Chipotle Burger Sauce Recipe

This creamy, smoky Chipotle Burger Sauce Recipe is made with mayonnaise, chipotle peppers in adobo, and tangy lime juice, ready in just 5 minutes. The rich, spicy heat cuts through the fat of a juicy burger perfectly, offering a depth of flavor that bottled versions simply can’t match. I always keep a jar in the fridge because it instantly upgrades even the simplest weeknight patties.

Restaurant-Quality At Home

I used to rely on bottled spicy mayos, but they always felt flat and overly processed compared to what you get at a burger joint. The real secret isn’t just heat, but the depth of flavor you get from actual adobo sauce mixed with fresh acidity. Making it at home allows you to dial the smokiness up or down without losing that signature creamy texture.

My first attempt was too chunky because I just chopped the peppers, so I learned that blending or finely mincing is crucial for that smooth restaurant consistency. It was a surprise how much the flavor deepened after sitting for just twenty minutes, transforming from sharp heat to a mellow, cohesive sauce.

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Chipotle Burger Sauce Recipe Ingredients

• Mayonnaise: 1 cup (use full-fat for the best texture)
• Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: 2 peppers plus 1 teaspoon of the sauce from the can
• Lime Juice: 1 teaspoon, freshly squeezed
• Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
• Smoked Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
• Ground Cumin: 1/4 teaspoon
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (adjust to taste)

How To Make Chipotle Burger Sauce Recipe

1. Prep the Peppers: Remove two peppers from the can and finely mince them into a paste using a sharp knife. If you prefer a completely smooth sauce, you can use a mini food processor for this step.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, minced peppers, adobo sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and lime juice.
3. Whisk and Rest: Whisk the mixture vigorously until it turns a uniform pale salmon color. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Control the heat: Start with one pepper if you are sensitive to spice, or add an extra teaspoon of adobo sauce if you want a serious kick.
• Texture matters: For a restaurant-style drizzle, use an immersion blender to make the sauce perfectly smooth, then transfer it to a plastic squeeze bottle.
• Acid balance: If the sauce tastes too heavy or fatty, a splash of pickle juice or apple cider vinegar can brighten it up immediately.

What To Serve With Chipotle Burger Sauce

This sauce is naturally designed to be slathered on brioche buns for beef or turkey burgers, where its smokiness complements the charred meat. It also pairs exceptionally well as a dipping sauce for sweet potato fries, crispy onion rings, or even as a zestier alternative to tartar sauce for fish tacos.

How To Store

Store this sauce in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to two weeks, though you may notice the heat mellows slightly over time. Do not freeze this sauce, as the mayonnaise base will separate and become oily upon thawing.

FAQs

• Can I use chipotle powder instead?
  Yes, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of chipotle powder, but you will miss the vinegary tang of the adobo sauce. Add a bit more lime juice if you do this.
• Is this sauce gluten-free?
  Most mayonnaise and chipotle peppers in adobo are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on the specific brands you use to be sure.
• Can I make this lighter?
  For a lighter version, swap half the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, though the result will be tangier than the traditional burger sauce.

Nutrition

• Calories: 90
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Sodium: 115mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 1g
• Protein: 0g