Chipotle Sauce with Garlic and Sour Cream Recipe
This Chipotle Sauce with Garlic and Sour Cream is a creamy, smoky condiment perfect for adding a spicy kick to tacos, grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a dip. The sauce combines smoky chipotle peppers in adobo with tangy lime juice, garlic, and spices balanced by a smooth base of sour cream and mayonnaise for rich flavor and a cooling finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (about 2 tablespoons per serving)
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
Spices & Flavorings
- 2 whole chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp adobo sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or roasted
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
Optional
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for consistency adjustment)
Instructions
- Prep the garlic and chipotles: Roast the garlic in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until golden and soft for a milder, richer flavor. Roughly chop the chipotle peppers to help with blending.
- Blend the base: 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 30–60 seconds depending on your blender.
- Taste and adjust: Sample the sauce and add extra chipotle or adobo sauce if you want more heat, or add more sour cream to tone it down. Adjust salt and lime juice to suit your preferred flavor balance.
- Check consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of olive oil or a teaspoon of water and blend briefly again to loosen the texture.
- Store and chill: Pour the sauce into a glass jar or airtight container and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Roasting garlic mellows its sharpness and adds a rich depth of flavor.
- Adjust chipotle peppers and adobo sauce according to your preferred spice level.
- Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream makes a healthier version.
- The sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Use as a dip, spread, or drizzle on your favorite Mexican dishes for added smoky heat.
