why make this recipe
Ina Garten’s Horseradish Sauce is a must-have for a prime rib dinner. This creamy, tangy sauce adds a wonderful kick to the rich flavors of the meat. It’s simple to make and enhances your meal with a fresh, zesty note. Perfect for family gatherings or a special occasion, this sauce complements the hearty taste of roast beef beautifully.
how to make Horseradish Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sour cream (full-fat or light)
- ¼ cup prepared horseradish (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: 2 tbsp chopped chives or parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Combine Base: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream and prepared horseradish until smooth.
- Add Flavor Boosters: Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Taste & Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning or the amount of horseradish according to your preference.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve: Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl, garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired, and serve it chilled alongside your prime rib or roast beef.
how to serve Horseradish Sauce
Serve the horseradish sauce chilled in a bowl next to your perfectly cooked prime rib. It’s great as a dip or used to drizzle over the meat. This sauce pairs well with other hearty dishes too, so feel free to enjoy it with your favorite roast.
how to store Horseradish Sauce
Store any leftover horseradish sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for about 3 to 5 days. You can also prepare it a day in advance to save time on meal day.
tips to make Horseradish Sauce
- Adjust the level of horseradish according to how spicy you like it. More horseradish brings more heat.
- Make sure to use fresh lemon juice for a bright flavor.
- Allow the sauce to chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors develop and improves the taste.
variation
For a twist, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, or swap out the sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh horseradish instead of prepared?
Yes, you can use fresh horseradish, but make sure to grate it finely and use less than the prepared version, as it can be stronger.
2. Is it necessary to let the sauce chill?
While you can serve it right away, chilling the sauce allows the flavors to meld better, making it tastier.
3. Can I freeze horseradish sauce?
Freezing is not recommended. The texture may change when thawed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge.

Horseradish Sauce
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream (full-fat or light)
- ¼ cup prepared horseradish Adjust to taste
Flavor Boosters
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice Use fresh for best flavor
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Garnish (Optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped chives or parsley For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream and prepared horseradish until smooth.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning or the amount of horseradish according to your preference.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl, garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired, and serve it chilled alongside your prime rib or roast beef.