If you love a creamy sauce with a smoky kick, this Chipotle Mayo Recipe is about to become your new secret weapon! It brings together velvety mayo, zingy lime, adobo-infused chipotle peppers, and a dash of spice for a condiment that transforms even the simplest meal into something crave-worthy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-Packed Zing: The chipotle peppers and lime juice create a smoky, tangy creaminess that instantly livens up any dish.
- Ridiculously Easy: Simply blend everything together (seriously, it’s just a couple of steps), and your Chipotle Mayo Recipe is ready in minutes!
- Super Versatile: Use this mayo on tacos, burgers, fries, roasted vegetables, sandwiches, or even as a dip—it’s an instant upgrade.
- Customizable Heat: You’re the boss! Adjust the chipotles for a mild, medium, or fiery kick to match your mood or menu.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of pantry and fridge staples for this recipe, but each one brings something delicious to the table. Every ingredient plays its part—from the coolness of mayo and crema to that irresistible smoky heat from the chipotle peppers.
- Mayonnaise: The rich, creamy base—use the best quality you can find for optimal flavor and texture.
- Sour cream or Mexican crema: Adds tanginess and a silky finish; Mexican crema brings extra authenticity.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: The heart of the smoky flavor and heat—add more or less to dial up or down the spice.
- Lime juice: Freshly squeezed for essential brightness and zing; it balances the richness beautifully.
- Paprika: Rounds out the smokiness and adds color.
- Cumin: Brings earthiness and warmth; a little goes a long way.
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning—don’t skip this final touch to make all the flavors pop.
Variations
The best part about making your own Chipotle Mayo Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to suit your cravings or dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment—your taste buds will thank you!
- Garlic Chipotle Mayo: Blend in a clove of fresh minced garlic or a sprinkle of garlic powder for an irresistible garlicky note.
- Vegan Swap: Use your favorite vegan mayo and non-dairy yogurt or vegan sour cream for a plant-based version.
- Extra Herbs: Toss in a handful of fresh cilantro for herby freshness and a pop of color.
- Smokier Flavor: Add a pinch more smoked paprika or some chili powder for an even bolder, deeper profile.
How to Make Chipotle Mayo Recipe
Step 1: Combine All Ingredients
Add the mayonnaise, sour cream (or crema), chipotle peppers, lime juice, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper straight into your food processor or blender. This ensures a smooth and fully integrated dip (no hand-mixing struggles here!).
Step 2: Blend Until Smooth
Whirl everything together for 30–60 seconds, scraping down the sides once. You’re looking for a creamy, absolutely lump-free consistency—those chipotle peppers should be perfectly pureed and the sauce an even, peachy-orange color.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Now’s the fun part! Dip in a spoon and adjust—add another chipotle for more heat, more lime for tang, or extra salt as needed. Blend again briefly, then transfer to a bowl for serving or a jar for storing.
Pro Tips for Making Chipotle Mayo Recipe
- Pick Your Peppers Wisely: Start with two chipotles and taste—adobo sauce can be spicy! Add more chipotles if you’re in the mood for a real fiery flavor.
- Get Saucy: Don’t just use the peppers—scoop in a little of the adobo sauce from the can to infuse an extra layer of smokiness and heat.
- Chill for Best Flavor: Let your Chipotle Mayo Recipe rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving if you have time—the flavors meld and get even better.
- Consistency Control: For a thinner sauce (perfect for drizzle), add a spoonful more lime juice or sour cream until it’s just right for pouring.
How to Serve Chipotle Mayo Recipe
Garnishes
Top your Chipotle Mayo Recipe with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, extra lime zest, or a dusting of smoked paprika for a pop of color and flavor. Even a few minced chives work beautifully for a little something special.
Side Dishes
This sauce is magic with crispy fries, roasted sweet potatoes, fajitas, grilled shrimp, or even classic chips. It pairs fantastically with just about any Tex-Mex or Mexican-inspired meal and, of course, turns any burger or sandwich into a bold new favorite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Chipotle Mayo Recipe in a fun squeeze bottle for artistic drizzling, or swirl it on a platter for dipping roasted veggies and fries. In mini bowls for taco night, it’s sure to be the star of a toppings bar—or impress brunch guests by drizzling it over eggs Benedict!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Chipotle Mayo Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to a week, and you’ll probably use it up before then—it’s just that tasty!
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for this mayo-based sauce—thawing can separate and change the texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the fridge, but you can always whip up another quick batch when you crave more.
Reheating
This is a cold sauce, so no reheating needed! If it thickens up after chilling, just give it a quick stir or leave it out for 5–10 minutes at room temperature to soften before serving.
FAQs
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Can I make this Chipotle Mayo Recipe without a blender?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a food processor or blender, finely mince the chipotle peppers until almost a paste and whisk everything together by hand. The sauce may be a little chunkier, but the flavors will be just as punchy.
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How spicy is the Chipotle Mayo Recipe?
That’s completely up to you! Start with two chipotle peppers for mild to medium heat, then blend in a third (or more) if you love it hot. Always taste and adjust as you go.
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What can I do if my mayo turns out too spicy?
If your Chipotle Mayo Recipe packs too much punch, simply blend in more mayo, sour cream, or a splash of lime juice to mellow it out. A pinch of sugar can also help tame extra heat without diluting flavor.
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Is this sauce gluten-free?
Yes! All the main ingredients in this Chipotle Mayo Recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your specific brands of mayo and chipotle peppers to ensure there are no hidden wheat-based additives.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a way to spark up everyday meals, you have to try this Chipotle Mayo Recipe. It comes together so quickly, and once you taste that smoky-creamy kick, you’ll want to drizzle it on everything—so go ahead, spice up your table and enjoy every bite!
Print
Chipotle Mayo Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Blend
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Spice up your meals with this easy-to-make Chipotle Mayo recipe. Creamy, smoky, and tangy, this condiment is perfect for adding a flavorful kick to sandwiches, tacos, burgers, and more.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sour cream or Mexican crema
- 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- Juice from 1/2 small lime
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a food processor or blender.
- Taste and adjust to your personal preferences. Serve and enjoy.
Process until smooth.
Notes
- Makes about 1 cup of chipotle mayo.
- Additional Ingredients: Garlic, chili powder, fresh cilantro
- Serving Suggestions: Perfect for Mexican or Tex Mex dishes, sandwiches, and more.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 6mg
