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This smoky chipotle mayo turns basic sandwiches and burgers into standout meals with just one quick swipe. The fiery kick from chipotle peppers mixed with smooth mayonnaise makes a flexible topping that makes anything taste better.
I came up with this spread a while back during a summer cookout when I wanted something extra for the burgers. Now everyone asks for it whenever we get together, and I always keep some in my fridge for quick meals.
Ingredients
- Mayonnaise: creates the smooth foundation; go for high-quality full-fat mayo for top flavor
- Sour cream: brings a nice tang and helps cool down the heat
- Canned chipotle peppers: give that distinctive smoky kick; pick ones that seem juicy and shiny
- Adobo sauce: from the chipotle can deepens the smoky notes
- Fresh lime juice: adds a fresh zing; don't use bottled stuff
- Smoked paprika: boosts the smokiness without extra spiciness
- Granulated garlic: gives flavor depth without the bite of fresh garlic
Simple Instructions
- Mix everything together:
- Put mayonnaise, sour cream, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice, smoked paprika, and granulated garlic in a small bowl. Don't forget to drain extra liquid from the peppers first.
- Mix until it's smooth:
- With an immersion blender on low, give the mixture a few pulses until it looks right. Keep the blender down in the mix to avoid splashing sauce everywhere. For a chunkier spread, blend less.
- Let it sit for better flavor:
- Let the mayo rest for at least an hour before using it. This waiting time is really important as it lets all the flavors come together nicely. It actually tastes even better if you leave it in the fridge overnight.
What I love most about this is how many ways you can use it. I first noticed how amazing it was when I put some on cold chicken and made the tastiest chicken sandwich ever. Since then, it's become my go-to kitchen secret weapon.
Spice Level Options
The great thing about making chipotle mayo at home is you can make it exactly as hot as you want. For a gentle version with smokiness but not too much heat, just use one pepper with seeds taken out. Medium heat comes when you use two peppers and remove some seeds. For serious heat that won't totally overwhelm everything else, throw in three peppers with all their seeds.
Just know that the spiciness grows stronger as it sits. I've learned to make mine a bit milder than I think I want because it usually gets hotter after a night in the fridge.
Fun Ways To Use It Beyond Sandwiches
While this stuff is perfect on sandwiches and burgers, you can do so much more with it. Drizzle some over grilled corn for instant Mexican street corn vibes. Use it as a dip for sweet potato fries or roasted veggies. Add extra lime juice to thin it out for an awesome taco salad dressing. Mix a spoonful into your eggs before cooking for tastier breakfasts.
My favorite surprising way to use it? Spreading a thin layer on flour tortillas before making quesadillas. The flavor soaks into the melting cheese and makes everything taste incredible.
Easy Swaps
Don't have sour cream? Plain Greek yogurt works great and adds some protein too. In a hurry? Many stores now sell chipotle paste in tubes that can replace both the peppers and sauce. Counting calories? Light mayo can work, though it'll be a bit runnier.
If you need a vegan option, just use plant mayo and non-dairy yogurt instead of sour cream. The taste stays almost exactly the same and everyone at your table can enjoy it no matter what they eat.
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Recipe FAQs
- → How long will this chipotle mayo keep in the fridge?
When you pop it in an airtight container and keep it chilled, your homemade chipotle mayo should stay good for about a week to ten days. Just make sure you're using clean spoons each time you dig in.
- → Can I tone down the heat in this spread?
You bet! Just start with one pepper and give it a taste test. You can always add more later. Taking out the seeds helps cut the heat too while keeping all that smoky goodness.
- → What foods go well with this spicy spread?
This stuff goes with practically everything! Slather it on burgers, sandwiches, and tacos. It's awesome for dipping fries, veggies, or grilled chicken. You can even mix it into your salad dressings for extra kick.
- → Will Greek yogurt work instead of sour cream?
Greek yogurt works great as a stand-in! It'll give you that same tangy zip with a bit less fat, making your mayo a touch lighter.
- → Where do I find these chipotle peppers in adobo?
You'll spot those canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce in the international foods aisle or Mexican section at most grocery stores. They come in small cans, and you can freeze any leftover peppers for your next batch.
- → Got any vegan options for this mayo?
Sure thing! Just swap in your favorite vegan mayo brand and use a dairy-free sour cream alternative or add extra vegan mayo instead. You'll get the same creamy texture and amazing flavor punch without any animal products.