Horseradish sauce is one of those classic condiments that never goes out of style. Creamy, tangy, and with just the right amount of heat, it’s a staple on everything from roast beef sandwiches to elegant holiday prime rib. And while store-bought versions are convenient, nothing compares to a freshly made, homemade horseradish sauce recipe. It’s not only more flavorful, but you also have full control over the heat, texture, and tanginess. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make horseradish sauce at home, how to customize it, what to serve it with, and how to store it for maximum freshness. Plus, we’ll answer frequently asked questions based on searches like “What’s in horseradish sauce?”, “How does Jamie Oliver make it?”, and even a BBC-approved fresh horseradish method.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Horseradish Sauce
The beauty of horseradish sauce is its simplicity. You likely already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen. For a creamy horseradish sauce that works beautifully with roast meats and fish, you’ll need:
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a tangier version)
- 3 tablespoons prepared horseradish (fresh or jarred)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of sugar, chopped chives, or garlic powder for added complexity
If you’re using fresh horseradish root, be warned: it’s potent! Freshly grated horseradish can be up to twice as spicy as the jarred version. But if you’re after bold flavor and that tear-inducing zing, it’s totally worth it.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Horseradish Sauce
Making horseradish sauce at home is super simple — you just need to mix a few ingredients and let the flavors blend. Here’s how:
- Combine the Ingredients
In a small mixing bowl, add the following:
– ½ cup sour cream
– 3 tablespoons prepared horseradish
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper - Mix Until Smooth
Stir everything together until the mixture is creamy and well blended.
- Taste and Adjust
Want more heat? Add an extra spoon of horseradish.
Too spicy? Mix in a little more sour cream.
Too tangy? A pinch of sugar will mellow it out. - Let It Chill
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together.
Pro tip: For the best taste and texture, let it chill overnight. It gets even better the next day!
Customize It to Your Taste
One of the best things about making horseradish sauce at home is the freedom to customize it. Whether you’re trying to mimic restaurant-style sauces or invent your own signature twist, here are a few popular variations:
- Make it lighter: Swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt or low-fat crème fraîche.
- Add depth: Mix in a tablespoon of mayonnaise for a richer mouthfeel.
- Go vegan: Use dairy-free yogurt and mayo.
- Boost flavor: Add fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chopped chives.
- Crank up the spice: A dab of wasabi or cayenne can turn up the heat if horseradish alone isn’t enough.
And if you’re into flavorful condiments, check out this umami sauce recipe from QuicklyTaste for another kitchen MVP that complements bold dishes.
What to Serve with Horseradish Sauce
This sauce is incredibly versatile. While it shines with roast beef and prime rib, it’s equally good with seafood, poultry, and veggies. Try it with:
- Prime Rib au Jus: A classic combo perfect for holidays.
- Beef Shoulder Steak: Add a dollop on the side for an extra kick.
- Smoked Boneless Chicken Thighs: Balance the smokiness with cool creaminess.
- Grilled salmon or smoked trout
- Roasted root vegetables like beets and carrots
- Sandwiches, burgers, or wraps in place of mayo
- Deviled eggs for a zesty upgrade
Looking for another bold condiment? You might also love this Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce that delivers sweet heat with every bite.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Horseradish sauce is perfect for prepping ahead of time. In fact, it tastes better the next day! Store your sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 to 7 days. Avoid using dirty utensils when scooping to preserve freshness. Don’t freeze it—sour cream and yogurt-based sauces tend to separate when thawed, which ruins the texture. If it looks separated after a few days in the fridge, just stir it well before serving. Always give it a sniff—if it smells sour or “off,” it’s time to make a new batch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Horseradish sauce is typically made with prepared horseradish (grated root in vinegar), a creamy base like sour cream or crème fraîche, Dijon mustard, vinegar or lemon juice, and seasonings like salt and pepper. Some recipes also add a touch of sugar or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Jamie Oliver’s horseradish sauce is simple and fresh. He uses freshly grated horseradish root, crème fraîche or sour cream, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper. It’s a clean, bold sauce that pairs perfectly with roast beef. You can find it in his roast beef recipe.
When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, homemade horseradish sauce lasts 5 to 7 days. Always check for changes in smell, texture, or color before using.
BBC Good Food recommends grating fresh horseradish root and mixing it with vinegar, mustard, and whipped cream. It’s light, airy, and full of heat—perfect for traditional roast dishes.
Final Thoughts
Making horseradish sauce at home is a game changer. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and infinitely customizable. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, meal-prepping for the week, or simply want to elevate your steak night, this creamy, zingy sauce fits the bill. And once you get the hang of balancing the flavors to your liking, you might never go back to store-bought again. Don’t forget to check out other bold condiments like lemon pepper sauce or a sweet-and-spicy maple bourbon glaze if you’re building a homemade sauce collection.
Got a favorite tweak or a family recipe for horseradish sauce? Drop it in the comments—we love hearing how you make it your own!
Horseradish Sauce
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Spoon or whisk
- Airtight container
Ingredients
Horseradish Sauce Ingredients
- 0.5 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 3 tbsp prepared horseradish fresh or jarred
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp white vinegar or lemon juice
- 0.25 tsp sea salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- pinch of sugar or garlic powder optional
- chopped chives or herbs optional garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together sour cream, horseradish, Dijon mustard, vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust for heat, tang, or seasoning.
- Optional: Add sugar or garlic powder to balance flavor. Garnish with chives or herbs if desired.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors blend. Overnight chilling recommended.