There’s something about a holiday table with a plate of warm, juicy prime rib it feels like celebration on a plate. But the real star beside that tender beef is a small bowl of cool, creamy horseradish sauce. This creamy horseradish sauce for prime rib adds a zesty punch that turns a simple roast into something unforgettable.
Table of Contents
Why This Creamy Horseradish Sauce Is Perfect for Prime Rib
Prime rib is rich and buttery, so it needs a little contrast to wake it up. That’s where this sauce comes in. The creaminess smooths out the heat of horseradish, while a touch of mustard and Worcestershire deepens the flavor. It’s balanced, bold, and ready in minutes no cooking required.
It’s also versatile. You can make it ahead, adjust the spice, and serve it chilled. It’s one of those easy sides that makes you look like you’ve planned everything perfectly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make the best creamy horseradish sauce for prime rib:
- 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 tbsp prepared horseradish (drained)
- 1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp minced chives
Key Flavor Components and Why They Matter
Each ingredient adds something special. Sour cream gives a smooth, tangy base. Mayonnaise adds richness and helps everything blend together. Horseradish delivers that fiery kick, Dijon mustard builds flavor, and Worcestershire adds a savory depth. Finally, chives give a fresh pop of color and brightness.
Smart Ingredient Swaps and Variations
You can easily adapt this recipe. Try Greek yogurt or crème fraîche instead of sour cream. Use whole-grain mustard for a bit more texture. Swap chives for green onions or parsley if that’s what you have. Even a few drops of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can replace Worcestershire in a pinch.
How to Make Creamy Horseradish Sauce Step-by-Step
Mixing the Base for Ideal Creaminess
In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, horseradish, Dijon, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything looks creamy and smooth. You want the texture thick but not heavy something that spreads easily on your plate.
Adjusting Heat and Flavor to Taste
Taste a little on a spoon. Want more spice? Add another small scoop of horseradish. Need it milder? Mix in an extra spoon of sour cream. Keep adjusting until it hits your perfect flavor balance.
The Essential Chilling Period and How It Improves Texture
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce for at least thirty minutes before serving. This step matters—it lets the flavors blend together and gives the sauce a velvety texture.
Pro Tips for the Best Texture and Flavor
Use full-fat dairy for that smooth, rich mouthfeel. Avoid overmixing to keep it light. Don’t skip the chilling time; it’s what makes the flavor pop. And remember, this sauce tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, so making it ahead is always smart.
Store any leftovers in a tightly sealed container. It keeps fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator but don’t freeze it the texture can turn grainy.
Choosing the Right Horseradish
Prepared Horseradish vs. Fresh
Prepared horseradish is the easiest and most consistent option. It’s already grated and tamed with vinegar. Fresh horseradish works too just use half as much since it’s stronger and spicier.
Why Cream-Style Horseradish Doesn’t Work Here
Cream-style horseradish already includes liquid and cream, which can make your sauce too thin. Stick with plain prepared horseradish for a better texture and more control over flavor.
Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas
This creamy horseradish sauce for prime rib is a classic, but it’s also amazing with roast beef sandwiches, salmon, or roasted vegetables. You can even spread it on burgers for a tangy twist.
It’s especially good with cozy dishes like Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes or Instant Pot Beef Tips and Gravy. The creamy heat brings those hearty flavors to life.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Safety Notes
You can prepare this sauce up to three days in advance. Keep it chilled in an airtight container and stir before serving. It stays fresh for up to one week.
Never leave it out for long at room temperature. If it looks separated or smells off, it’s time to toss it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in creamy horseradish sauce?
It’s a blend of sour cream, mayonnaise, horseradish, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and chives.
What sauce goes well with prime rib?
Horseradish sauce is the traditional favorite, but au jus or red wine reduction also pair beautifully.
Why is horseradish sauce served with prime rib?
The creamy heat of horseradish cuts through the richness of the meat, balancing each bite and keeping your palate refreshed.
How to make the perfect horseradish sauce?
Mix everything until smooth, taste as you go, and chill before serving to let the flavors develop.
More Such Recipes
- Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
- One Pot Chicken Orzo
- Creamy Ranch Chicken
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken Breast
- Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

Conclusion
This creamy horseradish sauce for prime rib brings flavor, balance, and elegance to any meal. It’s quick to make, keeps well in the fridge, and adds that extra something that turns dinner into an experience.
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Creamy Horseradish Sauce for Prime Rib | Easy & Flavorful
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup (6–8 servings) 1x
Description
A cool, creamy, and tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with prime rib. Quick to make, balanced in flavor, and easy to adjust to your taste.
Ingredients
1/2 cup full-fat sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 tbsp prepared horseradish (drained)
1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp minced chives
Instructions
1. Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, horseradish, Dijon, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
2. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Taste and adjust the amount of horseradish or sour cream to your liking.
4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
5. Garnish with minced chives and serve chilled with prime rib or beef dishes.
Notes
Use full-fat dairy for the best texture.
Start with less horseradish and increase to taste.
Chilling time helps develop flavor—don’t skip it.
Avoid freezing; the sauce may separate.
Can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored for 1 week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 8 mg
