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    Home » Sauces » Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce (Copycat Creamy Jalapeno)

    Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce (Copycat Creamy Jalapeno)

    Published: Jun 11, 2020 · Modified: Nov 8, 2021 by Sula · This post may contain affiliate links · 72 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    Ask almost anyone who’s had a Taco Bell quesadilla and they’ll agree: The sauce is BOSS. It provides that little extra something in your quesadilla that keeps you coming back.

    Quesadillas are so easy to make at home! Can the same be said for the sauce? Is it possible to make yourself? I say yes! 😀

    What’s in Taco Bell’s Quesadilla sauce?

    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 this Copycat Quesadilla (creamy jalapeno) Sauce

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

    • Mix everything together
    • Put it in the fridge
    • Done! 😄

    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?

    small red bowl with quesadilla sauce garnished with jalapeno slices

    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.

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

    or Both!

    taco bell quesadilla sauce in a red bowl, sliced jalapenos on top
    5 from 61 votes
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    Taco Bell (Copycat) Quesadilla Sauce

    Homemade Quesadillas just got a little better with this creamy jalapeno sauce!
    Prep Time5 mins
    Refrigeration time1 hr
    Total Time1 hr 5 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.

    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 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
    « Jalapeno Popper Hasselback Chicken
    Chinese Chicken on a Stick »

    Filed Under: Sauces Tagged With: appetizers, Sauce, Snackatizer

    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
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