With a simple base of sour cream, prepared horseradish, fresh lemon juice, and Dijon mustard, this Easy Horseradish Sauce recipe comes together in minutes but tastes elevated and intentional – this dip is about to become your new go-to condiment!

I love a little horseradish sauce alongside my Instant Pot Corned Beef; it’s tangy, creamy and takes any dish to the next level. Plus, you know I’m a dip girl, but it’s got to be easy.

This easy horseradish sauce recipe comes together in all of 5-minutes and keeps in the fridge for up to 2-weeks, so it’s tasty over corned beef leftovers or with my slow-cooker lamb or oven roasted beef tenderloin over the holidays.

It’s also pretty tasty stirred into a batch of mashed potatoes or as a dollop over baked potatoes.

ingredients for homemade horseradish sauce

You only need 4 ingredients, plus salt and pepper to make a quick batch of creamy horseradish sauce. Some recipes call for mayo and vinegar, which is probably how you’ve enjoyed it in a restaurant, and it IS delicious, but I find enough lemon with a pinch of salt elevates this dip without needing to add mayonnaise.

Sour cream: The creamy base of this sauce that adds a subtle tang and balances the sharpness of the horseradish.
Prepared horseradish: Use jarred, prepared horseradish for ease. It’s the star ingredient that gives this sauce its signature bite and pairs especially well with rich, fatty meats.
Dijon mustard: Adds depth and a gentle zing that complements the horseradish without overpowering it.
Lemon juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce, enhances the overall flavor, and helps thin it to the perfect consistency.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that tie everything together and round out the flavors.
Fresh herbs (optional): Finely chopped chives or parsley add a fresh finish and make this sauce feel a little more elevated – esp nice if you’re serving guests.

how to make this sauce at home

Literally, it could not be easier to make a quick horseradish sauce at home. The full recipe is below. Here are a few step-by-step photos.

to a jar, whisk together sour cream, horseradish + mustard

I like to store in a glass jar with a lid like a mason or weck jar to keep as fresh as possible, but any container with a lid will work to make and store this horseradish sauce.

How can I make it thicker or thinner?

For a thicker sauce, add a bit more sour cream. To thin it out, stir in a small splash of lemon juice or a teaspoon of water until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I Make Horseradish Sauce Ahead of Time?

Yes, and I actually recommend it. This horseradish sauce tastes even better after it has had a little time to chill in the fridge, allowing the sour cream, Dijon, lemon juice, and horseradish to fully meld together. If you can, make it at least 1–2 hours ahead of serving for the best flavor. It’s a great low-effort prep option for holidays, dinner parties, or busy weeknights when you want something elevated without doing extra work right before serving.

How Long Does Homemade Horseradish Sauce Last?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this sauce will keep well for 1-2 weeks, but the best flavor is going to be in those first 4-5 days. Give it a quick stir before serving, since some natural separation may occur. Because it has a sour cream base, I don’t recommend freezing, as the texture can become grainy once thawed.