How Long Does Horseradish Sauce Last in the Fridge?

Horseradish sauce has always been one of my favorites to make.  It is one of the first recipes I learned to make in my early years of cooking so I have about 15 years of horseradish sauce making experience. I have paired it with prime rib, roast beef sandwiches, steak, chicken, fried food and much more.  Creamy horseradish sauce is truly a delight, but how long does horseradish sauce last in the fridge before it loses that fresh horseradish root flavor? Let's talk about it.

Storage

In order to get the maximum storage time, it is important to make sure the horseradish sauce is being stored correctly.  When stored in an airtight container, homemade horseradish sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or once you notice signs of spoilage such as mold growth.  Your horseradish sauce should always be stored in a dark place which should not be a problem if it is being stored in the fridge.  Some people may have success storing their own horseradish sauce for a little longer, but to be safe, dispose of any leftover sauce once you hit the expiration date.  I think it is always better to err on the side of caution to avoid foodborne illnesses.

Ingredients

​Making horseradish sauce from home is simple and assures you get the best results.  Using the freshest possible ingredients goes a long way with a recipe like this.

• mayonnaise
• horseradish
• lemon juice
• garlic powder
• paprika
• cayenne pepper powder
• salt
• black pepper

For quantities and the recipe card, see my homemade creamy horseradish sauce recipe on this site.

Substitutions

• Horseradish - I typically buy the jarred horseradish from the grocery store.  You still get a spicy kick from the horseradish in the sauce like you would if you bought the fresh root.  if you are buying fresh roots for that extra spicy flavor, they will need to be peeled and shredded.  This can be done quickly in a food processor.  
• Lemon Juice - use freshly squeezed lemon for a fresher flavor.
• Mayonnaise - substitute with Greek yogurt for a low fat alternative.  You can also opt for a full-fat sour cream if mayonnaise is not available.  Both options will slightly alter the flavor.

Pairings

This creamy homemade horseradish sauce is perfect to pair with a variety of different meals.  It goes great with a medium rare cooked steak, a beef tenderloin, roast pork or a prime rib.  It is also delicious on this steak sandwich with seasoned arugula and caramelized onions recipe that I have on my site.  It is also great to add to your lineup of salad dressings.  This delicious spicy condiment can also be a tasty dipping sauce for a variety of fried foods such as onion rings, french fries, fried pickles, and much more.

Store-bought horseradish sauce vs. Homemade Horseradish Sauce

The shelf life of horseradish sauce bought at the store does vary from the homemade version.  If buying horseradish sauce at the store, follow the expiration date on the jar or bottle and the general guidelines for shelf life of store-bought sauce.  Typically a store bought sauce such as horseradish sauce will need to be stored in the fridge once opened.  Homemade horseradish cream sauce will be the best quality sauce, but does not have as long of a shelf life.   Using a proper storage method will extend the life of your horseradish sauce.

Homemade Prepared Horseradish Shelf Life

Prepared horseradish is a blend of grated horseradish with a little bit of vinegar.  Prepared horseradish does last longer than fresh horseradish, so preparing it this way is the best way to assure your horseradish sauce doesn't spoil.  Spoiled horseradish has a very distinct sour, musty smell and the horseradish will start to darken in color.  The taste will also be much more dull than when it is fresh.  If your horseradish or prepared horseradish is showing any signs of being expired even if they are store-bought jars, it is safer to dispose of it.  Prepared horseradish is typically safe to consume anywhere between 4 weeks and 3-4 months and often does last longer than the expiration date on the label.

When prepared horseradish is fresh, it is great to add to a roast beef sandwich.  It is also excellent to add to a bloody mary during a weekend brunch.

Equipment

To make horseradish sauce from home, you will need a few pieces of equipment.  A small bowl is needed to mix the sauce in.  Measuring cups and spoons will be needed to measure out the ingredients before adding to the sauce.  If you want to avoid extra dishes, add the ingredients to a mason jar, seal the jar and then shake the contents until they are mixed through.  This cuts down on how many dishes you need to clean after and is also an extremely efficient way to store your horseradish sauce after it is made since the jar seals.

FAQ

If you have any questions about how to make creamy horseradish sauce, any additional questions on the shelf life of horseradish sauce, or need other sauce recipe suggestions, leave a comment below!