Chipotle Crema
A smoky, spicy, and creamy sauce that's incredibly easy to make. This versatile crema adds the perfect kick to tacos, burrito bowls, and salads, and comes together in just 5 minutes.
For 8 servings
Combine Ingredients
- In the container of a blender or food processor, add the sour cream, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, fresh lime juice, garlic powder, and salt.
Blend Until Smooth
- Secure the lid and blend on high for 30-60 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
- Pause the blender, scrape down the sides with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are incorporated, and blend for another 10 seconds.
Taste and Adjust
- Taste the crema and adjust the seasonings to your preference.
- For more heat, add another chipotle pepper or a little more adobo sauce.
- For more tanginess, add another squeeze of lime juice. Blend briefly to combine any additions.
Chill and Serve
- Transfer the crema to an airtight container or a squeeze bottle.
- For the best flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the crema to thicken slightly.
- Drizzle over tacos, salads, burrito bowls, or use as a dip.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a thinner consistency, add a tablespoon of water or milk at a time and blend until you reach your desired texture.
- 2The heat level is easily adjustable. Start with one chipotle pepper for a milder sauce and add more to taste.
- 3Letting the crema chill for at least 30 minutes is highly recommended as it significantly improves the flavor.
- 4Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- 5If you don't have a blender, you can finely mince the chipotle peppers and garlic, then whisk everything vigorously in a bowl until smooth.
- 6For a healthier alternative, substitute the sour cream with an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan Chipotle Crema
Replace the sour cream with 1 cup of soaked raw cashews (soaked for at least 4 hours, then drained) blended with 1/2 cup of water and a pinch more salt. Alternatively, use a store-bought vegan sour cream.
Herby Chipotle CremaHerby Chipotle Crema
Add 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems to the blender for a fresh, herbaceous flavor that pairs well with the smoke and spice.
Smokier Chipotle CremaSmokier Chipotle Crema
Add 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the blender to enhance the smoky flavor of the chipotle peppers.
Avocado Chipotle CremaAvocado Chipotle Crema
Add half of a ripe avocado to the blender for an extra creamy texture and rich flavor. You may need to add a little more lime juice to prevent browning.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Metabolism Support
Chipotle peppers contain capsaicin, a compound known to provide a temporary boost to metabolism and promote fat burning.
Rich in Vitamin C
The fresh lime juice is an excellent source of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports a healthy immune system and skin health.
Gut-Friendly Probiotics
When made with sour cream or Greek yogurt that contains live and active cultures, this crema can provide beneficial probiotics that support digestive health.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of 2 tablespoons contains approximately 45 calories, assuming you use light sour cream.