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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 85 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. Angela

      July 28, 2020 at 12:44 pm

      5 stars
      Copy cat recipes are so much fun. This sauce is really tasty and perfect to use at home.

      Reply
      • Sula

        July 28, 2020 at 2:53 pm

        Yes, and no trip to the Taco Bell drive through! LOL

        Reply
    2. Emmeline

      July 28, 2020 at 12:08 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Sula

        July 28, 2020 at 12:17 pm

        Oh yes, I highly recommend!

        Reply
    3. Connie

      June 21, 2020 at 4:14 am

      5 stars
      Omg this is heaven! Love Taco Bells sauce and now I can make it at home! So exciting!

      Reply
      • Sula

        June 21, 2020 at 7:44 am

        It opens up a whole new world!!

        Reply
    4. Kelsey

      June 20, 2020 at 3:50 pm

      5 stars
      My favorite !

      Reply
      • Sula

        June 20, 2020 at 4:03 pm

        Mine too!

        Reply
    5. Debbie

      June 20, 2020 at 2:47 pm

      5 stars
      So good! Better than Taco Bell if you ask me!

      Reply
      • Sula

        June 20, 2020 at 3:28 pm

        Its always better when you can make everything exactly the way you like it!!

        Reply
    6. Lathiya

      June 19, 2020 at 2:50 pm

      5 stars
      My kids love Quesadilla and I'm sure they will love to have this dip along.

      Reply
      • Sula

        June 19, 2020 at 8:10 pm

        Guaranteed!

        Reply
    7. Big Trouble

      June 18, 2020 at 4:18 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Sula

        June 18, 2020 at 5:27 pm

        I'll put it on the list!

        Reply
    8. Debra

      June 16, 2020 at 8:53 pm

      5 stars
      a great sauce....happy to have the recipe now...so we can have it all the time, at home.

      Reply
      • Sula

        June 17, 2020 at 7:30 am

        Everyone loves the addition of this copycat sauce to their quesadillas!

        Reply
    9. Patrice

      June 16, 2020 at 4:36 pm

      5 stars
      I love a good quesadilla sauce and your recipe looks great! Love the spices!

      Reply
      • Sula

        June 16, 2020 at 5:18 pm

        Thanks, I hope you enjoy it!

        Reply
    10. Chef Dennis

      June 16, 2020 at 4:30 pm

      5 stars
      You've just made me very happy by giving me the copycat recipe to Taco Bells quesadilla sauce!!

      Reply
      • Sula

        June 16, 2020 at 5:18 pm

        It makes every quesadilla just a little bit better!

        Reply
    11. Leslie

      June 16, 2020 at 12:33 pm

      5 stars
      What a great recipe to try! This looks like perfection!

      Reply
      • Sula

        June 16, 2020 at 1:11 pm

        It's a winner for sure!

        Reply
    12. Jess

      June 16, 2020 at 10:11 am

      5 stars
      I LOVE this sauce! And now I love that I don't have to hop in the car to satisfy my craving!

      Reply
      • Sula

        June 16, 2020 at 11:05 am

        Much more convenient this way!

        Reply
    13. Jen Talley

      June 16, 2020 at 9:15 am

      5 stars
      So cool! We love making cheese and chicken quesadillas so this will be perfect! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Sula

        June 16, 2020 at 9:49 am

        Oh yes, it seems to work great on pretty much any kind of quesadilla!

        Reply
    14. Michele Peterson

      June 16, 2020 at 8:52 am

      5 stars
      This quesadilla sauce is super versatile! I used it on grilled chicken breasts and it was delish!

      Reply
      • Sula

        June 16, 2020 at 9:48 am

        Sounds divine!

        Reply
    15. Amy

      June 15, 2020 at 11:53 pm

      5 stars
      Great recipe! I don't eat enough Mexican cuisine but then again I haven't found easy to follow recipes. Thanks for this!

      Reply
      • Sula

        June 16, 2020 at 6:07 am

        Enjoy!

        Reply
    16. Lizet Bowen

      June 15, 2020 at 4:02 pm

      5 stars
      I can't wait to try it! living outside the US we are always looking for copycat recipes. This is a keeper!

      Reply
      • Sula

        June 15, 2020 at 5:26 pm

        Oh yes, I'll bet that is a challenge! Hope this copycat helps!

        Reply
    17. Marina

      June 15, 2020 at 11:52 am

      5 stars
      Love this quesadilla recipe, so easy and yummy!

      Reply
      • Sula

        June 15, 2020 at 12:49 pm

        Easy and yummy wins the day!

        Reply
    18. Emily Flint

      June 15, 2020 at 11:21 am

      5 stars
      Wow, this quesadilla sauce did not disappoint. I am putting this on EVERYTHING!!

      Reply
      • Sula

        June 15, 2020 at 12:49 pm

        Yes, it's that kind of sauce!

        Reply
    19. Jas @ All that's Jas

      June 15, 2020 at 9:24 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Sula

        June 15, 2020 at 9:29 am

        You are welcome. It really makes my quesadillas taste so much better!

        Reply
    20. MAren

      June 15, 2020 at 8:44 am

      5 stars
      This looks so good

      Reply
      • Sula

        June 15, 2020 at 9:29 am

        Thank you, I hope you enjoy it on your next quesadilla! Just like a trip to Taco Bell!

        Reply
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