Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold and Smoky Flavor: The chipotle peppers deliver a smoky, slightly spicy kick that enhances any dish.
- Simple Ingredients: You’ll need just a handful of pantry staples and fresh cilantro for an authentic taste.
- Versatile Uses: Serve it as a sauce, dressing, or dip – it pairs beautifully with countless dishes.
- Easy to Make: A quick blend and a little chilling time are all you need for a delicious homemade condiment.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 (7 oz) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- ½ cup sour cream (Mexican crema or Greek yogurt works well too)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- Salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 8-10 sprigs cilantro
Directions
- Blend the ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the chipotle peppers (with adobo sauce), sour cream, mayonnaise, and lime juice.
- Add spices: Add the chili powder, cumin powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Add cilantro: Toss the cilantro sprigs into the mixture.
- Blend until smooth: Blend until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the salt if necessary.
- Chill: Transfer the sauce to a bowl or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve: Use it as a dip, a sauce for tacos, or a dressing for salads and grilled meats.
- Enjoy: Relish the smoky, creamy deliciousness of your homemade chipotle sauce!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes approximately 1.5 cups of sauce, enough for 6–8 servings depending on use.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream or vegan mayo.
- Spicier Sauce: Add an extra chipotle pepper or a pinch of cayenne for more heat.
- Cilantro-Free: Skip the cilantro if you’re not a fan; the sauce will still taste great!
- Zesty Kick: Increase the lime juice for a tangier flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store the chipotle sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the sauce in small portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
- Reheating: If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, stir in a splash of water or lime juice to bring it back to the desired consistency.
FAQs
1. Can I use plain yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute and adds a tangy note to the sauce.
2. Is this sauce spicy?
It has a moderate level of spiciness. Adjust the number of chipotle peppers for a milder or spicier taste.
3. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors improve as it sits, so making it a day ahead is ideal.
4. What dishes pair well with chipotle sauce?
It’s fantastic with tacos, burritos, roasted vegetables, grilled meats, and even fries!
5. Can I omit the mayonnaise?
You can replace it with extra sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
6. How do I adjust the consistency?
If it’s too thick, add a bit of water or lime juice. For a thicker sauce, reduce the sour cream or mayonnaise slightly.
7. What can I do if it’s too spicy?
Add more sour cream or mayonnaise to tone down the heat.
8. Is this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check the chipotle can label to be sure.
9. Can I use fresh chipotle peppers instead of canned?
The canned variety is recommended for the adobo sauce, which adds extra depth of flavor.
10. How long does this sauce stay fresh?
It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 7 days if stored in an airtight container.
Conclusion
This creamy chipotle sauce is a must-have for anyone who loves bold and smoky flavors. Easy to make with minimal ingredients, it’s a versatile condiment that will elevate any meal. Whether you’re drizzling it over tacos, dipping veggies, or dressing a salad, this sauce is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try and enjoy the smoky, zesty goodness!
Chipotle Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1.5 cups (6–8 servings)
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Elevate your meals with this creamy and smoky chipotle sauce! Made with chipotle peppers in adobo, sour cream, mayonnaise, and aromatic spices, it’s a quick and versatile condiment perfect for tacos, salads, grilled meats, or as a dip.
Ingredients
- 1 (7 oz) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt/Mexican crema)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 8–10 sprigs fresh cilantro
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Blend Ingredients: Combine chipotle peppers (with adobo sauce), sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and spices in a blender or food processor.
- Add Cilantro: Toss in fresh cilantro sprigs.
- Blend: Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- Chill: Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve: Use as a dip, dressing, or sauce for tacos, salads, grilled meats, or vegetables.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, use vegan mayo and cashew cream.
- Adjust spice level by adding more or fewer chipotle peppers.
- Skip cilantro if desired, the sauce will still taste fantastic.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Condiments and Sauces
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mexican
