Horseradish Cream Sauce Recipe

BySoha

Sharp, creamy, and impeccably balanced, horseradish cream sauce is the quiet powerhouse of classic cuisine. When done correctly, it enhances rather than overwhelms, cutting through rich meats with clean heat and subtle acidity. This chef-crafted version is refined, versatile, and designed to deliver restaurant-level flavor with absolute precision.

Ingredients List

  • ½ cup sour cream or crème fraîche
  • 2–3 tablespoons prepared horseradish (drained, not creamy-style)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives or parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

Horseradish Cream Sauce
Build the creamy base

In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream (or crème fraîche) and Dijon mustard until smooth and cohesive.

Incorporate horseradish

Fold in the prepared horseradish gently, starting with 2 tablespoons. Add more if a stronger bite is desired.

Balance with acidity

Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest to brighten the sauce and round out the heat.

Season precisely

Add sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly and taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.

Finish and rest

If using fresh herbs, fold them in last. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Cook Time

Total: 10 minutes
Prep: 10 minutes
Bake: N/A

Servings

Makes approximately ¾ cup of sauce

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 70
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg

Storage Instructions

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before serving, as natural separation may occur.

Suggestions

Horseradish cream sauce pairs exceptionally well with roast beef, prime rib, steak sandwiches, smoked salmon, and roasted root vegetables. It can also be thinned slightly and used as a dressing for warm potato salads.

Seasonal Relevance

This sauce shines during cooler months and holiday seasons when roasted meats and hearty dishes take center stage, but it remains a sophisticated condiment year-round.

Conclusion

A well-executed horseradish cream sauce is about restraint and balance. This recipe delivers bold flavor without excess, allowing the natural sharpness of horseradish to complement rich dishes with elegance and control—exactly how a classic sauce should perform.

Horseradish Cream Sauce Recipe
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Horseradish Cream Sauce Recipe

Recipe by Soha
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking timeminutes
Calories

70

kcal
Total time

10

minutes

This Horseradish Cream Sauce Recipe is smooth, bold, and perfectly balanced, combining creamy richness with the sharp bite of horseradish. Ideal for roast beef, steak, smoked fish, or sandwiches, it adds refined flavor without overpowering the dish.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup sour cream or crème fraîche

  • 2–3 tablespoons prepared horseradish, drained

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest

  • ½ teaspoon sea salt

  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • Optional: 1 tablespoon finely chopped chives or parsley

Directions

  • In a medium bowl, whisk sour cream (or crème fraîche) and Dijon mustard until smooth.
  • Fold in prepared horseradish, starting with 2 tablespoons and adjusting to taste.
  • Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest to balance the heat.
  • Season with sea salt and black pepper, mixing thoroughly.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Stir before serving if separation occurs.
  • For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
  • Excellent with roast meats, steak sandwiches, or smoked salmon.

FAQs

Can I use fresh horseradish root instead of prepared?
Yes, finely grate fresh horseradish and use slightly less, as it is more potent.

How can I make this sauce lighter?
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream while maintaining the same ratios.

Does the heat increase over time?
Yes, the horseradish flavor intensifies slightly as the sauce rests, which is why resting time is recommended before serving.

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