Chipotle Mayo
This chipotle mayo recipe is ready in only 5 minutes! It’s a pleasantly smoky and creamy addition to fries, sandwiches, burgers, and even tacos!
Chipotle mayo is one of those sauces that instantly transforms a dish. The smoky heat from chipotle peppers, combined with creamy mayo, a little sour cream, garlic, and fresh lime juice, creates a sauce that works on everything from burgers and wraps to fries and tacos. It comes together in just a few minutes, but tastes like something that took far more effort.
What to Put Chipotle Mayo On
This sauce works best with foods that benefit from smoky heat, creamy texture, and bold flavor. Here are some of the best ways to use it:
- Slather it on burgers – A natural fit for many burgers. It adds richness and spice that complements the savory flavors of a Southwest-style burger with fresh guacamole. For more sauce pairing ideas, take a look at our sauce guide for burgers.
- Spread on sandwiches and wraps – Try it on veggie, steak or chicken handhelds, like a chipotle chicken burrito, for added smoky heat and creaminess in each bite.
- Use as a dip for potato sides – Perfect for fries or sweet potato wedges, where the creamy texture balances the crisp exterior.
- Spoon over breakfast dishes – A great addition to egg-based sandwiches like an egg white breakfast sandwich for extra flavor.
- Use as a finishing sauce – Add a small amount to grilled meats or roasted vegetables to bring heat and creaminess without overpowering the dish.
For a complementary but different flavor profile, garlic aioli is a great alternative.
Key Ingredients
This chipotle mayo combines creamy mayonnaise, smoky chipotle peppers, and fresh lime juice for a smooth sauce with balanced heat and tangy flavor.
Base & Body — Mayonnaise creates the creamy foundation and rich texture of the sauce. Sour cream adds tanginess and slightly lightens the consistency for a smoother, more balanced finish.
Heat & Smoky Flavor — Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce provide the signature smoky heat that defines chipotle mayo. The adobo sauce itself adds extra depth and concentrated smoky flavor throughout the sauce.
Acid & Balance — Fresh lime juice brightens the sauce and helps balance the richness of the mayonnaise and sour cream.
Seasoning — Salt enhances all the flavors and ties the sauce together.
How to Make This Sauce
Step 1 — Add the ingredients
Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, fresh lime juice, and salt to a tall mixing cup or small blender jar.
Step 2 — Blend
Blend the mixture until completely smooth and creamy.
Step 3 — Adjust the consistency
Add water or lime juice and blend again until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 4 — Taste and adjust
Taste and adjust the salt, lime juice, and adobo sauce as needed.
Step 5 — Serve
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 10–15 minutes.
Fnd the detailed recipe, including all measurements, in the recipe card below.
Tips for the Best Outcome
- A regular blender or food processor works just as well if you don’t have an immersion blender.
- Chipotle peppers can be quite strong. Begin with a small amount, then add more to reach your preferred heat level.
- For the best texture, make sure the chipotle peppers are very finely chopped or fully blended into the sauce.
- After mixing, let the sauce sit for 10–15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the heat to distribute evenly.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small amount of water or extra lime juice to loosen it slightly.
Chipotle Mayo
Equipment
- Immersion blender
- Tall mixing cup
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 tbsp adobo sauce (from the can)
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp kosher salt
Directions
- Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice, and salt to a tall mixing cup or blender jar.
- Blend with an immersion blender until smooth and creamy, with no visible chunks remaining. Scrape down the sides if needed to ensure everything is fully incorporated. If too thick, add a small splash of water or lime juice and blend again until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the salt, lime juice, or adobo sauce if needed.
- Serve immediately or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
- A regular blender or food processor work in place of an immersion blender.
- For a milder sauce, use only one chipotle pepper.
- For more heat, add an additional chipotle pepper or extra adobo sauce.
- Allow the sauce to rest in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes for best flavor.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
How Spicy Is It?
This recipe produces a medium-spice chipotle mayo.
Chipotle peppers are smoked and dried jalapeños, so they bring both heat and smoky flavor. The mayonnaise and sour cream help mellow the spice, creating a balanced sauce that most people find pleasantly spicy rather than overpowering.
If you want to adjust the heat:
- Milder: use only one chipotle pepper or rely only on the adobo sauce.
- Spicier: add another chipotle pepper or more adobo sauce.
Variations
Chipotle mayo is easy to adjust depending on your preferred level of heat, acidity, and richness.
- Lime-forward chipotle mayo — Increase the lime juice slightly for a brighter, more citrus-forward flavor. This tastes especially good on burritos, bowls, and lighter dishes.
- Creamier chipotle sauce — Add more sour cream for a milder, smoother sauce. This reduces the intensity of the chipotle while keeping the texture rich and balanced.
- Chipotle mayo without sour cream — You can omit the sour cream and use only mayonnaise for a richer, more traditional texture. The flavor will be slightly heavier but still well balanced.
How to Store
- Chipotle mayo should always be stored in the refrigerator due to its mayonnaise base and dairy content.
- Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Before using, give it a quick stir, as slight separation can occur over time.
- For best quality, keep it chilled and avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods. The flavor will continue to develop slightly as it rests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make chipotle mayo?
To make chipotle mayo, blend mayonnaise, sour cream, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, adobo sauce, lime juice, and salt until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, then let it rest briefly before serving.
What is chipotle mayo made of?
Chipotle mayo is typically made with mayonnaise, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, lime juice, and seasonings. Some versions include sour cream for added tang and a slightly lighter texture.
Is chipotle mayo the same as chipotle aioli?
Not exactly. Traditional aioli is made from garlic and oil, while chipotle mayo uses mayonnaise as the base. However, the terms chipotle aioli and chipotle mayo are often used interchangeably in modern recipes.
Can I make chipotle mayo without chipotle peppers?
Chipotle peppers provide the signature smoky flavor, so the sauce will not taste the same without them. However, you can use smoked paprika and chili powder as a substitute to create a similar flavor profile.
How long does homemade chipotle mayo last?
Homemade chipotle mayo will last up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Sign up to receive more gnarly recipes like this one!
By signing up, you agree to receive emails from Gnarly Lunchbox. You can unsubscribe at any time. View our Privacy Policy for more information.
