Horseradish Mayo Recipe
This horseradish mayo recipe makes a simple, creamy sauce with a gentle tang, that works anywhere you’d normally reach for mayonnaise. It adds depth and character without ever tipping into the harsh, aggressive bite horseradish is known for.
If you enjoy making from-scratch condiments with a little kick, be sure to try my simple spicy aioli sauce, New York–style buffalo sauce, and Cajun-style tartar sauce next.
Let’s talk about this recipe
I’ll be honest — I didn’t try horseradish sauce until I was almost 60, but once I did, I knew I wanted a version I could use regularly in my kitchen. Something smooth and balanced. And that’s exactly what this recipe delivers.
The mayonnaise brings richness, the Dijon adds a quiet tang, and the horseradish provides just enough bite to wake everything up without taking over. It’s the perfect complement to so many dishes.
If you’re looking to expand your from-scratch staples, this recipe is also included in my homemade condiment recipes roundup, where everything is collected in one place.
What makes this recipe so good?
- Balanced flavor that brings creaminess, tang, and bite together beautifully.
- Simple ingredient list that makes it easy to keep everything on hand and whip up a batch anytime.
- Quick preparation that takes just minutes and fits naturally into everyday cooking.
- Flexible heat level that can be easily adjusted by increasing or decreasing the horseradish.
- Wide versatility that works across sandwiches, meats, sides, and familiar comfort foods.
Ingredients you’ll need
- Mayonnaise: This forms the base of the sauce and sets the overall tone. From-scratch mayonnaise gives the cleanest flavor, but a good full-fat store-bought version works well.
- Horseradish: Prepared horseradish provides the signature bite. Look for one with a short ingredient list and add it to the sauce gradually to control the level of heat.
- Dijon mustard: Dijon adds subtle sharpness and depth, helping balance the richness of the mayonnaise and the bite of the horseradish.
See recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Make it your own
- Increase the horseradish if you prefer a sharper bite, adding a little at a time until it suits your taste.
- Keep it extra mild, by using just a small amount of horseradish, for a softer, background flavor.
- Lean into the tang, by slightly increasing the Dijon, for a brighter, more pronounced finish.
- Add fresh herbs, like parsley or dill, to bring a fresh, savory note that works especially well with sandwiches.
- Use finely chopped onion, instead of scallions, if you want a more traditional, savory edge without added sharpness.
Would you like to save this post for later?
We'll email it to you, so you can come back to it whenever you like!
How to make horseradish mayo
Step 1: Place all ingredients in a small bowl.
Step 2: Mix together until fully combined.
Recipe FAQs
This recipe is mild, with just a gentle bite, but it can be made spicier by increasing the horseradish.
Yes, making it ahead allows the flavors to blend and improves the overall taste.
Prepared horseradish works best; avoid creamy horseradish sauces with added ingredients.
No, it adds depth and balance without overpowering the sauce.
Serving ideas
This horseradish mayo works especially well as a sandwich spread, adding character without overpowering the main ingredients. It’s excellent on long-marinated hunter beef, layered into an apple cheddar grilled cheese, or spread onto a classic New York turkey club.
It also pairs naturally with comfort foods that benefit from a little contrast. Serve it alongside juicy skillet meatloaf, or use it as a dipping sauce for fried asiago potato wedges when you want something creamy with a subtle bite to dip them in.
Diane Gail’s tips for success
- Start light: Add horseradish conservatively, then adjust upward once the base flavor is established.
- Mix thoroughly: Stir until smooth, so the horseradish doesn’t concentrate in one spot.
- Choose quality ingredients: With so few components, each one affects the final flavor a great deal.
- Let flavors settle: A short rest helps mellow sharp edges and allows the flavors to fully meld together.
- Taste and adjust: Always finish by tasting and adjusting to suit your personal taste.
Other recipes you’ll love
Old-Fashioned Southern Tartar Sauce Recipe
Chicago Mild Sauce Recipe
Simple Ginger Scallion Sauce Recipe
Farmhouse Style Homemade Butter
Garlic Butter Medallions
If you like this recipe, share it with someone you know will love it too.
Follow us on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for more recipes.
Your support through shares, comments, and a 5-star rating means the world!
Horseradish Mayo Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons horseradish
- 2 teaspoons chopped scallions
- 2 large garlic cloves pressed
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine: Place all ingredients into a small bowl.
- Mix: Stir well until the sauce is smooth and fully combined.
Notes
- Start light: Add the horseradish gradually so you can control the bite and avoid overpowering the sauce.
- Mix thoroughly: Stir until completely smooth to ensure the horseradish is evenly distributed throughout.
- Choose quality ingredients: With only a few components, each one directly affects the final flavor.
- Let flavors settle: Allow the sauce to rest briefly so the sharp edges mellow and the flavors meld together.
- Taste and adjust: Always finish by tasting and adjusting to suit your preferences before serving.
- Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and generally use within 5–7 days for best flavor and texture.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
