Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce Recipe (2024)

· 31 Comments

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

This Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce is creamy and spicy and tastes JUST like the original. From a former Taco Bell worker and current Taco Bell lover.

Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce Recipe (1)

Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce

I have a little confession to make.

I LOVE Taco Bell. It's my guilty pleasure. 🙈

I know, I know. It's not even real Mexican food, but I just love it. I actually used to work at Taco Bell in college! Gotta pay tuition somehow!

My favorite go-to item is a cheese quesadilla. The only thing that really makes a Taco Bell quesadilla different from any other quesadilla on the street is the Taco Bell Quesadilla sauce.

AKA - The creamy jalapeno sauce, or CJ sauce, as we used to call it when I worked there.

So, in an effort to save money (as always) and to feel slightly less guilty about the junk-food-factor, I've come up with this copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce recipe that is 💣

This will satisfy your Taco Bell quesadilla craving and it tastes Just. Like. The original. I swear it.

The Jalapeno Juice

You might notice that the recipe calls for jalapeno juice.

What the heck is jalapeno juice? It's what I'm calling the liquid from a jar of canned/jarred jalapenos. It could also (probably more accurately) be called pickled jalapeno brine.

You don't need to buy it separately. It's just in the can or jar from the jalapenos you're using!

Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce Recipe (2)

Delicious Quesadilla Add-ins

Even though I love cheese quesadillas best, sometimes it's fun to mix it up. Try these ideas for some fun new flavors.

  • Ground beef - great way to use up leftover taco meat!
  • Steak - grill it or fry it in a pan. For the tenderest steak, cook it whole, let rest, then slice against the grain.
  • Chicken - grill it, bake it, cook it in the slow cooker, or even get it pre-packaged from the store.
  • Pulled pork - another great use for leftovers.
  • Black beans and corn - makes a yummy vegetarian, Tex-Mex style quesadilla.
  • Jalapenos - Spice it up with some spicy peppers. You can also try green chiles, serranos, or habaneros.
  • Bacon - because you should put bacon on everything.

What Do I Serve with Them?

A simple, fresh green salad is always a winner.

I also like to serve it with sour cream, homemade salsa (I always have some in my fridge because you never know when a salsa craving will strike!), and homemade guacamole.

Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce Recipe (3)

What Else Can You Use Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce for?

Maybe you have extra or maybe you just love this stuff. Either way, there's lots of ways to use up this yummy sauce.

  • Dip - Use it as a dip for chips or just dunk your quesadilla right in.
  • Taco Sauce - Use it on any tacos or fajitas.
  • Burrito Bowl - A little drizzle on a burrito or taco bowl will add just the right amount of creamy kick.
  • Burgers - Use it instead of mayo on a burger piled high with your other favorite toppings, like fresh jalapenos, avocado, and cheese.
  • Chicken Tenders - Maybe not the most refined plate choice, but still yummy on occasion. Dip in the creamy jalapeno sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Nachos - Drizzle it on top with cheese and all your favorite toppings.
  • Sour cream substitute - use it in place of sour cream in your favorite Tex-Mex or Mexican inspired recipes, like the filling in these Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas.

More Mexican Inspired Recipes You'll Love

  • Homemade Restaurant Style Salsa - Super easy 5 minute recipe in the food processor for the best salsa you can eat outside of an authentic Mexican restaurant.
  • Authentic Guacamole - creamy and delicious for dipping and chips.
  • Easy Taco Dip - Use your Taco Bell quesadilla sauce in this yummy dip!
  • Rice and Black Bean Burritos - Easy and cheap to make, and delicious to eat, smothered in red sauce and cheese.
  • Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice - another favorite copycat recipe!

Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce Recipe (4)

Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce

Cheese Quesadillas with Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce tastes JUST like the original. From a former Taco Bell worker and current Taco Bell Quesadilla addict.

4.81 from 21 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main, Main Course, Main Dish

Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex

Keyword: Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce, Copycat Taco Bell Quesadillas, Creamy Jalapeno Sauce

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 103kcal

Author: Michelle

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup mayo
  • 2 tablespoons minced pickled jalapeno slices
  • 1 tablespoon juice from jarred jalapenos
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • teaspoon cayenne

For the quesadillas

  • ½ tablespoon butter or oil
  • ½ cup shredded cheese per quesadilla
  • 2 flour tortillas (or one large burrito size) per quesadilla

Instructions

  • Add all sauce ingredients to a medium mixing bowl. Whisk until combined.

  • Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until ready to use.

To Make Quesadillas

  • Add butter or oil to a skillet and heat over medium heat.

  • Assemble quesadilla(s): Layer a tortilla, shredded cheese, add-ins (see notes above), and 2 tablespoons quesadilla sauce.

  • Cook in hot skillet until both sides are golden and cheese is melted (about 5 minutes).

Notes

Nutrition facts are for the quesadilla sauce only. One serving is two tablespoons (2 T), or about 30g.

  • This recipe is naturally keto, gluten free, and dairy free.
  • If you have a food processor, you can throw all of the ingredients in for the sauce, mix it up, and it's done.
  • Do I have to chill it? No, you can eat it right away if you can't wait. But it's really best after the flavors mingle, so I highly recommend chilling at least 2 hours if possible.
  • Grate your own cheese! Pre-shredded cheese has powder to help it not stick together, so freshly grated cheese melts so much smoother and gooier!
  • Cover your quesadillas while you cook them to steam them and make sure the cheese melts all the way through.
  • Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition

Serving: 2tablespoons | Calories: 103kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.5g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 12.1g | Saturated Fat: 1.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2.5g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 137.3mg | Potassium: 22mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 120IU | Vitamin C: 2.25mg | Calcium: 16.9mg | Iron: 0.3mg

Did you make this recipe?I love seeing your creations. Snap a quick photo and mention @TheGraciousWife or tag #thegraciouswife on Instagram! Leave a STAR rating below!

UPDATE INFO: This post was originally published in September 2014. It has been updated and republished in September 2020 with new pictures, tips, and video.

Never Miss a Thing!

Join our newsletter to get new recipes, tips, tricks, and tutorials every week!

Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the sauce that Taco Bell puts on their quesadillas? ›

The Cheese Quesadilla is a purist's meal: a simple flour tortilla, a hefty portion of melted three-cheese blend, creamy jalapeño sauce, and absolutely zero bells and whistles.

What is quesadilla sauce made of? ›

Ingredients
  • 1 cup mayonnaise (such as Hellman's®)
  • 3 tablespoons canned diced jalapeno peppers, drained (reserve juice)
  • 1 tablespoon white sugar.
  • 2 teaspoons paprika.
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin.
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper.
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
  • ¼ teaspoon salt.
Jun 17, 2022

What is the creamy jalapeno sauce at Taco Bell? ›

This thick salad dressing is typically made with sour cream or buttermilk and is the perfect tangy base. Seasonings: I used to make the Taco Bell Creamy jalapeno sauce were cayenne pepper, paprika, cocoa powder, sugar, cumin, onion, and garlic salt.

What is Taco Bell sauce made of? ›

WATER, TOMATO PUREE (WATER, TOMATO PASTE), VINEGAR, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF SALT, CHILI PEPPER, SPICES, XANTHAN GUM, SODIUM BENZOATE (PRESERVATIVE), POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, MALTODEXTRIN, YEAST EXTRACT, DATEM, NATURAL FLAVORS.

Does Taco Bell sell jalapeno sauce? ›

Creamy Jalapeño Sauce - Order Online | Taco Bell®

What is creamy jalapeno sauce made of? ›

Place minced jalapenos, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, and cilantro in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Cover and refrigerate at least one hour, or overnight, before serving.

Does Taco Bell cheese quesadilla have sauce? ›

It may be simple in nature with its flour tortilla, hefty portion of three-cheese blend, and creamy jalapeño sauce. But's it's simple for obvious reasons. Because it's good.

What is the best cheese for quesadillas? ›

Sometimes the best cheese for quesadillas is whatever you have in the fridge when the craving strikes. Cheddar and Monterey Jack are standards of American-style quesadillas. But if you are planning ahead, consider that freshly grated cheese such as cheddar or Monterey Jack makes the meltiest quesadillas.

How unhealthy is a cheese quesadilla? ›

They're not the healthiest choice when you're dining out. Those globs of glorious melted cheese are full fat and the fillings may be glistening from the oil they're sautéed in. But if you make your own quesadillas, you can keep the delicious taste while you jettison most of the fat calories.

What are the four Taco Bell sauces? ›

Taco Bell's hot sauce comes in 4 different levels of hot. There's mild, hot, fire, & diablo, all of which have a different flavor because of the changes of ingredients. The best sauce out of all is the fire sauce! It has the perfect level of hot, whereas diablo is so hot that it has an unpleasant flavor.

Is Taco Bell creamy jalapeno sauce the same as Baja sauce? ›

Is Baja sauce the same as creamy jalapeno sauce? No, Baja Sauce is more of a spicy Ranch version that is not added to Taco Bell's quesadillas.

What makes Taco Bell sauce spicy? ›

Taco Bell Sauce is perfect for Taco Tuesday!! Made with chipotle chili powder and cayenne pepper, it's spicy, fiery, and flavorful. Use it on a variety of Mexican-inspired dishes or as a dipping sauce for grilled meat.

What sauce did Taco Bell get rid of? ›

The Short Answer to the Green Sauce Mystery

While Taco Bell hasn't issued an official statement detailing the exact reasons behind the removal of their green sauce, it's typically down to menu simplification and customer demand.

What is actually in Taco Bell meat? ›

We use 100 percent USDA premium beef in our seasoned beef. We prepare it much the same way you prepare taco meat at home: after simmering, it is drained of excess fat and pre-seasoned with our signature blend of 7 authentic seasonings and spices.

What is Baja sauce made of? ›

Directions. Stir together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, cilantro, seafood seasoning, and ancho chile pepper in a bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap; refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

What is creamy Baja sauce on at Taco Bell? ›

Taco Bell Creamy Baja Sauce adds a quick and easy flavor boost that makes any meal a fiesta. Ideal for shrimp tacos, burritos, fajitas, salads, sandwich wraps, chicken quesadillas, enchiladas and more, our bold Baja sauce adds a zesty punch.

Is Taco Bell creamy jalapeno sauce the same as chipotle sauce? ›

Jalapeno sauce and chipotle sauce are very similar, with the biggest difference being the pepper used to make them. Chipotle peppers, used in chipotle sauce, are ripe red jalapeno peppers which are then smoked and dried to give them a smoky, deeper flavor than standard jalapenos.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Merrill Bechtelar CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 5986

Rating: 5 / 5 (50 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Merrill Bechtelar CPA

Birthday: 1996-05-19

Address: Apt. 114 873 White Lodge, Libbyfurt, CA 93006

Phone: +5983010455207

Job: Legacy Representative

Hobby: Blacksmithing, Urban exploration, Sudoku, Slacklining, Creative writing, Community, Letterboxing

Introduction: My name is Merrill Bechtelar CPA, I am a clean, agreeable, glorious, magnificent, witty, enchanting, comfortable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.