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.
Place all ingredients 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.
Use this Taco Bell quesadilla sauce inside your burrito/quesadilla, or as a dipping sauce.
or Both!
Taco Bell (Copycat) Quesadilla Sauce
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.
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 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:
Angela
Copy cat recipes are so much fun. This sauce is really tasty and perfect to use at home.
Sula
Yes, and no trip to the Taco Bell drive through! LOL
Emmeline
I haven't had the taco bell version but even so - I need to try this sauce! It sounds amazing and I love quesadillas so it will be great to have a new sauce to dip them in. Yum!
Sula
Oh yes, I highly recommend!
Connie
Omg this is heaven! Love Taco Bells sauce and now I can make it at home! So exciting!
Sula
It opens up a whole new world!!
Kelsey
My favorite !
Sula
Mine too!
Debbie
So good! Better than Taco Bell if you ask me!
Sula
Its always better when you can make everything exactly the way you like it!!
Lathiya
My kids love Quesadilla and I'm sure they will love to have this dip along.
Sula
Guaranteed!
Big Trouble
OMG! OMG! OMG! This is incredible! Thanks for spreading the word. Can you next do Olive Garden's salad and dressing? It's so good!
Sula
I'll put it on the list!
Debra
a great sauce....happy to have the recipe now...so we can have it all the time, at home.
Sula
Everyone loves the addition of this copycat sauce to their quesadillas!
Patrice
I love a good quesadilla sauce and your recipe looks great! Love the spices!
Sula
Thanks, I hope you enjoy it!
Chef Dennis
You've just made me very happy by giving me the copycat recipe to Taco Bells quesadilla sauce!!
Sula
It makes every quesadilla just a little bit better!
Leslie
What a great recipe to try! This looks like perfection!
Sula
It's a winner for sure!
Jess
I LOVE this sauce! And now I love that I don't have to hop in the car to satisfy my craving!
Sula
Much more convenient this way!
Jen Talley
So cool! We love making cheese and chicken quesadillas so this will be perfect! Thanks!
Sula
Oh yes, it seems to work great on pretty much any kind of quesadilla!
Michele Peterson
This quesadilla sauce is super versatile! I used it on grilled chicken breasts and it was delish!
Sula
Sounds divine!
Amy
Great recipe! I don't eat enough Mexican cuisine but then again I haven't found easy to follow recipes. Thanks for this!
Sula
Enjoy!
Lizet Bowen
I can't wait to try it! living outside the US we are always looking for copycat recipes. This is a keeper!
Sula
Oh yes, I'll bet that is a challenge! Hope this copycat helps!
Marina
Love this quesadilla recipe, so easy and yummy!
Sula
Easy and yummy wins the day!
Emily Flint
Wow, this quesadilla sauce did not disappoint. I am putting this on EVERYTHING!!
Sula
Yes, it's that kind of sauce!
Jas @ All that's Jas
Love how crispy that quesadilla is! A perfect vessel to scoop up the yummy sauce. I haven't been to Taco Bell in a while and now I don't ever have to go back! Thanks for sharing your copycat recipe!
Sula
You are welcome. It really makes my quesadillas taste so much better!
MAren
This looks so good
Sula
Thank you, I hope you enjoy it on your next quesadilla! Just like a trip to Taco Bell!