Horseradish Sauce

This zesty and spicy Horseradish Sauce brings a delicious kick to your favorite dishes!

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I first tried horseradish at a Passover Seder with my friend Jacob. I won’t go into all the details as to why horseradish is important to a Seder, but here’s the gist: it symbolizes the bitterness of slavery that the Jewish people endured in Egypt. As part of the Seder, participants eat maror (bitter herbs) to reflect on that suffering and to honor the journey from bondage to freedom. It’s a meaningful ritual, but let me tell you—I wasn’t ready for the intensity of this root vegetable. I spread a generous amount on some matzah, thinking it was just another dip—big mistake! The heat shot straight up my nose, and I felt my eyes water instantly. Jacob couldn’t stop laughing as I tried to keep it together. You’d think after a shock like that, I’d hate horseradish. The funny thing is, I quickly grew to love the punchy flavor. So, if you’re like me, you’re going to love this horseradish sauce recipe!

Whether you’re dressing up a sandwich or looking for a dip with a tangy twist, horseradish sauce brings a kick your taste buds won’t forget. It goes well on anything, though I love it best on my deli sandwiches. The sour cream and mayo give the sauce a rich, velvety texture, while the star ingredient delivers that signature heat. Best of all, you only need a few ingredients and minimal prep to make a batch!

Is Horseradish Sauce Healthy?

Horseradish sauce isn’t exactly a low-fat condiment, but it can be a flavorful addition to your meals when used in moderation. Horseradish itself is naturally low in calories and packs a bold, spicy kick, which means a little goes a long way. This can be helpful if you’re looking to enjoy the sauce without overindulging.

If you’re looking to tweak the recipe for a lighter option, there are a few easy swaps you can make. For example, replacing full-fat sour cream with a low-fat version can trim down the fat content without sacrificing too much creaminess. Alternatively, Greek yogurt is a great substitute—it’s tangy, thick, and works well with the punchy flavor of horseradish. These small adjustments can make your sauce more versatile for a variety of dishes while keeping it deliciously satisfying.

What Makes Horseradish So Spicy?

Horseradish is a member of the cabbage family. This makes it a cousin to other bold and spicy plants like mustard, radishes, and wasabi. But don’t let its humble vegetable status fool you—this root packs a punch. Its intensity hits differently than, say, chili peppers. Where a chili pepper “burns” your mouth, horseradish’s heat takes a more surprising route—it kicks you right in the sinuses. The sensation is sharp, almost like a fiery punch to your nose, and it often comes with watery eyes and a need to grab a tissue. Trust me, I’ve experienced its sinus-clearing powers more than once!

What’s fascinating is how quickly the heat fades when you add creamy ingredients like mayo, sour cream, or yogurt. These ingredients act as a buffer, softening the pungent, tear-inducing power of fresh horseradish and mellowing it into a flavor that’s zippy but far less intense. The result is that perfect balance of boldness and creaminess we all love in horseradish sauce. Whether you’re using it to perk up a roast beef sandwich or as a zesty kick in a dipping sauce, it’s a root with a lot of personality!

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup sour cream
3 tablespoons prepared horseradish, drained
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

Mix

Combine sour cream, horseradish, mayonnaise, and seasonings.

Season

Add lemon juice, salt, pepper, and chives.

Serve

Enjoy immediately or chill for better flavor integration.

FAQs & Tips

How To Make Ahead And Store

I tend to make a batch of horseradish sauce when I know I’m going to eat a lot of lunch meat that week! It’s perfect for making ahead. Store it in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 1 week.

Can I Use Fresh Horseradish Instead Of Prepared?

That’s a resounding yes from me! In fact, it’s my preferred choice because freshly grated horseradish gives the sauce an even stronger kick. Start with 1 tablespoon and see how you do!

How Do I Tone Down The Heat?

If everything is already mixed, try adding more sour cream or mayonnaise. If you haven’t mixed it all, simply reduce the horseradish amount.

Serving Suggestions

One of my favorite ways to enjoy this horseradish sauce is to make sandwiches with Shredded Slow-Cooker Roast Beef or Grilled Steak and slather it all over! It’s equally delicious on Tuna Salad. Or pour it over Slow-Cooker Beef Brisket or Smoked Pork Tenderloin. And for a spicy kick, add some of the horseradish sauce to your Potato Salad!