Name: Prime Rib Roast with Horseradish Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4-8 pound prime rib roast; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 Tablespoons coarse kosher salt; 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper; 4-5 cloves garlic, minced; 2 Tablespoons fresh rosemary; 2 Tablespoons fresh thyme; 2 Tablespoons dijon mustard; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 4 Tablespoons prepared horseradish; Kosher salt to taste; 1/4 cup chopped chives

There’s something truly indulgent about sinking your teeth into a perfectly cooked roast, and this Prime Rib Roast with Horseradish Sauce Recipe delivers just that. Tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, it’s a showstopper for any special meal — and the tangy horseradish sauce takes it to the next level.

The image shows a white plate with three main layers of food. On the left side, there is a large slice of roasted meat with a dark brown crust and a pink inside, topped with a dollop of white creamy sauce. Next to the meat are bright green cooked green beans lying in a neat pile. Below the green beans and meat, there is a mound of white mashed potatoes with a smooth texture, topped with light brown gravy pooling in the center. A silver fork lies on the plate touching the mashed potatoes, and the plate is set on a white marbled surface with a small bowl of white sauce visible in the top left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Prime Rib Roast with Horseradish Sauce Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Prime Rib Roast with Horseradish Sauce Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Prime Rib Roast with Horseradish Sauce Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly get a little giddy whenever I think about serving this prime rib roast. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience. The balance of mouthwatering herbs, garlic, and that zing of horseradish sauce means every bite feels like a celebration. Plus, it’s surprisingly straightforward to pull off at home.

Effortless Elegance: This recipe transforms a prime rib into a stunning centerpiece without complicated steps.
Flavor-Packed: Fresh herbs, garlic, and dijon mustard create a robust rub that complements the beef perfectly.
Perfectly Balanced Sauce: Horseradish sauce adds just the right kick, balancing richness with tang.
Flexible Cooking: Adjust the roast size and cooking time easily, making it perfect for intimate dinners or holiday feasts.

A large roasted beef piece is placed on a wooden cutting board, showing one thick, shiny dark brown crusted top side and two relaxed slices facing forward; the inside of the beef is a light pink color with a smooth tender texture, while the cooked edges are a gradient of brown to dark crispy. The cutting board has small bits of crust and some coarse salt around the beef. In the blurry background, there is a white bowl filled with green Brussels sprouts and a small white container next to it, all set against a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Prime Rib Roast with Horseradish Sauce Recipe is chosen to build layers of flavor and create a perfectly balanced dish. The combination of fresh herbs, tangy dijon, and creamy horseradish sauce is an old favorite for a reason — they just work.

Flat lay of a large raw prime rib roast with rich marbling, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl filled with coarse kosher salt crystals, a small white bowl with freshly ground black pepper, several peeled cloves of garlic, fresh green rosemary sprigs, fresh green thyme sprigs, a small white bowl of smooth Dijon mustard, a small white bowl of thick sour cream, a small white bowl of heavy cream, a small white bowl of creamy mayonnaise, a small white bowl containing prepared horseradish with visible texture, a small white bowl of chopped bright green chives, all arranged symmetrically and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Prime Rib Roast: Look for a well-marbled cut for juicy, tender results. Bone-in roasts add flavor and keep the meat moist.
Olive Oil: Helps the herb rub stick and promotes even browning while adding its subtle fruity note.
Coarse Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning deep into the meat and drawing out flavor.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Provides a sharp, fresh contrast to the savory beef.
Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and that classic savory punch.
Fresh Rosemary & Thyme: These herbs bring woodsy, fragrant notes that are a classic pairing with beef.
Dijon Mustard: Adds tanginess and helps the seasoning stick beautifully.
Sour Cream & Heavy Cream: Together they create a silky base for the horseradish sauce.
Mayonnaise: Adds richness and a smooth texture to the sauce.
Prepared Horseradish: Brings the bold, spicy kick that elevates the roast.
Chives: Fresh and slightly oniony, giving the sauce a pretty green pop and extra flavor.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to keep things pretty classic with this recipe, but that’s just me. Feel free to tweak the herbs, substitute the dijon for whole grain mustard, or spice up the horseradish sauce with a bit of lemon zest. It’s your feast, after all!

Variation: One time, I swapped fresh thyme for oregano, and it gave the roast a slightly earthier vibe — delicious in its own way.
Dietary tweak: For a lighter sauce, try swapping out mayo for Greek yogurt; tangy and creamy with fewer calories.
Spicy kick: Add a teaspoon of horseradish or a dash of hot sauce if you want your sauce with a little more punch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Prime Rib Roast with Horseradish Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Let the Roast Breathe Overnight

The night before, unwrap your prime rib roast and place it uncovered in the fridge. This dry-aging step firms up the meat's surface, intensifies flavor, and helps create that coveted crust when roasting. It's worth the wait!

Step 2: Bring It to Room Temperature Before Cooking

About two hours before cooking, pull the roast out so it warms up evenly — this helps it cook more consistently and prevents those dreaded cold spots.

Step 3: Prep the Herb Rub

Mix together olive oil, coarse salt, pepper, minced garlic, fresh rosemary, thyme, and dijon mustard in a bowl. Smear this fragrant blend all over the roast, making sure to get into every nook and cranny. This is where the magic starts.

Step 4: Sear High, Then Low and Slow

Preheat your oven to 500°F. Roast the beef for about 30 minutes (multiply the weight in pounds by 5 minutes for exact timing) — this high heat creates a beautiful crust. Without opening the door, reduce the oven to 200°F and continue cooking for 20 minutes per pound until the internal temp reaches your preferred doneness. I swear by a digital meat thermometer here — it’s the best way to nail results every time.

Step 5: Rest the Roast

Once out of the oven, let the roast rest for 15 minutes. This redistributes the juices, making each bite juicy and tender — don’t skip this!

Step 6: Whip Up the Horseradish Sauce

While the roast is resting, whisk together sour cream, heavy cream, mayonnaise, prepared horseradish, kosher salt, and chopped chives. This creamy, spicy sauce complements the meaty richness perfectly.

Top Tip

Over the years of roasting prime rib, I’ve learned a few secrets that really take this recipe from good to unforgettable. These tips will make sure your roast is juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor.

Patience is key: Don't skip letting the roast rest overnight uncovered; it’s the secret to that perfect crust you crave.
Use a meat thermometer: Rely on it, not guesswork, to get your preferred doneness — medium-rare is a crowd-pleaser!
Low and slow after searing: This gradual cooking ensures even heat distribution and tender results.
Season generously: Prime rib is rich, so don’t be shy with the salt and herbs for maximum flavor.

How to Serve Prime Rib Roast with Horseradish Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I keep garnishes simple — some fresh parsley or extra chives sprinkled over the sauce add fresh color and brightness. Sometimes, a few roasted garlic cloves on the side deepen the flavor profile and look rustic and inviting.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts with a touch of balsamic glaze, and a classic Caesar salad. These pairings bring variety in texture and complement the boldness of the meat and sauce beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to slice the roast thick and arrange the pieces neatly on a large wooden board surrounded by sprigs of fresh herbs and lemon wedges. It turns the meal into an interactive, festive feast where everyone can serve themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I tightly wrap leftover prime rib in foil, then place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays tender for up to 3 days — perfect for sandwiches or reheating.

Freezing

If you want to save extras longer, freeze sliced roast in a single layer wrapped in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. It preserves flavor well for about 2-3 months.

Reheating

To keep the meat juicy, reheat leftovers gently in a low oven (around 250°F) covered with foil. A quick zap in the microwave works too but watch the timing closely to avoid drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What’s the best way to ensure my prime rib is medium-rare?

Using a digital meat thermometer is your best bet. Remove the roast when it hits around 130-135°F and let it rest— it will rise a few degrees and be perfectly medium-rare.

Can I prepare the horseradish sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making the horseradish sauce a few hours ahead lets the flavors meld nicely. Just keep it covered in the fridge until serving.

What sides go well with Prime Rib Roast with Horseradish Sauce Recipe?

Classic sides include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus, and fresh green salads. These balance the richness of the roast and sauce.

How do I store leftover prime rib roast best?

Wrap leftover roast tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 3 days for best quality and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Prime Rib Roast with Horseradish Sauce Recipe has been a holiday staple in my home for years, and it never fails to impress. The process is straightforward, and the end result is nothing short of spectacular. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do — it’s a recipe that brings people together, warming hearts and filling bellies.