This prime rib sauce — a creamy horseradish sauce — is the ideal complement to prime rib. It delivers a bright, savory bite that’s quick to prepare and perfect for holiday meals. Pair it with your roast for a classic combination.
This creamy horseradish sauce is one of our go-to prime rib accompaniments alongside classic au jus and mashed potatoes. It’s tangy, savory, and has just enough heat to cut through the richness of the beef without overwhelming it.
Best of all, this prime rib sauce uses simple pantry ingredients and comes together in minutes. It’s rich, smooth, and will elevate your holiday dinner with minimal effort.
The Best Prime Rib Sauce for the Holidays
- Quick and easy: Made with a few pantry staples and ready in under 10 minutes.
- Perfect with prime rib: The creamy base balances the beef’s richness while the horseradish adds a lively kick.
- Versatile: Serve as a dip for vegetables, a spread for sandwiches, or a topping for baked potatoes.
Ingredients
A full ingredient list with exact amounts appears in the recipe card below.
- Mayonnaise: Use a high-quality, full-fat mayo for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and silkiness; plain Greek yogurt can work as a lighter substitute.
- Prepared horseradish: Choose jarred prepared horseradish (not a creamy horseradish sauce) for the brightest bite.
- Dijon mustard: Use Dijon for smooth flavor; substituting Creole mustard adds texture and heat.
- Apple cider vinegar: Provides a bright acidity; white wine vinegar or lemon juice can substitute.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds savory, umami depth.
- Chives: Finely chopped for a fresh mild onion flavor and color.
How to Make the Best Prime Rib Sauce
Complete step-by-step instructions are 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 salt and black pepper, then taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 2: Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Fold in the finely chopped chives for brightness and color.
Step 4: For the best flavor, chill the sauce for at least an hour to let the flavors meld.
Recipe Tips
- Taste as you go: Worcestershire adds saltiness, so season gradually and adjust to your preference.
- Make ahead: The sauce improves after a few hours in the refrigerator. Add chives just before serving to keep them fresh.
- Serving: Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
How to Store Leftovers
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Because it’s creamy, this sauce does not freeze well.
- If making ahead, wait to add chives until just before serving to preserve their color and texture.
Commonly Asked Questions
Prepared horseradish is grated horseradish root mixed with vinegar and salt. Horseradish sauce is typically mixed with mayonnaise and/or sour cream to create a creamier condiment.
This sauce complements prime rib, roast beef, smoked salmon, turkey, roasted vegetables, and works well as a sandwich spread.
📖 Recipe
Horseradish Prime Rib Sauce
Krysten Wilkes & Marrekus Wilkes
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Ingredients
- ¼ cup Mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Sour Cream
- 2 tablespoons Prepared 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
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In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
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Stir in salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
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Fold in the finely chopped chives for freshness and color.
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Refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Taste as you go: Season gradually — Worcestershire contributes salt, so adjust to your preference.
- Make it ahead: The sauce develops more depth after a few hours in the fridge; add chives just before serving for maximum freshness.
- Serving: Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 0.4g
Fat: 7g