Name: Chipotle Garlic Sour Cream Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 1 cup sour cream; ¼ cup mayonnaise; 2 whole chipotle peppers in adobo; 1 tbsp adobo sauce (from the chipotle peppers); 2 cloves garlic, minced (or roasted for a milder flavor); 1 tbsp fresh lime juice; ½ tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp cumin; ½ tsp salt, or to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, to adjust texture if needed)

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Introduction

This chipotle sauce with garlic and sour cream is a creamy, smoky, and spicy condiment that elevates a variety of dishes. Perfect for tacos, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables, it adds a flavorful kick with minimal effort.

A close-up image of a white bowl filled with a thick, creamy sauce that is light orange in color with small specks of spices throughout. A spoon with a gold handle is scooping the sauce, held by a woman's hand visible near the top left corner. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, with green lime pieces and green herb leaves softly blurred in the background. The sauce looks smooth and rich in texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup sour cream
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 whole chipotle peppers in adobo + 1 tbsp adobo sauce (adjust for desired spiciness)
2 cloves garlic, minced (or roasted for milder, deeper flavor)
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp salt, or to taste
1 tbsp olive oil (optional, to adjust texture if needed)

Instructions

Step 1: If you prefer a gentler garlic flavor, roast the garlic cloves over medium heat until golden and soft. Roughly chop the chipotle peppers to help them blend more easily.
Step 2: In a blender or food processor, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped chipotle peppers and adobo sauce, garlic, lime juice, smoked paprika, cumin, and salt. Blend until smooth, about 30 to 60 seconds depending on your blender.
Step 3: Taste the sauce and adjust the heat by adding half another chipotle pepper or more adobo sauce if desired. If it is too spicy, add more sour cream. Adjust salt and lime juice to your preference.
Step 4: Check the consistency. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of olive oil or a teaspoon of water and blend briefly to combine.
Step 5: Transfer the sauce to a glass jar or airtight container and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld fully.

Tips & Variations

Use canned chipotle peppers in adobo for the best flavor and convenience.
For a healthier option, substitute sour cream and mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for fewer calories and added protein.
This sauce doubles as a flavorful marinade, especially great for chicken or shrimp.

Storage

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 5 to 7 days and the flavor often improves after sitting for a day. Reheat is generally unnecessary, but you can bring it to room temperature before serving if desired.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a creamy, smooth light orange sauce with tiny dark specks throughout, giving it a mild textured look; a golden spoon held by a woman's hand dips into the sauce, lifting a rounded spoonful that creates a slight curve above the bowl's surface. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with scattered green cilantro leaves in the background and partially visible fresh lime halves and a blue-striped cloth nearby. The overall image has bright, natural lighting highlighting the sauce's creamy texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce less spicy?

Yes, reduce the number of chipotle peppers or adobo sauce, or add extra sour cream to mellow the heat while maintaining the flavor.

What dishes pair well with chipotle sauce?

This sauce is excellent on tacos, burritos, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, burgers, sandwiches, and as a dip for chips or fresh vegetables.