If you’re looking to bring smoky, spicy, and creamy all together in one condiment, this Chipotle Sauce with Garlic and Sour Cream is your new kitchen hero. It balances the heat of chipotle peppers, the brightness of lime, and the richness of sour cream—with garlic rounding it all out. Whether you use it as a dip, a spread, or a sauce over grilled veggies or meats, it has versatility that’ll make you wonder how you ever got by without it.
Why This Sauce is Special
- Smoky heat with balance: Chipotle peppers in adobo give bold smokiness. The sour cream and mayonnaise calm and creamify, letting the spice shine without overwhelming.
- Customizable: Want it milder? Use fewer peppers. Want more tang or heat? Add more adobo sauce or a bit extra garlic.
- Quick & easy: Few ingredients, minimal prep, and you likely have most of them on hand already.
- Multi‑use: From tacos to roasted veggies, this sauce can elevate many dishes.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make about 8 servings (roughly 2 tablespoons per serving):
- 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
- Prep the garlic & chipotles
If you prefer a gentler garlic flavor, roast the cloves over medium heat until golden and soft. Chop the chipotle peppers roughly so they’ll blend more easily. - Blend the base
In a blender or food processor, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped chipotles + adobo sauce, garlic, lime juice, smoked paprika, cumin, and salt. Blend until smooth—about 30‑60 seconds depending on your blender. - Taste and adjust
Sample the sauce. If you want more heat, add half another pepper or more adobo sauce. If it’s too spicy, add more sour cream. Adjust salt and lime juice to suit your taste. - Check consistency
If it’s too thick, add a splash of olive oil or a teaspoon of water. Blend again briefly to incorporate. - Store and chill
Transfer the sauce to a glass jar or airtight container. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld fully.
Pairing Ideas: When to Use This Sauce
This chipotle‑garlic sour cream sauce is great with:
- Tacos & burritos — especially fish tacos or grilled chicken tacos
- Burgers & sandwiches — use it instead of plain mayo or as a spicy spread
- Roasted vegetables — carrots, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts get an upgrade drizzled with this sauce
- Grilled meats — chicken, pork, steak, shrimp
- Dips & chips — works wonderfully as a dipping sauce for chips, fries, even fresh vegetables
Tips & FAQ
- Best chipotle form: Use chipotle peppers in adobo (canned) for convenience and authentic flavor.
- Healthier option: Swap sour cream and mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for fewer calories, more protein.
- Storage: Keep in fridge in airtight container; it stays good for ~5‑7 days. Flavor usually improves after a day.
- Marinade use: This sauce can double as a marinade—especially great for chicken or shrimp.
Recipe Summary
| Prep Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|
| ~10 minutes | ~10 minutes | ~8 servings (≈ 2 Tbsp each) |