Copycat Taco Bell Creamy Jalapeno Sauce Recipe

Introduction

If you love the tangy, spicy kick of Taco Bell’s creamy jalapeno sauce, you’ll be thrilled to make this copycat version at home. It’s smooth, flavorful, and easy to whip up with simple ingredients you probably already have in your fridge.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2–2 tablespoons minced pickled jalapenos
• 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeno juice (from the jalapeno jar)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (increase if you love it spicy)
• Water (optional, to thin sauce to desired consistency)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, minced pickled jalapenos, jalapeno juice, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
2. Step 2: Chill the sauce in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let the flavors develop.
3. Step 3: If you’d like a thinner, drizzle-ready sauce, stir in water one teaspoon at a time until you reach your preferred consistency.

Tips & Variations

• Adjust the amount of minced jalapenos and chili powder to control the heat to your liking.
• Use fresh jalapenos and a splash of lime juice for a fresher, brighter twist.
• Make it vegan by substituting mayonnaise and sour cream with plant-based alternatives.

Storage

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir before serving, and no reheating is needed. This sauce tastes best chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh jalapenos instead of pickled ones?

Yes, but the flavor will be less tangy and may be slightly milder. Pickled jalapenos give the sauce its signature zing.

How spicy is this sauce?

The heat level is moderate and can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the pickled jalapenos and chili powder.

Copycat Taco Bell Creamy Jalapeno Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 138 reviews

A zesty and creamy copycat version of Taco Bell’s famous Creamy Jalapeno Sauce, perfect for adding a spicy kick to tacos, burritos, or as a delicious dipping sauce. This easy-to-make sauce combines pickled jalapenos with a blend of spices and creamy bases for an authentic flavor.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: About 1/2 cup 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Mexican-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sauce Ingredients

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons minced pickled jalapenos
• 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeno juice (from the jalapeno jar)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (increase if you love it spicy)
• Water (optional, to thin out the sauce)

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, minced pickled jalapenos, pickled jalapeno juice, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder until fully integrated and smooth.
2. Chill the Sauce: Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and develop fully for the best taste.
3. Adjust Consistency (Optional): If you prefer a thinner, more drizzly sauce, start by adding 1 teaspoon of water to the chilled mixture and stir well. Continue adding water one teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Notes

• This sauce tastes best when chilled for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to blend together.
• Adjust the amount of chili powder or jalapeno to increase or decrease spiciness according to your preference.
• Use fresh pickled jalapenos and the juice for the authentic tang and heat.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Adding water is optional and only needed if you want to change the thickness of the sauce.

Keywords: Taco Bell sauce, creamy jalapeno sauce, copycat recipe, jalapeno sauce, spicy sauce, dipping sauce, taco sauce