What Is Horseradish, Anyway?

Most of us have tasted — or at least smelled — horseradish. Did you know that the horseradish plant is a cousin of radishes, wasabi and cabbage? The vegetable’s leaves can be eaten, although it is most popular for its large root.

The root in and of itself is hardly exciting. But when grated, it produces a pungent aroma and accompanying taste. Over time, it loses its bite unless it has been saturated in a preparation made with another liquid, such as vinegar. In addition to being eaten fresh, horseradish can be dried.

If you plan on using fresh horseradish to make your horseradish sauce, be sure to take precautions. Many people prefer to wear gloves when handling freshly grated horseradish, much in the same way they handle jalapeños or other pepper varieties. Not sure you want to grate your horseradish root by hand? Pulse it in your food processor for the perfect bite.

Places to Use Easy Horseradish Sauce

Once you get the hang of making your signature creamy horseradish sauce based on our recipe, you may find that it goes well in a few different dishes. Below are some of our favorite uses for easy horseradish sauce:

• Add a dollop alongside sliced, cooked ham. Ham and horseradish are a marriage made in hog heaven!
• When you want to give your tuna salad sandwich a kick, mix horseradish sauce with mayo as the moist base for the salad. No other seasoning will be necessary.
• Are you known for making the most devilish deviled eggs on the block? Kick them up a notch with a spoonful of horseradish.
• Speaking of eggs, quiches and omelets come to life when they are babied by a little horseradish sauce on top.
• Treat yourself to a feisty potato salad with lots of festiveness by mixing horseradish sauce into the main ingredients. Pull back on some of the mayo — you won’t need it!
• Create the best sandwiches for your lunch by choosing horseradish sauce as your condiment of choice.
• Dip grilled, smoked shrimp in horseradish sauce instead of tomato-based cocktail sauce.

Tips to Making Unique-to-Your-Backyard Horseradish Sauce

Looking for ideas to jazz up your horseradish sauce or just make it taste slightly different than the general recipe? First, switch from prepared horseradish to freshly grated horseradish. If you want to lower the fat content in your horseradish sauce, change from sour cream to Greek yogurt. You can also swap lowfat mayonnaise for the full-fat variety.

Are you lactose intolerant or getting away from dairy? Soy, almond, oat or even coconut milk is a great sub for cow’s milk. And lime or grapefruit can take the place of lemon if you feel like going in a fun tropical direction.