Spicy & Creamy Horseradish Sauce In 15 Minutes – A Zing To Your Dishes!

Have you ever faced the dilemma of serving a meal that feels just a tad uninspiring? I certainly have, until my culinary adventures across European and Middle Eastern countries introduced me to the transformative power of Creamy Horseradish Sauce. 

Picture this: a bustling kitchen in a Prague restaurant where the chef whispers his secret to a memorable dish— a dollop of this fiery yet smooth condiment.

On my journey, I learned that the key to a dish that will never bore your palate lies in a sauce that could turn the mundane into a gourmet experience. 

When my friends visited last weekend, skepticism met their taste buds—until I served my roast beef with creamy horseradish sauce. 

The sauce’s pungent warmth and velvety texture made our dinner an affair to remember. It’s not just a condiment; it’s a revelation, allowing you to savor flavors that travel from distant lands to your kitchen.

What Is Creamy Horseradish Sauce?

Creamy Horseradish Sauce is a delectable condiment with a zesty kick. It’s crafted by blending creamy mayonnaise with grated horseradish root, mustard, and seasonings. This sauce boasts a rich, creamy texture and a bold, spicy flavor profile. 

Its versatility makes it a delightful accompaniment for roast beef, seafood, sandwiches, and more. Creamy Horseradish Sauce adds a tangy and pungent dimension to dishes, enhancing their overall taste with a satisfying creaminess and a hint of heat.

History Of Creamy Horseradish Sauce Recipe

The history of Creamy Horseradish Sauce traces back to Central Europe, where horseradish was first cultivated during antiquity.

The inventive twist to combine the fiery root with cream likely emerged in Germany or Eastern Europe, regions renowned for their horseradish cultivation. 

This fusion allowed for a tempered version of the otherwise robust root. It spread across Europe, becoming a staple in cuisines, particularly accompanying meats and fish. 

Its originator remains unknown, but this condiment has stood the test of time, evolving with culinary trends while maintaining its essence. It’s a testament to the innovative spirit of historical cooks who value flavor and balance.

What Are The Regional Adaptations Of This Sauce?

• Germany’s Meerrettich: Served with meats, especially sausages, and known for its sharper, purer horseradish flavor.
• United Kingdom’s Creamed Horseradish: Milder and often accompanied by roast beef or smoked fish, with a beetroot for sweetness.
• American Deli-Style: Creamier, with mayonnaise bases and added sweetness, is a staple alongside classic deli sandwiches.
• Polish Ćwikła: A mix with beetroot, giving it a distinctive pink hue, commonly served with cold cuts.
• Russian Hren: Often combined with sour cream and hard-boiled eggs, served with traditional Russian cold plates.
• Jewish Chraine: A Passover staple, this variant can be sweet and spicy, sometimes mixing in beetroot for a sweetened version.

What Will Make You Love This Creamy Horseradish Sauce Recipe?

• Flavor Elevation: It adds a zesty, gourmet touch to ordinary dishes, turning them into culinary delights.
• Texture Balance: The smooth, creamy consistency contrasts perfectly with the sharp bite of horseradish.
• Quick Preparation: You can whip up this sauce in minutes, perfecting it for impromptu gatherings.
• Health Benefits: Horseradish has compounds that may boost your immune system.
• Versatility: From steak to sandwiches, this sauce complements various dishes.
• Low in Calories: It’s a guilt-free addition that enhances flavor without adding excessive calories.
• Customizable Heat: You can adjust the sauce’s intensity to suit your heat preference.

Ingredients List

Ingredient	Quantity
Mayonnaise	1 cup
Creole mustard or spicy brown mustard	3 Tablespoons
Ketchup	3 Tablespoons
Louisiana hot sauce	1 Tablespoon
Lemon juice	1 Tablespoon
Creole seasoning	3 teaspoons
Garlic, minced	½ teaspoon
Freshly cracked black pepper	½ teaspoon
Dill relish	¼ cup

Ingredient Tips

• Mayonnaise: Opt for full-fat mayonnaise for a richer, smoother sauce.
• Creole Mustard: If unavailable, a good quality spicy brown mustard can suffice for that tangy kick.
• Ketchup: Choose a brand with natural sugars to enhance the sauce’s sweetness without overpowering it.
• Louisiana Hot Sauce: The sauce’s quality will influence the heat; adjust according to your spice tolerance.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides a zestier flavor than bottled varieties.
• Creole Seasoning: Make your blend for a fresher taste and to control the salt level.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a more pungent aroma than pre-minced versions.

What Are The Variations Of Creamy Horseradish Sauce Recipe? 

• Vegan Twist: Substitute mayonnaise with a vegan alternative made from aquafaba or cashews to cater to plant-based diets.
• Dairy-Infused: Use sour cream or Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a tangier, thicker texture.
• Mustard Exploration: Experiment with different mustards, like Dijon or honey mustard, for varying levels of heat and sweetness.
• Extra Spice: Incorporate a teaspoon of prepared horseradish or wasabi for an additional heat layer.
• Sweet and Savory: Add a touch of honey or maple syrup to balance the sauce’s spiciness with subtle sweetness.
• Herb Enhanced: Mix chopped chives, parsley, or tarragon for a fresh, herbal note.
• Citrus Zest: Introduce orange or lime zest for a citrusy undertone

Recipe Directions

Combine Ingredients

• In a medium-sized bowl, add 1 cup mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons Creole mustard or spicy brown mustard, 3 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon Louisiana hot sauce, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 3 teaspoons Creole seasoning, ½ teaspoon minced garlic, ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, and ¼ cup dill relish.

Mix Thoroughly

• Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Ensure the sauce reaches a uniform consistency without any lumps.

Resting (Optional)

• For the flavors to fully develop and infuse, cover the bowl with a lid or cling film and place it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. This step is optional but recommended.

Serve

• Use the sauce immediately with your favorite dishes, such as seafood and sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce for vegetables and chips. If you allow the sauce to rest, give it a quick stir before serving to refresh the flavors.

Mix Thoroughly

• Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Ensure the sauce reaches a uniform consistency without any lumps.

Resting (Optional)

• For the flavors to fully develop and infuse, cover the bowl with a lid or cling film and place it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. This step is optional but recommended.

Serve

• Use the sauce immediately with your favorite dishes, such as seafood and sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce for vegetables and chips. If you allow the sauce to rest, give it a quick stir before serving to refresh the flavors.

Experience the thrilling contrast of creamy horseradish sauce, a blend that elevates dishes with its sharp, spirited, and smooth character.

Scaling The Creamy Horseradish Sauce Recipe

Scaling Up

• To double the recipe for larger gatherings, simply use 2 cups of mayonnaise, 6 tablespoons of mustard, 6 tablespoons of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of Louisiana hot sauce, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 6 teaspoons of Creole seasoning, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ cup of dill relish. Mix as directed and adjust seasonings to taste.

Scaling Down

• For a smaller batch, halve the ingredients: ½ cup mayonnaise, 1½ tablespoons mustard, 1½ tablespoons ketchup, ½ tablespoon hot sauce, ½ tablespoon lemon juice, 1½ teaspoons Creole seasoning, ¼ teaspoon garlic, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and 2 tablespoons dill relish. Follow the original mixing instructions.

Can This Sauce Be Used As A Marinade, Dipping Sauce, Or Dressing For Salads?

This Creamy Horseradish Sauce is a versatile addition to your kitchen repertoire. Its creamy texture and robust flavor make it an excellent marinade, helping to tenderize and infuse meats with a zesty kick. 

It pairs splendidly with fried foods as a dipping sauce, offering a tangy contrast to their crispy exteriors. And when it comes to salads, drizzle it on for a dressing that provides a bold twist to greens or potato salads. 

Its rich flavor profile and creamy base blend seamlessly with various dishes, making it a go-to condiment that elevates the taste of numerous recipes.

What Are The Best Dishes To Accompany Creamy Horseradish Sauce Recipe?

What Are Some Classic Dishes That Feature Creamy Horseradish Sauce Recipe?

• Beef Wellington: The sauce adds a flavorful contrast to the tender filet.
• Corned Beef and Cabbage: A dollop on the side complements the salty beef.
• Yorkshire Pudding: Used as a dip, it enlivens this British classic.
• Roast Beef Po’Boy: Drizzled inside for a New Orleans twist.
• Cocktail Shrimp: Substituted for or mixed into traditional cocktail sauce.
• Deviled Eggs: Incorporated into the filling for an unexpected zing.
• Baked Ham: Glazed over or served alongside for a festive touch.

What Are The Key Flavor Profiles And Taste Sensations That Creamy Horseradish Sauce Recipe Offers?

• Spicy: The sharp, pungent kick of horseradish dominates the profile.
• Creamy: Mayonnaise provides a smooth, rich base that coats the palate.
• Tangy: Mustard and lemon juice introduce a zesty, vibrant note.
• Savory: Umami from the sauce’s components adds depth and fullness.
• Sweet: A subtle sweetness emerges from the ketchup and potential relish content.
• Herbal: Any added herbs or Creole seasoning contribute a green, fresh dimension.
• Garlicky: The warmth and slight bite of garlic offer a robust flavor.

Can This Sauce Be Stored And Preserved For Future Use? What Is Its Shelf Life?

Yes, Creamy Horseradish Sauce can be stored and preserved for future use. To ensure maximum freshness, refrigerate the sauce in an airtight container. Properly stored, the sauce can typically last for up to two weeks. 

The exact shelf life may vary depending on the ingredients’ freshness and the refrigerator’s temperature. It’s essential to use clean utensils when serving the sauce to avoid introducing bacteria that can spoil it. 

Use it for the best quality and taste within the first week of preparation. Always check for any signs of spoilage before use.

What Are The Substitutes For Creamy Horseradish Sauce Recipe? 

• Wasabi Mayonnaise: Offers a similar fiery kick with a Japanese twist.
• Spicy Brown Mustard: Provides heat with a slightly different spice profile.
• Aioli with Garlic and Lemon: For a milder yet tangy alternative.
• Dijon Mustard Sauce: Milder than horseradish but still piquant.
• Sour Cream and Chive Sauce: Creamy with a gentle onion-like flavor.
• Tartar Sauce: For a milder, pickled flavor in seafood dishes.
• Ranch Dressing: A creamy option with herbs, though less spicy.
• Blue Cheese Dressing: Offers a tangy, creamy richness.

How To Adjust The Consistency Of The Sauce?

• For Thinning: Add a small amount of cold water, milk, or cream, mixing in a teaspoon until the desired consistency is reached.
• For Thickening: Mix in more mayonnaise or a small amount of sour cream or Greek yogurt until it thickens to your preference.
• For a Lighter Texture: Whisk in a dollop of whipped cream or whipped topping, which lightens the sauce without diluting flavor.
• For a Richer Texture: Blend in softened cream cheese for added richness and a denser consistency.

Should We Serve The Sauce Cold Or Warm?

Serve the Creamy Horseradish Sauce cold. The cool temperature highlights the sauce’s creamy texture and the sharp, spicy flavor of the horseradish. 

It’s designed to contrast warm dishes like steak or roast beef and provide a refreshing bite against rich, savory meats. 

Chilling the sauce also allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more cohesive taste experience. 

Before serving, you might want to let it sit out of the refrigerator for a few minutes to take off the chill, but it is generally not heated or served warm.

Nutritional Values

The nutritional profile of Creamy Horseradish Sauce typically includes calories from fat due to mayonnaise, with moderate carbohydrates from added ingredients like ketchup. 

It contains minor protein content and contains condiment-specific nutrients like vitamin C from lemon juice and various minerals from seasonings.

What Are The Total Calories In Creamy Horseradish Sauce Recipe? 

The total calories in a Creamy Horseradish Sauce recipe can vary based on the specific ingredients used and their proportions. 

However, for a standard recipe using 1 cup of mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons of Creole mustard, ketchup, horseradish, and other seasonings, you can expect around 1500 to 1600 calories for the entire batch. 

Per tablespoon, the sauce would roughly contain between 90 to 100 calories. Always check individual ingredient labels for the most accurate calculation.

Dietary Restrictions Of The Creamy Horseradish Sauce Recipe

• Gluten-Free: Naturally free of gluten, but check specific brands of mustard and mayonnaise to ensure they haven’t been processed with gluten-containing ingredients.
• Dairy-Free: Most recipes do not contain dairy; however, verify that the mayonnaise used is dairy-free.
• Nut-Free: This does not typically include nuts.
• Vegetarian: Suitable for vegetarians.
• Vegan: Traditional recipes are not vegan due to mayonnaise, but vegan substitutes are available.
• Low-Carb: Generally low in carbohydrates.
• Keto: This may fit into a ketogenic diet, depending on the ingredients used.

Nutrition Table

What Are The Common Mistakes While Making This Sauce? 

• Overpowering with Horseradish: Adding too much horseradish can overwhelm the other flavors.
• Not Balancing Flavors: Failing to properly balance the spicy, tangy, and creamy elements.
• Using Spoiled Ingredients: Ingredients past their prime can ruin the taste.
• Insufficient Mixing: Not stirring well enough can result in an inconsistent texture.
• Neglecting Taste Adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasonings as you go.
• Choosing Low-Quality Mayonnaise: It’s the base; poor quality mayonnaise affects the overall flavor.
• Ignoring Ingredient Temperatures: Ingredients mix best when they are all at the same temperature.

What Are Some Creative Uses Of Leftover Sauce?

• Sandwich Spread: Elevate deli sandwiches or wraps with a flavorful layer.
• Salad Dressing: Thin it with a bit of vinegar and use it as a zesty dressing.
• Vegetable Dip: Use as a dip for a crudité platter.
• Potato Topper: Drizzle over baked or mashed potatoes.
• Marinade: Marinate chicken or pork before grilling for a spicy twist.
• Pasta Salad Mix-In: Stir into cold pasta salads for a creamy bite.
• Seafood Enhancer: Complement fish dishes or shrimp cocktails with a dollop.

Special Tools & Equipment Needed

• Mixing Bowl: For combining the sauce ingredients evenly.
• Whisk: Essential for creating a smooth, homogenous mixture.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: For precise ingredient portions.
• Spatula: To scrape down the sides of the bowl, ensuring all ingredients are incorporated.
• Microplane or Grater: If using fresh horseradish root for a potent flavor.
• Garlic Press: For easily mincing garlic cloves.
• Lemon Juicer: To extract fresh lemon juice without seeds.
• Airtight Container: For storing the sauce and ensuring its longevity.
• Food Processor (optional): For a quicker, smoother sauce consistency.
• Peeler: If preparing fresh horseradish, to remove the tough outer skin.
• Gloves: To protect your hands when handling fresh horseradish root, as it can be quite potent.
• Tasting Spoons: For flavor testing and adjustments without cross-contamination

Frequently Asked Questions  

Can I Make This Sauce Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare this sauce in advance. Making it ahead of time allows the flavors to blend more harmoniously. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

How Can I Adjust The Spiciness Of The Sauce?

You can adjust the heat by varying the amount of horseradish and hot sauce. Start with less than the recipe calls for, taste, and then add more gradually until you reach your preferred level of spiciness.

Is There A Substitute For Creole Mustard?

If you can’t find Creole mustard, a good substitute would be a combination of Dijon mustard with a little Worcestershire sauce to mimic the complex flavor of Creole mustard.

What If The Sauce Is Too Thick?

If the sauce is too thick for your liking, you can thin it by whisking in a small amount of water, milk, or cream, one teaspoon at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency.

Can This Sauce Be Used For More Than Just A Condiment?

Absolutely! Besides being a great condiment, it can serve as a flavorful marinade for meats, a spicy salad dressing, or a zesty dip for vegetables and chips.