Name: Tenderloin with Horseradish Cream Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American / Steakhouse
Ingredients: 2 lb beef tenderloin; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 tbsp prepared horseradish; 1 tbsp sour cream; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; Salt & pepper to taste

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If you are craving a dish that exudes elegance while remaining surprisingly simple to prepare, this Tenderloin with Horseradish Cream Cheese Recipe will steal your heart (and your taste buds). Imagine a perfectly roasted beef tenderloin, juicy and tender, paired with a zesty, creamy horseradish sauce that adds a bold kick without stealing the spotlight. It’s a stunning combination that works perfectly for both special occasions and cozy family dinners. Let me guide you through every step to help you create a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and sure to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A blue bowl holds five separate layers of ingredients arranged in small piles: at the top left, dark green chopped herbs; on the top right, creamy white mayonnaise; at the bottom right, a mix of coarse black pepper and white salt; at the bottom left, a dollop of pale yellow mustard; and at the bottom center, a light beige shredded or mashed ingredient. The bowl is placed on a wooden surface with a colorful cloth featuring blue, yellow, orange, and green floral patterns behind it, with a sprig of fresh green herbs resting nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this recipe comes from a handful of simple ingredients, each one essential to crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Fresh beef tenderloin provides the luxurious base, while the horseradish cream cheese sauce brings a creamy zing that complements the meat beautifully.

2 lb beef tenderloin: Choose a high-quality cut for the best tenderness and flavor.
1 tbsp olive oil: Helps to create a lovely crust and keeps the meat moist.
1 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning, it enhances the natural flavors of the beef.
½ tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle heat that balances the richness.
4 oz cream cheese, softened: The creamy base of the sauce that adds luscious texture.
2 tbsp prepared horseradish: Gives the sauce its signature sharp, tangy bite.
1 tbsp sour cream: Adds a gentle tang and smoothness to the sauce.
1 tsp Dijon mustard: Brings a slight pungency that brightens the flavor profile.
Salt & pepper to taste: To season the sauce just right and balance all flavors.

How to Make Tenderloin with Horseradish Cream Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Tenderloin

Start by preheating your oven to 425 °F (220 °C). While the oven warms, rub the beef tenderloin all over with olive oil, then generously season it with salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning will highlight the natural beef flavor and help create a beautifully crusted exterior as it roasts.

Step 2: Roast the Tenderloin

Place the seasoned tenderloin on a roasting pan or a baking sheet and insert it into the preheated oven. Roast for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 135 °F for that perfect medium-rare doneness. This timing ensures a tender, juicy center that’s full of flavor.

Step 3: Rest the Beef

Once out of the oven, let your tenderloin rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping every bite moist and flavorful rather than dry.

Step 4: Make the Horseradish Cream Cheese Sauce

While the beef is resting, whip up the horseradish cream cheese sauce. Combine the softened cream cheese, prepared horseradish, sour cream, and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Mix until smooth, then season with salt and pepper according to your taste. The sauce can be made up to two days in advance—making your meal prep even easier!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the rested tenderloin into thick, juicy medallions. Serve each piece alongside a generous dollop of the horseradish cream cheese sauce. The creamy, spicy sauce is the perfect companion to the tender beef, creating a taste experience that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

How to Serve Tenderloin with Horseradish Cream Cheese Recipe

The image shows a wooden board on a white marbled surface filled with many small layered snacks. Each snack has a base of a light golden toasted bread slice. On top of the bread is a layer of bright green spinach leaves. Above the spinach, there are thick slices of reddish-brown cooked meat. The snacks are finished with a dollop of thick white sauce on top. A woman's hand is gently holding one snack near the corner of the board. The lighting is warm, showing the texture of each layer clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a fresh touch to your plate with simple garnishes like chopped parsley or finely sliced chives. These herbs add a pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich tenderloin and creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with classic sides like roasted garlic mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. For something a bit heartier, try oven-roasted asparagus or buttered green beans. The goal is to complement the richness of the beef without overwhelming the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive presentation, arrange thin slices of tenderloin fanned out on a platter with small mounds of horseradish cream cheese sauce beside each portion. You can also serve the sauce in a small dipping bowl in the center, inviting everyone to customize each bite just how they like it. Adding a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil over the meat can elevate the look further.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover tenderloin and horseradish cream cheese sauce can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the beef moist and the sauce fresh and tangy for quick meals or snacks.

Freezing

If you want to save portions for longer, freeze the cooked tenderloin wrapped tightly in foil and placed inside a freezer bag for up to 2 months. The horseradish cream cheese sauce, however, is best kept fresh and not frozen, as its texture might change upon thawing.

Reheating

To reheat leftover tenderloin, warm it gently in the oven at 300 °F wrapped in foil to retain moisture. Avoid microwaving if you can, since it tends to dry out the meat. Serve with freshly stirred horseradish sauce to reintroduce creamy zestiness.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

While beef tenderloin is ideal for its tenderness and delicate flavor, you can experiment with other cuts like ribeye or sirloin if needed. Just adjust cooking times since they vary in thickness and fat content.

Is the horseradish cream cheese sauce very spicy?

The sauce has a mild to moderate kick thanks to the horseradish, but the cream cheese and sour cream mellow it out beautifully. You can adjust horseradish quantity for milder or spicier sauce to suit your preference.

Can I prepare the sauce vegan or dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives, and ensure your horseradish is free from mayonnaise or dairy additives. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

What’s the best way to check if the beef is done?

A meat thermometer is your best friend here. For medium-rare, look for an internal temperature of 135 °F. Letting the beef rest will raise the internal temp slightly, so pull it from the oven just before it reaches your target temperature.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free Dijon mustard and horseradish. Always check labels to be sure.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a Tenderloin with Horseradish Cream Cheese Recipe that makes any meal feel like a celebration. The ease of preparation combined with the sophisticated flavors makes this dish a perennial favorite to share with friends and family. Trust me, once you try it, it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for that impressive yet cozy dinner everyone remembers.