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!
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:
- Mix everything together
- Put it in the fridge
- Done! 😄
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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.
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.
Use this Taco Bell quesadilla sauce inside your burrito/quesadilla, or as a dipping sauce.
or Both!
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
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. 😀
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. 😄
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:
📖 Recipe
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Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce Recipe
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
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Christie Gagnon
Love quesadillas! Can't wait to try them with your homemade sauce!!
Sula
The sauce improves every flavor quesadilla I have ever tried!
Arica
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!
Sula
It's really delicious!
Leah
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!
Sula
I'll bet he will LOVE them!
Mihaela|https://theworldisanoyster.com/
I love a spicy, Mexican recipe, and this sauce is something I have to try, surely!:))
Sula
I hope you try it soon!
Cindy Mom, the Lunch Lady
I bet this sauce is so good! I'm obsessed with creamy chipotle sauce on everything, so I think I'd LOVE this!
Sula
Sauces make it all even better!
Miller
The Quesadilla Sauce looks pretty easy to make..will try thanks
Sula
You're welcome, I hope you try it soon!
Thaissu
That looks sooo delicious! I will have to make it today!
Sula
Give it a try!
Cookilicious
This tastes so good! Thanks for the recipe!
Sula
I'm so glad you like it - and you're welcome!
Tracy
LOVE a good copycat like this!! SO delicious!!
Sula
Thank you 🙂
Emily
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!
Sula
Thank you!
Irina
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.
Sula
I'm sure you will love it!
Alexandra
This is so tasty!! Perfect with a quesadilla - and better than the original if you ask me 😉
Sula
Thank you!
Scarlet
Thanks for the quesadilla sauce recipe. It sure looks delicious!
Sula
You are very welcome!
Jacque
This looks and sounds incredible! I can’t wait to whip this up and use it on everything. Thank you!
Sula
You're welcome - I hope you enjoy it!
Neha Khanuja
Such a creamy and easy mexican sauce! I never tried making this one at home and know I think it's about time.
Sula
I do hope you try it, it is really delicious!
Roxana
That looks like a really flavorful dip. Going to try it soon with all sorts of dishes.
Sula
Yes, once you have it you'll find all kinds of uses for it!