Easy Chipotle Sauce Recipe
Miss that smoky chipotle flavor from your favorite burritos? You can ditch the takeout menu and make your own delicious chipotle sauce at home. It’s easier than you think! With a few pantry staples and your blender, you’ll have a creamy sauce perfect for topping tacos and burritos, or you can even use it as a dip. This recipe is your key to restaurant-quality chipotle sauce, all within your control.
Why You’ll Love This Chipotle Sauce Recipe
- Ditch the mystery: Ever wonder what’s exactly in that store-bought chipotle sauce? Make your own and control every ingredient, from smoky chipotle peppers to the perfect level of heat.
- Customize your cravings: Love it smoky? Add more chipotles. Prefer a milder sauce? Use less. You’re the chef, and your chipotle sauce is a blank canvas for your taste buds.
- Fresher flavor: Homemade chipotle sauce uses fresh ingredients, unlike store-bought varieties with preservatives. The difference? A vibrant, smoky depth of flavor that takes your meals to the next level.
- Versatility unlocked: Chipotle sauce isn’t just for burritos anymore. Think tacos, nachos, grilled chicken, or even roasted vegetables. This sauce is your secret weapon for adding smoky heat to endless dishes.
- Leftovers become rockstars: Leftover chicken or fish? Dredge it in chipotle sauce and create a restaurant-worthy dish in minutes. Leftover roasted veggies? Transform them with a drizzle of smoky goodness.
- Save some cash: Store-bought chipotle sauce can be pricey. Making your own is a budget-friendly way to enjoy that smoky flavor without breaking the bank.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Chipotle Sauce with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Combine everything in your food processor
Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, chipotle peppers (with a little adobo sauce if desired), cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt.
Turn on your food processor and blend until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Taste and adjust
Give your chipotle sauce a taste! You can add more lime juice for a brighter flavor, or more salt to balance the other ingredients.
Enjoy! Drizzle your homemade chipotle sauce over tacos, burritos, nachos, or anything else your heart desires.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
You’ve just unlocked the recipe for restaurant-quality chipotle sauce at home, but the fun doesn’t stop there! Here are some tips to take your chipotle sauce to the next level:
- Chipotle Control: The chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are the key to smoky heat. Start with one pepper and a spoonful of the sauce, blending well. Taste and add more for a fiery kick, or keep it mild with just one.
- Spice Subs: No chipotle peppers on hand? A teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a smoky kick in a pinch (pun intended!).
- Dairy-Free Delight: Can’t do dairy? Swap the sour cream for plain, unsweetened plant-based yogurt for a creamy, vegan-friendly alternative.
- Lighten Up: For a lighter sauce, use low-fat mayonnaise and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Roasted Garlic Power: Want a deeper garlic flavor? Roast a garlic clove for 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C) before adding it to the blender.
- Cilantro Switch-Up: Not a cilantro fan? Fresh parsley or chopped fresh chives make great substitutes.
- Chipotle Remix: Leftover chipotle sauce can be thinned with a little water or broth to make a delicious marinade for chicken, fish, or tofu.
- Soup Savior: Add a dollop of leftover chipotle sauce to your next bowl of tomato or lentil soup for a smoky depth of flavor.
How to Store Chipotle Sauce Recipe
- Fridge Friendly: For short-term storage, keep leftover chipotle sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to a week.
- Freeze It for the Future: Made a big batch or have leftover sauce after a fiesta? Chipotle sauce freezes beautifully! Portion it into ice cube trays or small containers for easy use later. Frozen chipotle sauce will keep its quality for up to 3 months.
- Thaw and Enjoy: Ready to unleash the smoky goodness again? Thaw frozen chipotle sauce overnight in the refrigerator or under running cold water. Voila! Instant chipotle flavor boost for any dish.
What to Serve With Chipotle Sauce Recipe
Homemade fries dunked in Chipotle sauce are one of the best things ever. Then slather it over freshly made chicken wings and you’ve got a delicious budget friendly meal.
Burritos and fajitas are amazing with a dollop of chipotle sauce on them.
Upgrade the classic baked potato with a smoky twist! Load it up with budget-friendly baked beans, cheese, and a dollop of chipotle sauce for a meal that’s both comforting and flavorful.
Scrambled Eggs with a Kick: Start your day with a spicy twist! Scramble your eggs with chopped veggies and add a dollop of chipotle sauce for a protein-packed and flavorful breakfast.
More Easy Budget Friendly Recipes for You to Try at Home
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Easy Chipotle Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- ½ cup cilantro
- ½ lime juiced
- 1 clove garlic
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a food processor, add the mayo, sour cream, chipotle peppers (along with a little additional sauce), cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt.¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 cup sour cream, 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, ½ cup cilantro, ½ lime, 1 clove garlic, Salt to taste
- Blitz until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Taste it to see and add more lime juice or salt to suit your taste.
Notes
- Chipotle Control: The chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are the key to smoky heat. Start with one pepper and a spoonful of the sauce, blending well. Taste and add more for a fiery kick, or keep it mild with just one.
- Spice Subs: No chipotle peppers on hand? A teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a smoky kick in a pinch (pun intended!).
- Dairy-Free Delight: Can’t do dairy? Swap the sour cream for plain, unsweetened plant-based yogurt for a creamy, vegan-friendly alternative.
- Lighten Up: For a lighter sauce, use low-fat mayonnaise and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Roasted Garlic Power: Want a deeper garlic flavor? Roast a garlic clove for 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C) before adding it to the blender.
- Cilantro Switch-Up: Not a cilantro fan? Fresh parsley or chopped fresh chives make great substitutes.
- Chipotle Remix: Leftover chipotle sauce can be thinned with a little water or broth to make a delicious marinade for chicken, fish, or tofu.
- Soup Savior: Add a dollop of leftover chipotle sauce to your next bowl of tomato or lentil soup for a smoky depth of flavor.
