Dinner

Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce Recipe

ByLily Monroe January 27, 2026January 27, 2026

Introduction

This copycat Taco Bell quesadilla sauce brings a creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy flavor to your homemade quesadillas. It’s easy to make with common ingredients and adds a delicious twist that will impress your family and friends.

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface, holding five golden brown quesadilla wedges arranged in a circle. At the center of the plate is a small white bowl filled with a creamy beige dipping sauce speckled with red and green bits. A gold spoon rests in the bowl, with some sauce on it. The quesadillas have a slightly crispy texture with varied brown spots across their surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
3 tablespoons pickled jalapeno juice (from a jar of pickled jalapenos)
3 tablespoons pickled jalapenos (diced)
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon granulated garlic (or garlic powder)
1 teaspoon granulated onion (or onion powder)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon granulated sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Transfer the sauce to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Tips & Variations

Adjust the amount of pickled jalapenos for a milder or spicier sauce depending on your preference.
For a smoother texture, strain the sauce after blending to remove any jalapeno bits.
Use fresh jalapenos if you prefer a fresher, less tangy flavor, but reduce the juice accordingly.

Storage

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Before serving, give it a quick stir. This sauce is best enjoyed chilled but can be brought to room temperature if preferred.

How to Serve

A small white bowl filled with light orange creamy dip that looks smooth and soft. Several triangular pieces of warm, lightly toasted pita bread with golden-brown spots are dipped and resting inside the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with some blurred green herbs visible nearby. The lighting highlights the texture of the dip and the bread. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh jalapenos instead of pickled ones?

Yes, you can substitute fresh jalapenos, but keep in mind the sauce will be less tangy and may have a different heat level. Adjust the quantity and add a splash of lime juice for some acidity if desired.

Is this sauce suitable for vegans?

No, this recipe contains mayonnaise and sour cream which are dairy-based. To make a vegan version, substitute with vegan mayo and a plant-based sour cream alternative.