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    Home » Sauces

    Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce (Copycat Creamy Jalapeno)

    Published: Jun 11, 2020 · Modified: Dec 4, 2024 by Sula · This post may contain affiliate links · 72 Comments

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    pin for taco bell quesadilla sauce, also called creamy jalapeno sauce

    In my house, taco night could be every night! There are so many delicious combinations of Tex-Mex flavors, and this quesadilla sauce brings it to a whole new level.

    This recipe is a copycat for the Creamy Jalapeno sauce from Taco Bell, but in a small batch that tastes so fresh, your taste buds will come alive! You’ll never want their version again!

    You’ll find yourself making this on repeat, because it is so easy and fast – only 5 minutes needed! You can put it in your quesadillas and burritos, but also use it for dipping. Because a little more sauce is always a good thing!

    small red bowl with quesadilla sauce garnished with jalapeno slices
    Jump to:
    • Spice up your quesadillas with this Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce Recipe
    • Taco Bell Creamy Jalapeno Sauce Ingredients
    • How to Make Copycat Taco Bell Jalapeno Sauce
    • Options and substitutions
    • More Ways to Use this Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce
    • More Tex-Mex ideas
    • 📖 Recipe

    Spice up your quesadillas with this Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce Recipe

    Anyone can make a quesadilla: all you really need is a flour tortilla, meat of your choice, and cheese. Or no meat for a cheese version (very popular with the little ones!)

    But spread that flour tortilla with a little jalapeno sauce before you add the other ingredients, and the quesadilla will take on a whole new identity! This sauce brings a new depth of flavor, and your family will wonder if you used the Taco Bell drive-through on the way home from work!

    And by making it yourself, you can also save some sauce for dipping. Because dipping that quesadilla makes it even more delicious!

    Taco Bell Creamy Jalapeno Sauce Ingredients

    I am not Taco Bell therefore I do not have the exact recipe, but we all know the result we crave. It starts with sour cream and mayo for a smooth and creamy base. Then, add some chopped jalapeno and spices. The beauty of making it yourself is that you can adjust those spices to your preference. A little more jalapeno can sometimes be a very good thing. 😀

    How to Make Copycat Taco Bell Jalapeno Sauce

    Let’s see if I can describe this “complicated” process:

    1. Mix everything together
    2. Put it in the fridge
    3. Done! 😄

    Would you like to save this recipe?

    I'll email this post to you, so you can easily come back to it later!

    Yes, it’s really that easy. The biggest time commitment involves mincing jalapeno peppers. Measure everything, put in a bowl and mix. When I say it takes 5 minutes to assemble, I think I’m even overestimating that.

    ingredients in a bowl
    Place all ingredients in a bowl
    creamy sauce mixed together in a bowl
    Mix!

    Then, place in the fridge for at least an hour to let those flavors develop.

    Your reward? A creamy and delicious sauce that brings “The Bell” home to your kitchen.

    taco bell quesadilla sauce in a red bowl, sliced jalapenos on top

    Use this Taco Bell quesadilla sauce inside your burrito/quesadilla, or as a dipping sauce.

    or Both!

    Quesadilla piece dipping into a bowl of the creamy jalapeno sauce.

    Do you love copycat recipes? You'll want to try this easy way to make a homemade KFC Famous Bowl. A great addition to your meal plan!

    Options and substitutions

    Can I use canned jalapenos instead of fresh?

    I feel that fresh is usually better but having a can of jalapenos on hand is a good backup. Use the same amount as you do for fresh. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even add a little of the pickling juice to the mix. 😀

    Will the jalapeno pepper make this sauce too spicy?

    Jalapeno peppers are not as spicy as you think. For the lowest spice level, make sure you completely remove the pith and seeds before mincing. I find the seeds to be the spiciest (hottest) part. You could add some back to increase the spice level, but that would probably make it uneven. One bite with a seed will be very hot, then several bites without will be mild. An approach for the risk-takers out there. 😄

    What are some substitutions for the spices in this quesadilla sauce?

    The spices are the best way to control the overall “heat index” of this sauce. As written, the spice level is subtle, not hot. If there are spices you do not have, you can adjust the others. Perhaps you don’t have any ancho chili pepper on hand. I like the slightly smoky quality it adds, but in its absence try increasing the cayenne pepper to make up for it.

    Cumin can be increased or even eliminated per your preference. For the most part, the sour cream and mayo tend to mellow out the spices, which is why that hour in the fridge is so important. Give those flavors a chance to develop a little before deciding whether to spice it up.

    More Ways to Use this Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce

    • You can use this sauce inside your quesadilla and on the side for dipping. The same is true for burritos and tacos. Everyone will marvel at what a difference in flavor it brings.
    • Use it in a wrap to replace the mayo or mustard, it’ll really liven things up!
    • Make a taco salad and use this sauce for the dressing. So much better than anything in a bottle!
    • But honestly, I think my favorite use of all is as a chip dip. Tortilla chips never tasted so good! I like to offer a variety of dips with chips, especially for a game day spread. This sauce fits right in with salsa and guacamole, especially on nachos!

    More Tex-Mex ideas

    If you love the Tex-Mex flavors in this Taco Bell creamy jalapeno sauce, here are some more ideas for your table:

    • Vegetarian Crunch Wrap
    • Burrito Pie
    • Salsa Chicken
    • Mini Bell Pepper Poppers
    • Brown Rice and Bean Bake
    • Pico-Avocado Dip
    • Cauliflower Tacos

    📖 Recipe

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    taco bell quesadilla sauce in a red bowl, sliced jalapenos on top
    5 from 109 votes
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    Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce Recipe

    Homemade Quesadillas just got a little better with this creamy jalapeno sauce!
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Refrigeration time1 hour hr
    Total Time1 hour hr 5 minutes mins
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 88kcal
    Author: Sula

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup sour cream
    • 3 Tablespoons mayonnaise
    • 1 Tablespoon jalapeno fresh, minced
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon paprika
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 1/16 teaspoon ancho chili pepper
    • Dash of cumin
    • Dash of cayenne pepper

    Instructions

    • Mix all ingredients together until well blended.
    • Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 88kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 157mg | Potassium: 39mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 242IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Christie Gagnon

      January 20, 2021 at 6:59 pm

      5 stars
      Love quesadillas! Can't wait to try them with your homemade sauce!!

      Reply
      • Sula

        January 20, 2021 at 8:06 pm

        The sauce improves every flavor quesadilla I have ever tried!

        Reply
    2. Arica

      January 20, 2021 at 5:44 pm

      5 stars
      I need to make this! Sounds so good. I've never had the quesadilla sauce from Taco Bell, but I'm sure this is better!

      Reply
      • Sula

        January 20, 2021 at 8:05 pm

        It's really delicious!

        Reply
    3. Leah

      January 20, 2021 at 2:16 pm

      I’m so excited for this! I haven’t ever tried Taco Bell’s quesadillas since they are so easy to make but my husband loves them because of the sauce! I’m going to put this on his quesadilla next time to see what he thinks!

      Reply
      • Sula

        January 20, 2021 at 2:34 pm

        I'll bet he will LOVE them!

        Reply
    4. Mihaela|https://theworldisanoyster.com/

      January 20, 2021 at 11:11 am

      5 stars
      I love a spicy, Mexican recipe, and this sauce is something I have to try, surely!:))

      Reply
      • Sula

        January 20, 2021 at 11:42 am

        I hope you try it soon!

        Reply
    5. Cindy Mom, the Lunch Lady

      January 20, 2021 at 9:41 am

      5 stars
      I bet this sauce is so good! I'm obsessed with creamy chipotle sauce on everything, so I think I'd LOVE this!

      Reply
      • Sula

        January 20, 2021 at 11:41 am

        Sauces make it all even better!

        Reply
    6. Miller

      September 05, 2020 at 12:47 am

      The Quesadilla Sauce looks pretty easy to make..will try thanks

      Reply
      • Sula

        September 05, 2020 at 6:55 am

        You're welcome, I hope you try it soon!

        Reply
    7. Thaissu

      September 02, 2020 at 9:44 am

      That looks sooo delicious! I will have to make it today!

      Reply
      • Sula

        September 02, 2020 at 4:23 pm

        Give it a try!

        Reply
    8. Cookilicious

      August 08, 2020 at 2:19 am

      5 stars
      This tastes so good! Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Sula

        August 08, 2020 at 2:59 pm

        I'm so glad you like it - and you're welcome!

        Reply
    9. Tracy

      August 08, 2020 at 1:39 am

      5 stars
      LOVE a good copycat like this!! SO delicious!!

      Reply
      • Sula

        August 08, 2020 at 3:00 pm

        Thank you 🙂

        Reply
    10. Emily

      August 08, 2020 at 12:57 am

      5 stars
      I love a good copycat recipe and you really nailed taco bells quesadilla sauce with your recipe! It is just as good as the original!

      Reply
      • Sula

        August 08, 2020 at 3:01 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    11. Irina

      August 07, 2020 at 11:42 pm

      5 stars
      How come I have never made this quesadilla sauce? Your recipe sounds delicious and seems easy to make. I am going to make it tomorrow.

      Reply
      • Sula

        August 08, 2020 at 3:01 pm

        I'm sure you will love it!

        Reply
    12. Alexandra

      August 07, 2020 at 9:13 pm

      5 stars
      This is so tasty!! Perfect with a quesadilla - and better than the original if you ask me 😉

      Reply
      • Sula

        August 07, 2020 at 9:37 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    13. Scarlet

      July 30, 2020 at 9:51 am

      Thanks for the quesadilla sauce recipe. It sure looks delicious!

      Reply
      • Sula

        July 30, 2020 at 10:10 am

        You are very welcome!

        Reply
    14. Jacque

      July 28, 2020 at 3:12 pm

      5 stars
      This looks and sounds incredible! I can’t wait to whip this up and use it on everything. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Sula

        July 28, 2020 at 3:20 pm

        You're welcome - I hope you enjoy it!

        Reply
    15. Neha Khanuja

      July 28, 2020 at 1:51 pm

      Such a creamy and easy mexican sauce! I never tried making this one at home and know I think it's about time.

      Reply
      • Sula

        July 28, 2020 at 2:51 pm

        I do hope you try it, it is really delicious!

        Reply
    16. Roxana

      July 28, 2020 at 1:28 pm

      5 stars
      That looks like a really flavorful dip. Going to try it soon with all sorts of dishes.

      Reply
      • Sula

        July 28, 2020 at 2:54 pm

        Yes, once you have it you'll find all kinds of uses for it!

        Reply
    « Older Comments
    5 from 109 votes (78 ratings without comment)

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