This creamy horseradish sauce recipe

It is a great spread for your favorite crackers, cheese, deli meat, or beef tenderloin.

In the world of culinary delights, it’s always exciting to discover new and unique flavor combinations that elevate your dining experience. One such delightful creation is the Creamy Horseradish Apple Sauce – a perfect combination of creamy horseradish sauce, freshly grated horseradish, zesty lemon juice, and the subtle tang of champagne vinegar. This innovative sauce is a feast for your taste buds and a versatile addition to your kitchen repertoire.

Horseradish was a frequent guest on my family’s table in Poland. Poles love horseradish, and it is a perfect accompaniment for all sorts of cold meats, such as pork tenderloin, pork roast, roast beef, prime rib roast, Polish sausage, and eggs. We also add it to the salads. This creamy horseradish and apple sauce is a frequent guest on Christmas dinner tables and Easter brunch. I’m aware that people either love it or hate it. Some people can’t resist it, and others will leave the room if it’s on the table.

Apple and horseradish are a great combination of flavors. Apples bring a natural sweetness to the sauce, while horseradish contributes a pungent and spicy kick. The contrast between sweet and spicy creates a dynamic flavor profile that is interesting and pleasing to the palate. The sweetness of apples helps mellow the intense horseradish heat, resulting in a well-balanced sauce. This balance allows each component to shine without overpowering the other, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

What is Horseradish?

Horseradish belongs to the Brassicaceae family, meaning it’s is closely related to cauliflower, wasabi, mustard, mustard greens, cabbage, radish, and broccoli. When the thick root (the active ingredient) is cut, the breakdown of the plant’s cells releases enzymes —breaking down sinigrin found in the root. This process releases mustard oil, an irritating and pungent chemical that usually affects the sinuses and eyes of those who smell it. So you need to know your limit! Horseradish gives a spicy burst of flavor to many dishes and is also tasty as a condiment with certain types of steak and ham.

Can Horseradish be Healthy for you? Absolutely!

Horseradish has a Wide Variety of Health Benefits, Including its Ability to:

Aid in weight loss

Build strong bones,

Promote heart health

Improve the immune system

Lower blood pressure

Reduce the risk of cancer due to its high levels of glucosinolates

Horseradish is Easy to Grow and Easy to Prepare!

Plant a section of horseradish root in a sunny part of your yard, and make sure it gets some water. Soon, you’ll have more horseradish than you can use. If you don’t have access to a garden, you can find the roots in markets such as Natural Grocers or Whole Foods.

Homemade prepared horseradish is about twice as strong as store-bought versions and lasts about 3 to 4 weeks in the refrigerator. Add an Apple or Beet to Sweeten Your Sauce!

In Poland, we like to add an apple or beet to our horseradish sauce to cut the strong, spicy flavor and add some sweetness to it. It is much more pleasurable to eat it this way.

Apples and horseradish fit very well together. They are both great for liver support and can help detoxify excess estrogen from the body. This is a great spread for your favorite crackers (my favorite are gluten-free nuts or seed crackers), cheese, or deli meat.

I cook the horseradish root with the apple because cooking removes most of the heat while leaving the health benefits. If you like more heat, you can add some fresh horseradish, or if you don’t like your food too spicy, you can add less horseradish. This will allow you to consume more horseradish without killing you!😊

This homemade horseradish sauce recipe is:

Dairy-free, but you can add some yogurt, sour cream, and cream cheese if you eat dairy. See below for instructions on how to make this creamy sauce.

The Creamy Horseradish Apple Sauce

is a delicious sauce for several reasons, each contributing to its unique and enticing flavor profile:

Balanced Sweetness: The diced apples add a natural sweetness to the sauce, creating a well-balanced flavor that plays harmoniously with the other ingredients. This sweetness complements the spicy kick of the horseradish, creating a delightful contrast.

Zesty Citrus Kick: Adding lemon juice brings a zesty and citrusy kick to the sauce. This acidity enhances the overall taste and adds a refreshing element that cuts through the richness of the creamy horseradish sauce.

Creamy Horseradish Base: The creamy horseradish sauce, combining yogurt, prepared horseradish, and Dijon mustard, brings a velvety texture and a bold, savory flavor. The creaminess serves to mellow the horseradish heat, making it more approachable and enjoyable.

Freshly Grated Horseradish: Freshly grated horseradish adds a spicy and aromatic element to the sauce. The intensity of the horseradish flavor provides a robust and authentic taste that distinguishes this sauce from others.

Subtle Tang from Champagne Vinegar: Champagne vinegar contributes a mild acidity and subtle tang to the sauce, enhancing the overall complexity of flavors. This ingredient ties the elements together and elevates the sauce to a sophisticated level.

Versatility: The sauce’s ability to pair well with various dishes, from roasted meats to sandwiches, makes it a versatile and complementary addition to many meals. Its adaptability ensures that it can enhance multiple flavors and cuisines.

Texture Variety: The mixture of shredded apples and the creamy horseradish base provides a dynamic texture to the sauce. This variation in texture adds an exciting mouthfeel, making each bite a sensory delight.

In essence, the Creamy Horseradish Apple Sauce is a delicious concoction that skillfully combines contrasting flavors and textures. Its ability to surprise and please the palate makes it a standout sauce, perfect for those seeking a culinary adventure with a touch of sophistication.

An Important Tip!

Always use fresh horseradish root:

Here are some guidelines to help you identify when horseradish root is fresh:

Appearance: Look for a firm and crisp texture. Fresh horseradish roots should not be soft, mushy, or show signs of wilting.
The outer skin should be smooth and free from blemishes, discoloration, or mold.

Color: A fresh horseradish root is typically white or cream-colored. Avoid yellowish or brownish tint roots, as this could indicate age or deterioration.

Texture: Fresh horseradish should have a smooth and solid texture when touched. Avoid roots that feel excessively dry or rubbery.

Flexibility: While the root should be firm, it should still have some flexibility. It might be overly mature or drying out if it feels too rigid.

Aroma: A pungent and strong aroma is a good indicator of freshness. The distinctive, spicy scent of horseradish should be noticeable when you cut or peel the root. The root may not be as fresh if it smells weak or unpleasant.

Moisture Content: Fresh horseradish roots contain some moisture. The root may be past its prime if it appears overly dry or shriveled.

No Sprouting: Check for any signs of sprouting. Fresh horseradish roots should not have shoots or green growth, which can indicate aging.

Weight: A heavier horseradish root, for its size, is generally an indication of freshness. It means the root has retained more moisture.

Harvest Time: Horseradish roots are typically harvested in the late fall or early spring for optimal freshness. Roots harvested during their peak season are likely to be more flavorful and moist.

To create the Creamy Horseradish Apple Sauce and its base creamy horseradish sauce, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools.

Cutting Board and Knife

Saucepan

Bowl

Measuring Utensils

Spatula

Grater

Medium Size Food Processor:
You can make this homemade horseradish sauce in the food processor too! Easy peasy!

Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness and quality of your Creamy Horseradish Apple Sauce.

Here’s a guide on how to store both the creamy horseradish sauce and the finished apple sauce:

• After preparing the Creamy Horseradish Apple Sauce, transfer any remaining sauce into an airtight container.
• Seal the container tightly to preserve the flavors and prevent the absorption of odors from the refrigerator.
• Store the apple sauce in the refrigerator.
• Consume within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and texture. The apple sauce may start to lose its freshness over time, so it’s advisable to enjoy it relatively soon after preparation.
• Avoid storing the sauce in containers with strong odors.
• If you find that the consistency of the apple sauce has changed after refrigeration, you can adjust it by adding a small amount of lemon juice and giving it a gentle stir.
• Serve in a small glass bowl.  Creamy Horseradish Apple Sauce is a versatile condiment that can elevate a variety of dishes with its unique flavor profile. Here are several delicious ways to serve this delectable sauce:
  1. Roast Meats:
     • Serve alongside roasted meats such as beef, pork, or lamb. The creamy and zesty sauce complements the rich flavors of the meat, providing a delightful contrast.
  2. Grilled Chicken or Fish:
     • Use the sauce as a flavorful accompaniment for grilled chicken or fish. Its creamy texture and hint of sweetness from the apples add depth to lighter proteins.
  3. Sandwich Spread:
     • Spread the Creamy Horseradish Apple Sauce on sandwiches or wraps. It pairs exceptionally well with turkey, ham, or roast beef, creating a gourmet twist to your favorite sandwiches.
  4. Dipping Sauce:
     • Serve as a dipping sauce for appetizers such as chicken tenders, potato wedges, or vegetable sticks. The spicy kick from the horseradish enhances the overall snacking experience.
  5. Cheese and Charcuterie Board:
     • Include a dollop of the sauce on a cheese and charcuterie board. The sweet and spicy notes complement a variety of cheeses and cured meats.
  6. Pork Tenderloin:
     • Drizzle the sauce over sliced pork tenderloin for an extra burst of flavor. The creamy texture adds a luxurious touch to this classic dish.
  7. Baked Ham:
     • Use the sauce as a glaze for baked ham. Its sweet and spicy elements enhance the natural flavors of the ham, creating a memorable main course.
  8. Vegetable Accompaniment:
     • Serve alongside roasted or grilled vegetables. The Creamy Horseradish Apple Sauce can add a unique twist to the vegetable medley, making it more exciting for your taste buds.
  9. Salad Dressing Base:
     • Mix a spoonful of the sauce into your salad dressing for a tangy and creamy kick. It pairs well with salads containing greens, apples, or even a slaw.
  10. Appetizer Toppers:
      • Use as a topping for canapés or bruschettas. Its bold flavors can turn simple appetizers into gourmet delights.
  11. Baked Potatoes:
      • Serve alongside baked or mashed potatoes. The creamy texture of the sauce complements the starchy goodness of the potatoes.
  12. Seafood Delights:
      • Pair with seafood dishes like shrimp cocktail or smoked salmon. The horseradish adds a zesty kick that enhances the overall seafood experience.

This is an easy, great recipe and the best horseradish sauce recipe to impress your guests! Enjoy!

More Condiments Recipies

Pistachios Gremolata

Chimichurri Sauce

Herb salts

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