Cookout Quesadillas. There’s nothing quite like them.
Due in part to their delicious creamy sauce.
It really does take their Quesadillas to a new level.
Imagine them without the sauce.
Or perhaps not.
In fact, it’s that good – I decided to come up with my own recipe to recreate it at home.
Besides, a sauce this good doesn’t need to be reserved for just Quesadillas (though it does work particularly well with them!)
So today, I’d like to share this recipe with you along with make some recommendations and suggestions along the way!
What Do You Need To Make Cookout Quesadilla Sauce
Sour Cream
Sour cream adds a creamy, tangy base to the sauce.
It’s rich in texture, which makes the sauce smoother and more spreadable. Its tanginess pairs well with the spices, balancing the heat.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise provides a smooth, creamy texture and adds a slightly sweet, tangy flavor.
It serves as a neutral base that helps marry the different flavors together.
Chipotle Sauce
Chipotle sauce contributes a smoky, spicy flavor to the sauce.
This ingredient lends a depth of flavor and warmth that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Onion Powder
Onion powder brings in a concentrated onion flavor without adding extra moisture.
It’s a versatile seasoning that helps enhance the overall flavor profile of the sauce.
Garlic Powder
Garlic powder adds a robust, slightly spicy flavor to the sauce.
It’s an essential seasoning that pairs well with the other spices and contributes to the overall complexity of the sauce.
Cumin
Cumin contributes an earthy, warm flavor with a hint of both sweetness and bitterness.
It’s a key ingredient in many Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes and helps lend an authentic flavor to the sauce.
Paprika
Paprika provides a sweet, smoky flavor and a vibrant color to the sauce.
It helps to balance the heat from the other spices and adds a layer of depth to the flavor profile.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper brings a sharp, spicy heat to the sauce.
It’s an excellent ingredient for adding a punch of spice that brings all the flavors together.
Salt and Black Pepper
Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, making them more pronounced.
Black pepper adds a mild heat and a slight crunch, complementing the overall flavor profile of the sauce.
Pickled Jalapenos
Pickled jalapenos offer a spicy kick to the sauce.
They also bring in a tangy, vinegary flavor that enhances the overall taste of the sauce.
Juice from Pickled Jalapenos
The juice from pickled jalapenos adds extra tanginess, a bit of spice, and the uniquely delicious flavor of pickled peppers.
It helps to loosen the sauce slightly, making it easier to drizzle or spread.
How To Make Cookout Quesadilla Sauce
Get all your stuff ready, then grab a bowl and start mixing together the sour cream, mayo, chopped pickled jalapenos, and some of that jalapeno juice.
Give it a good stir until it’s nice and blended. Then, mix in the chipotle sauce so it gets all over in there.
In another bowl, you’re gonna mix the onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne.
Stir those spices up real good. Now, sprinkle this spice mix into your creamy mix while stirring to get everything distributed evenly.
Taste your sauce, add salt and pepper if you think it needs it.
Once it tastes just right, pop a lid on it and chill in the fridge for at least an hour or two – the longer, the better. This gives the flavors some time to really get to know each other.
When you’re ready, slather this sauce on your quesadillas or use it as a killer dip for your snacks. Dive in and enjoy!
Expert Tips When Making Cookout Quesadilla Sauce
Quality Matters
Always use good-quality spices for the best flavor.
Freshness is key – spices can lose their potency over time, so make sure yours aren’t past their prime.
Adjust to Taste
Feel free to adjust the heat level according to your preference.
If you like your sauce spicier, add more cayenne or chipotle.
If you prefer a milder sauce, dial these ingredients back.
Consider Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have sour cream, Greek yogurt can be a healthier substitute.
For mayo, you could use a vegan version or avocado for a lighter, healthier sauce.
If chipotle sauce is hard to come by, you can grind up some chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a similar flavor.
Always remember, substitutions may alter the taste, so adjust the other ingredients accordingly.
Let it Chill
The longer this sauce rests, the more the flavors meld together.
If you have the time, let it sit in the fridge overnight.
Add Some Zest
For an extra flavor kick, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a bit of lime zest to the sauce.
Blend for Smoothness
If you prefer a smoother sauce without bits of jalapeno, blend the sauce in a blender or food processor until it reaches your desired consistency.
Double Up
This sauce stores well in the fridge, so consider making a double batch. You’ll always have some on hand when the craving hits!
What To Eat Cookout Quesadilla Sauce With?
The options are limitless when it comes to pairing Cookout Quesadilla Sauce!
Feel free to get creative and add this sauce to your favorite dishes for a flavorful boost.
Though, here are my personal favorites:
Quesadillas
It’s in the name – Cookout Quesadilla Sauce goes great with quesadillas!
Spread it on the tortilla before adding your cheese and fillings, or use it as a flavorful dip.
Burritos
This sauce is the perfect addition to burritos.
It can add a nice, tangy kick to the fillings and really enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Tacos
Drizzle some of this sauce over your tacos to add a burst of flavor.
It pairs well with various taco fillings, be it chicken, beef, or vegetarian.
Dipping Foods
This sauce also works wonderfully as a dip.
Try it with tortilla chips, veggie sticks, or even breadsticks.
It can also be a great complement to fried foods like chicken tenders or fries.
Grilled Meats
Cookout Quesadilla Sauce can also be a flavorful accompaniment to grilled meats.
Drizzle it over grilled chicken, steak, or fish to add some zest and spice to your barbecue.
How to Store Cookout Quesadilla Sauce
In the Fridge
After preparing the Cookout Quesadilla Sauce, store any leftovers in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator.
Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent air from getting in.
The sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
In the Freezer
If you want to store the sauce for a longer period, you can freeze it.
Transfer the sauce to a freezer-safe container or divide it into individual portions for easier thawing.
Leave some headspace in the container as the sauce may expand while freezing.
Seal the container tightly and label it with the date.
Cookout Quesadilla Sauce can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to use it, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, give it a good stir to recombine any separated ingredients.
Cookout Quesadilla Sauce Recipe

This Cookout Quesadilla Sauce is a creamy, smoky, and spicy blend of sour cream, mayo, pickled jalapenos, chipotle, and spices. It's the perfect tangy kick for your quesadillas, or any appetizer needing a flavorful boost.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons pickled jalapenos, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon juice from pickled jalapenos
- 1 teaspoon chipotle sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, finely chopped pickled jalapenos, and the juice from the pickled jalapenos. Stir until the ingredients are well combined.
- Add the chipotle sauce to the mixture and stir until it's evenly distributed.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir the dry ingredients together until they're well combined.
- Slowly add the mixed dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring continuously. This helps ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
- Once the dry ingredients are fully incorporated, taste the sauce. Depending on your preference, you may want to add salt and black pepper to taste. Add these slowly, tasting as you go, until the sauce reaches your desired level of seasoning.
- Cover the sauce and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours before using. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Hello, I’m Jeremy, a sauce enthusiast and taste trailblazer! My endless pursuit of new flavors has led me on a journey to master sauce making at home, along with try out a range of exciting brands and sauce offerings. Now I share my recipes, tips and recommendations on WeWantTheSauce to help fellow foodies find the perfect sauces.