Prepared Horseradish vs Horseradish Sauce vs Fresh Horseradish

Fresh horseradish, prepared horseradish and horseradish sauce are related but have very distinct differences. All three are versatile and zesty ingredients that add a spicy kick to recipes. But what sets them apart? Let’s check out the differences between prepared horseradish vs horseradish sauce vs fresh horseradish.

Prepared Horseradish vs Horseradish Sauce vs Fresh Horseradish

The main difference lies in their form and use: horseradish is the raw root itself, while prepared horseradish is a condiment made from the root, usually mixed with vinegar and other ingredients to enhance and preserve its flavor. Good horseradish sauce takes it a step further by adding mayonnaise and other creamy ingredients. All versions have the pungency of fresh horseradish root.

Fresh Horseradish

This refers to the actual plant, specifically its root. Horseradish is a root vegetable perennial plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family, which also includes mustard, wasabi, broccoli, and cabbage. The root is long, white, and has a strong, pungent and peppery flavor. It’s usually grated and used fresh or dried. A small amount goes a long way.

Prepared Horseradish

This is a condiment made from grated or ground horseradish root. It’s the main ingredient in horseradish sauce. The grated root is typically mixed with vinegar and salt, and sometimes other ingredients like cream, or sugar, depending on the desired flavor and consistency. The vinegar helps to stabilize the flavor and heat of the grated horseradish. Prepared horseradish is commonly used as a spread or condiment for meats, sandwiches, and salad dressings.

Horseradish Sauce

On the other hand, horseradish sauce takes the intensity of prepared horseradish and balances it with a creamy and sometimes tangy element. This creamed version typically combines prepared horseradish with sour cream, mayonnaise, or heavy cream, and can include other ingredients like dijon mustard (or spicy brown mustard), apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice) and black pepper to add complexity and depth.

The result is a very creamy horseradish sauce that is zesty yet smooth, with a heat that is present but not overpowering. While not a main ingredient of horseradish sauce, pickled mustard seeds would make a great addition to perk it up and add texture.

Horseradish cream sauce, with its milder and creamier profile, pairs wonderfully with seafood, poultry, and vegetables, offering a hint of heat without overwhelming the palate. A good homemade horseradish sauce should compliment the dish, not overpower it.

Recipes Using Horseradish

Horseradish in any form shines when used as a condiment for robust meats like Prime Rib or Smoked Beef Tenderloin. I serve it alongside Prime Rib at Christmas dinner every year to elevate our feast. I also use it the next day when making a Prime Rib Sandwich with the leftovers.

Horseradish can be found in all of these popular recipes – each will note when to use prepared horseradish vs horseradish sauce. 

Things To Keep In Mind

Here are a few tips to keep in mind if handling fresh horseradish:

Be careful when handling fresh horseradish, as its strong vapors can irritate your eyes and nose.

The heat of the horseradish develops once it is grated and exposed to air. The vinegar stops this process. So, if you want a milder horseradish, add the vinegar immediately. For a hotter horseradish, wait a few minutes before adding the vinegar.

Fresh horseradish tends to be hotter and more flavorful than store-bought versions.

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Now that you know the differences between prepared horseradish vs horseradish sauce, it’s time to start making the prepared horseradish recipe. Use it solo or to make horseradish sauce.

Make your Own Homemade Prepared Horseradish

Prepared Horseradish Sauce

How to make prepared horseradish sauce using free horseradish root. Use it to make this creamy horseradish sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Course: Condiments

Cuisine: American

Calories: 23kcal

Author: Darcey Olson

Cost: $3.00

• Peel the horseradish and remove any dark veins. Cut the horseradish into 3″ pieces. Transfer to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped (do not over pulse and make it mushy). You can also finely grate it with a box grate.

  1 lb fresh horseradish root

• Transfer the horseradish to a small mixing bowl. Add the vinegar and water to the bowl. If the horseradish isn’t fully covered by the water add more, as needed, to cover.

  1 cup cold water, plus more if needed

• Add the salt and stir until fully combined. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 months.

  1 tsp kosher salt, or to taste

Calories: 23kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.1g | Sodium: 2340mg | Potassium: 3mg | Sugar: 0.1g | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 0.1mg