horseradish sauce is only good for 5 – 7 days after preparation. If you used dried chives (not my favorite option, though), then the sauce will last for about 10 – 14 days.

My mantra as always is: when in doubt, throw it out!

What Goes With Horseradish Sauce

We make this creamy horseradish sauce for prime rib – check out my recipe for prime rib! This creamy sauce goes with a variety of other foods. Here are some of my suggestions:

• Use as a spread on sandwiches – especially good on roast beef sandwiches or steak sandwiches.
• As a sauce for pot roast – try this Instant Pot Chuck Roast.
• Serve with your favorite steak recipes instead of steak sauce – try these Sous Vide Steaks.
• Use on burgers – we like it on these Gouda Stuffed Burgers.
• Add to other recipes – Stir this creamy sauce into mashed potatoes for a spicy kick!
• Use as a baked potato topping – next time you make a loaded baked potato, try using this horseradish sauce in place of sour cream.

Try this Horseradish Sauce!

Next time you’re looking for the perfect accompaniment for prime rib roast, give this Creamy Horseradish Sauce recipe a try!

Did you think it was the best sauce? Leave a comment below and give it a review and star rating for others to see what you thought of this great recipe.

On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me with @goodlifeeats and #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see your photo of this horseradish cream sauce!

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Have you ever made your own prime rib horseradish sauce?