Homemade Chipotle Mayonnaise Recipe
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Chipotle mayonnaise is a must-have condiment that takes any meal to the next level. This smoky, creamy, and slightly spicy sauce is made with just a few simple ingredients, yet it delivers bold flavor in every bite. Whether you spread it on chicken sandwiches, use it as a dip for fries, or add it to burgers and wraps, this easy homemade mayo is the perfect balance of rich and zesty.
I have always loved that creamy and spicy sauce on my favorite fast-food chicken sandwich, so I had to make my own version at home. It turned out even better than I expected. It is smooth, smoky, and has just the right amount of heat. Whether I am putting together a quick family meal or prepping snacks for a party, this mayo always comes through. I keep a jar in the fridge at all times because once you taste it, you will want to use it on everything.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: No need to cook or blend. Just stir everything together, chill, and it is ready to use whenever you need it.
- Made for meal prep: Keep a batch in the fridge so you always have a flavorful spread or dip ready to go when you need it.
- Everyday ingredients: There is a good chance you have everything in your pantry right now to make chipotle mayonnaise, making this an easy go-to recipe.
- Brings restaurant flavors home: The rich and slightly spicy mayo you love from burger joints and sushi bars is now something you can whip up at home in minutes.
- A twist on the classic: This mayo brings a balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors that make it more exciting than plain mayonnaise.
- Quick cleanup: All you need is a bowl and a whisk, so there is hardly anything to wash afterward.
How to Make Chipotle Mayonnaise
Chipotle mayonnaise is a simple way to add rich, smoky flavor to your favorite foods. With just a few ingredients and a quick whisk, it comes together effortlessly. Let it chill in the fridge, and soon you will have a smooth, creamy sauce that works as a dip, spread, or drizzle.
Want to try it yourself? Scroll down for the printable recipe card with all the details, including ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Mayonnaise: Store-bought mayo keeps things simple. If you prefer a homemade version, blend an egg yolk with a neutral oil for a fresher, more natural taste.
- Paprika powder: Adds out a deep, smoky flavor, while sweet paprika keeps it mild with just a hint of warmth.
- Chipotle: Brings the heat and gives this chipotle mayonnaise its signature spicy flavor.
- Onion and garlic powder
- Ground cumin: For the best flavor, toast cumin seeds and grind them using a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle.
- Salt
- White vinegar: Cuts through the richness of the mayo, adding the right amount of tang to balance the flavors.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Get ready to turn ordinary mayo into a bold, flavorful sauce with just two simple steps. This recipe is so effortless that it has become a fun kitchen task for my kids whenever we make it!
Step 1: Mix the ingredients
Scoop the mayonnaise into a mixing bowl, then add the smoked paprika, chipotle, onion powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, salt, and vinegar. Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Adjust the flavor
Give it a taste and tweak it to your liking. If the heat is too strong, mellow it out with extra mayo or a teaspoon of sugar. For the best flavor, let it rest in the fridge for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Substitutions
- Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt or sour cream make great substitutes, giving you the same creamy texture with a slightly tangy flavor.
- Paprika powder: Mild chili powder is a great alternative that keeps the flavor balanced without overpowering the sauce.
- Chipotle: Try chili powder, cayenne, or hot sauce. Black pepper can work too, though it will not add the same heat.
- Onion powder: Swap it with a tablespoon of finely grated onion, shallots, or a pinch of onion salt. If using fresh onion, remember that the mayo will not keep as long.
- Garlic powder: Use an equal amount of dried garlic flakes, minced fresh garlic, or even roasted garlic for a deeper flavor.
- Ground cumin: Ground coriander or a small pinch of curry powder will bring a similar earthy depth to the sauce.
- White vinegar: Lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, rice vinegar, or even pickle juice work well. Lime juice can also do the trick!
If you want a quicker option, skip measuring individual spices and use 2 teaspoons of taco seasoning or Cajun seasoning instead.
Expert Tips
- Control the spice level: Start with a little chipotle and add more as needed to match your heat preference. Taste and tweak as you go to get the right balance.
- Check your spices: Old spices lose their potency over time, so check that yours are fresh to ensure you enjoy the boldest flavor in every bite.
- Blend it well: Whisk well to ensure the spices blend smoothly into the mayo. Sprinkling them over the top instead of adding them all at once helps avoid clumping.
- Pick a good mayo: The quality of your mayonnaise is the base of the recipe, so choose a creamy, well-balanced brand for the best flavor.
- Try new flavors: A splash of soy sauce, a drizzle of sriracha, or a bit of sesame oil can add depth and make the mayo even more flavorful.
- Let it chill: Refrigerating for 15 to 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld, giving the mayo a richer, more developed taste.
How to Store This Recipe
Keep your chipotle mayonnaise fresh by storing it in a clear airtight container or a recycled glass jar. This makes it easy to see how much you have left and ensures it stays good for up to 3 to 4 weeks in the fridge.
I do not recommend freezing this mayo, as the texture may change. But with how quick and easy it is to make, you can always prepare a fresh batch in just minutes!
What to Serve with Chipotle Mayonnaise
Chipotle mayonnaise is a versatile sauce that works as both a dip and a spread. Pair it with fries, onion rings,, cheesy pickle chips, crackers, or crisp veggie sticks for a flavorful snack. Serve it as a side for parmesan chicken wings, air fryer boneless pork chops, or blackened pork chops.
Spread it on burgers, sandwiches, and wraps, or mix it into tacos, burritos, and chicken quesadillas for a creamy, smoky kick.No matter how you use it, this sauce adds bold, delicious flavor to every bite!
More Dips And Sauces To Try
If you give this chipotle mayonnaise a try, I would love to hear what you think! Your reviews and 5-star ratings mean so much and help others discover this recipe too.
Creamy Chipotle Mayonnaise Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chipotle
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon white vinegar
Instructions
- Scoop the mayonnaise into a mixing bowl, then add the paprika, chipotle, onion powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, salt, and vinegar.
- Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined.
- Give it a taste and tweak it to your liking. If the heat is too strong, mellow it out with extra mayo or a teaspoon of sugar. For the best flavor, let it rest in the fridge for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Start with a little chipotle and add more as needed to match your heat preference. Taste and tweak as you go to get the right balance.
- Old spices lose their potency over time, so check that yours are fresh to ensure the boldest flavor in every bite.
- Whisk well to ensure the spices blend smoothly into the mayo. Sprinkling them over the top instead of adding them all at once helps avoid clumping.
- The quality of your mayonnaise is the base of the recipe, so choose a creamy, well-balanced brand for the best flavor.
- A splash of soy sauce, a drizzle of sriracha, or a bit of sesame oil can add depth and make the mayo even more flavorful.
- Refrigerating for 15 to 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld.
Nutrition & Macros
To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, please calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients and amounts used, using your preferred nutrition calculator. Under no circumstances shall the this website and the author be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on the given nutritional information.
