Chipotle Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This chipotle sauce is a creamy, smoky, and slightly spicy condiment that’s perfect for adding a flavorful kick to tacos, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables. With a tangy lime brightness and a smoky depth from chipotle peppers, it’s easy to make and sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• Sour cream (½ cup)
• Mayonnaise (¼ cup)
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (2 peppers plus 1 tbsp sauce)
• Garlic, minced or roasted (2 cloves)
• Fresh lime juice (1 tbsp)
• Smoked paprika (½ tsp)
• Cumin (½ tsp)
• Salt (½ tsp, or to taste)
• Olive oil (1 tbsp, optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, roast the garlic cloves in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until golden and soft. Roughly chop the chipotle peppers to help them blend smoothly.
2. Step 2: In a blender or food processor, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, lime juice, smoked paprika, cumin, and salt. Blend until completely smooth, about 30 to 60 seconds.
3. Step 3: Taste the sauce and adjust the heat or seasoning as needed. For more spice, add half a chipotle pepper or more adobo sauce. For a milder taste, add extra sour cream. Adjust salt and lime juice to your preference.
4. Step 4: If the sauce is too thick, add a small splash of olive oil or a teaspoon of water and blend briefly to reach your desired consistency.
5. Step 5: Transfer the sauce to a glass jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

• Roasting the garlic adds a deeper, sweeter flavor, but raw garlic works well for a sharper bite.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier, lighter version.
• For extra smokiness, increase the smoked paprika by another ½ teaspoon.
• If you want a dairy-free sauce, substitute sour cream and mayonnaise with vegan alternatives.

Storage

Store the chipotle sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before serving, give it a good stir. It’s great served chilled or at room temperature. If the sauce thickens too much after chilling, stir in a little water or olive oil to loosen it up.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, this sauce actually tastes better after resting in the fridge for at least 30 minutes as the flavors blend beautifully. It can be made up to 3 days in advance.

How spicy is chipotle sauce?

Chipotle peppers have a smoky heat that ranges from mild to moderate. You can easily control the spiciness by adjusting the number of peppers and the amount of adobo sauce you add.

Chipotle Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 129 reviews

This creamy and smoky Chipotle Sauce blends the heat of chipotle peppers in adobo with the coolness of sour cream and mayonnaise, accented by lime juice, garlic, and warm spices. Perfect as a dip, spread, or topping to add a flavorful kick to your dishes.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes (optional roasting of garlic)
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: About 1¼ cups 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base

• 1 cup sour cream
• ¼ cup mayonnaise

Spices & Flavorings

• 2 cloves garlic, minced or roasted
• 1 to 1½ chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

Optional

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (to adjust consistency)

Instructions

1. Prep the garlic and chipotles: If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, roast the garlic cloves in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until golden and soft. Roughly chop the chipotle peppers to ensure easier blending.
2. Blend the base: In a blender or food processor, add the sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, prepared garlic, lime juice, smoked paprika, cumin, and salt. Blend the ingredients until completely smooth, which typically takes 30 to 60 seconds depending on your appliance.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning: Sample the sauce. If you desire more heat, add an additional half chipotle pepper or a dash more of adobo sauce. For milder spice, increase the sour cream portion. Adjust salt and lime juice according to your preference.
4. Check and adjust consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a small splash of olive oil or a teaspoon of water to loosen the texture. Blend again briefly to incorporate.
5. Store and chill: Pour the finished sauce into a glass jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.

Notes

• Roasting the garlic mellows its sharpness and adds depth to the sauce.
• Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers based on your preferred spice level.
• The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• This sauce pairs well with tacos, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and as a sandwich spread.
• If you do not have a blender or food processor, finely mince the ingredients and whisk together thoroughly but texture will be less smooth.

Keywords: chipotle sauce, smoky sauce, creamy chipotle, adobo sauce, Mexican sauce, spicy sauce, dipping sauce, sandwich spread