If you love a tangy, creamy condiment that lifts your dishes to a whole new level, this Horseradish Cream Sauce Recipe is an absolute game changer. It’s the perfect balance of the sharp, spicy kick from horseradish paired with the smooth richness of sour cream and mayonnaise, brightened up by fresh lemon juice and chives. Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty corned beef or drizzling it over a juicy steak, this sauce will quickly become your go-to for adding bold flavor with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Horseradish Cream Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—not just for flavor, but for texture and freshness that make this sauce so irresistible.
- Sour cream: Provides a creamy tang and smooth base that balances the horseradish’s heat.
- Mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps bind the sauce to your dish.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with fresh acidity to cut through the creaminess.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- Black pepper: Gives gentle warmth and depth to the mix.
- Prepared horseradish: Brings the signature spicy punch that makes this sauce unforgettable.
- Fresh chives: Offers a mild onion-like freshness and lovely color contrast.
How to Make Horseradish Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Creamy Base
Start by placing the sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper into a small bowl. This blend forms the luscious base that softens the horseradish’s bite without losing any of its trademark zing.
Step 2: Prepare and Add the Horseradish
Take your prepared horseradish and drain it by pressing through a strainer with a spoon—this step helps remove excess moisture for a thicker, more concentrated flavor. Add about three tablespoons to your creamy mixture, but feel free to adjust depending on how bold you want that spicy kick.
Step 3: Whisk and Add Fresh Chives
Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined. Then, fold in a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh chives to add a burst of color and gentle onion notes that perfectly complement the horseradish.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
This sauce tastes amazing straight away but chilling it for a little while helps the flavors meld beautifully. Serve it cold or at room temperature alongside your favorite beef dishes or even roasted vegetables.
How to Serve Horseradish Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped chives or a few curls of fresh horseradish root on top make for attractive garnishes that hint at the sauce’s vibrant flavor inside. A light dusting of freshly ground black pepper can also add visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This sauce pairs beautifully with traditional dishes like corned beef and cabbage, steak, or pot roast, enriching every bite. It’s also fabulous alongside roasted or steamed root vegetables, or even paired with crispy potato wedges for a zesty twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not get playful with presentation? Serve the Horseradish Cream Sauce Recipe in small ramekins for a party, or spoon dollops over open-faced sandwiches and sliders. It even makes a delicious dip for crudité or smoked fish appetizers, adding a punch of flavor wherever it goes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Horseradish Cream Sauce keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This means you can make it ahead without worry and reach for it whenever your meals need that hit of bright, creamy flavor.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this sauce as the texture can change when thawed, leading to separation or watery consistency. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This sauce is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. Simply take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
FAQs
Can I use freshly grated horseradish instead of prepared horseradish?
Absolutely! Freshly grated horseradish will bring an even punchier heat and a fresher flavor, but be mindful to grate it finely and drain any liquid to keep the sauce smooth.
Is there a substitute for sour cream?
You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, but the sauce will taste slightly less rich and tangy.
How long does the Horseradish Cream Sauce last?
When stored properly in the fridge, it stays fresh for about two weeks, allowing you to enjoy its zesty goodness long after making it.
Can I adjust the heat level?
Definitely! The amount of horseradish can be increased or decreased depending on how spicy you like your sauce. Start with less and add more to taste.
What dishes go best with this sauce?
This sauce is incredibly versatile but shines brightest with beef dishes like corned beef, pot roast, and grilled steak. It’s also fantastic as a dip or spread for sandwiches and smoked fish.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Horseradish Cream Sauce Recipe, you’ll wonder how your meals ever felt complete without it. It’s a simple, quick sauce that packs so much flavor and personality, making everything from weeknight dinners to special occasions taste extra memorable. Give it a go, and soon it’ll be your favorite go-to that everyone asks you to make again.
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Horseradish Cream Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Horseradish Cream Sauce is a tangy and creamy condiment perfect for enhancing the flavors of Corned Beef and Cabbage, steak, or pot roast. Made with sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, and freshly drained horseradish, this sauce delivers a balanced zing with a fresh chive finish. It’s quick to prepare, versatile, and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Ingredients
Horseradish Cream Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons prepared horseradish (drained, or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
Instructions
- Combine base ingredients: In a small bowl, add 1/2 cup sour cream, 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, the juice from half a lemon (approximately 1 and 1/2 tablespoons), 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and black pepper to taste. Mix gently to start building the sauce base.
- Prepare horseradish: Place 3-4 tablespoons of prepared horseradish into a fine strainer and press it through with a spoon to drain excess liquid, which concentrates the flavor and creates the right texture. Add the drained horseradish to the bowl with the base ingredients.
- Whisk together: Whisk all ingredients thoroughly until smooth and uniform in texture. Stir in about a tablespoon of freshly chopped chives to add a subtle oniony freshness and bright green color.
- Serve or store: Serve the sauce chilled or at room temperature alongside dishes such as Corned Beef and Cabbage, steak, or pot roast. For leftovers, cover and store in the refrigerator where the sauce will stay fresh for about two weeks.
Notes
- The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Adjust the amount of horseradish according to your preferred level of heat and pungency.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
- Chives add a fresh herbal note, but you can substitute with green onions or omit if preferred.
- This sauce pairs exceptionally well with beef dishes and adds a zesty punch to rich, savory meals.
