This prime rib sauce (creamy horseradish sauce) is perfect for prime rib! It offers a tangy, savory kick that’s easy to make and sure to impress all of your guests this holiday season. Be sure to also check out our prime rib seasoning for bold, savory flavor to your smoked prime rib roast!
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This creamy horseradish sauce is one of our must-have prime rib pairings, right alongside classic au jus and mashed potatoes and gravy. It’s tangy, savory, and just spicy enough to complement the rich, tender beef without overpowering it.
The best part? This prime rib sauce is incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. It’s rich and creamy with just the right kick, and it’s guaranteed to elevate your Christmas dinner!
The Best Prime Rib Sauce for the Holidays
- It’s quick and Easy: With just a few pantry staples, this sauce comes together in under 10 minutes.
- It pairs perfect with prime rib: The creaminess tames the richness of prime rib, while the horseradish adds a flavorful kick without overpowering.
- It’s versatile: Use it as a dip for veggies, a spread for leftover prime rib sandwiches, or even a topping for baked potatoes.
Ingredients
A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below
- Mayonnaise: Use a high-quality, full-fat mayonnaise for the creamiest texture and richest flavor, e.g. Duke’s or Hellman’s.
- Sour Cream: Adds tangy flavor and creamy texture. You can sub with plain Greek yogurt for a slightly lighter option.
- Prepared Horseradish: Look for prepared horseradish in jars (usually in the refrigerated section). Avoid creamy or sauce-style horseradish.
- Dijon Mustard: Creole mustard can be used if you prefer a little extra texture or a spicy kick.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A nice, tangy contrast to the creamy base. White wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice can work as substitutes.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami flavor. Our go-to is Bear and Burton’s W Sauce.
- Chives: Finely chopped chives add a fresh, mild onion flavor and nice color to contrast.
How to Make the Best Prime Rib Sauce
Detailed instructions can be found in the recipe card below.
Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, horseradish, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in the salt and black pepper, then taste and adjust.
Step 2: Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Fold in the finely chopped chives.
Step 4: For the best flavor, refrigerate your prime rib sauce for at least an hour.
Recipe Tips
- Taste as You Go: After mixing the ingredients, taste the sauce before adding the salt and pepper. Worcestershire sauce adds some saltiness so you want to adjust to your taste preferences.
- Make It Ahead: This sauce tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. Just be sure to wait to add the chives until just before serving to keep them fresh.
- Serving: Serve sauce chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor.
How to Store Leftovers
- Transfer leftover sauce to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- This sauce doesn’t freeze well because it’s creamy.
- If you’re planning to make the sauce ahead of time, wait to add the chives until just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
Commonly Asked Questions
Prepared horseradish is grated horseradish root mixed with vinegar and salt. Horseradish sauce is mixed with mayo and/or sour cream.
Horseradish sauce goes great with prime rib and also roast beef, smoked salmon, turkey, roasted veggies, or as a sandwich spread, etc.
Horseradish Prime Rib Sauce
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Sour Cream
- 2 tablespoons Horseradish
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Chives finely chopped
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, horseradish, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the salt and fresh cracked black pepper, then taste your prime rib sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Fold in the finely chopped chives. These add brightness and a pop of flavor to your prime rib sauce.
- For the best flavor, refrigerate your prime rib sauce for at least an hour. This gives the ingredients time to meld into a deliciously balanced sauce.
Notes
- Taste as You Go: After mixing the ingredients, taste the sauce before adding the salt and pepper. Worcestershire sauce adds some saltiness so you want to adjust to your taste preferences.
- Make It Ahead: This sauce tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. Just be sure to wait to add the chives until just before serving to keep them fresh.
- Serving: Serve sauce chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor.