Chipotle Crema
A smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy Mexican-inspired crema that comes together in minutes. Blending chipotle peppers in adobo with lime juice and sour cream creates a versatile sauce that's perfect drizzled over tacos, burritos, nachos, or grilled vegetables.
For 8 servings
- prep · ~2 min
Gather and measure all ingredients.
Remove 2 chipotle peppers from the can along with 1 teaspoon of the adobo sauce. Squeeze 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice. Peel the garlic clove.
- mix · ~1 min
Blend until smooth and creamy.
1.Add sour cream, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice, garlic, and salt to a blender.2.Blend on high until completely smooth and no chunks of pepper remain (30-45 seconds).3.Scrape down the sides with a spatula and blend again briefly.TIPFor a thinner consistency, add water 1 teaspoon at a time and pulse until it's pourable. - rest · ~15 min
Chill before serving.
Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
TIPCold crema contrasts perfectly with hot tacos or grilled meats. - serve
Drizzle over your favorite dishes and serve.
Give the crema a quick stir before serving. Spoon or squeeze generously over tacos, burritos, nachos, roasted vegetables, or use as a dipping sauce.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Remove seeds from chipotles for a milder crema if you want more smoke than heat.
- 2Let the crema chill for at least 15 minutes so the flavors meld and the texture thickens.
- 3For a thinner consistency, add water 1 teaspoon at a time while blending.
- 4Full-fat sour cream gives the creamiest body and best mouthfeel; low-fat may curdle or be watery.
- 5Make this up to 3 days ahead and store in an airtight container — the flavor deepens over time.
Adapt it for your goals.
Dairy-free
Replace sour cream with full-fat coconut cream or a plant-based sour cream alternative. Ideal for vegans or those with lactose intolerance, though the texture will be slightly lighter and more coconut-forward.
extra smokyExtra-smoky
Add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or an extra chipotle pepper (seeds removed). Perfect for grilled meats or hearty roasted vegetables when you want a deeper campfire-like smokiness.
herbedHerbed
Add a small handful of fresh cilantro or a pinch of dried oregano while blending. Great for brightening the sauce and pairing with fish tacos or lighter dishes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Calcium
Sour cream provides a solid dose of calcium, which supports bone health and nerve function.
Metabolism Boost from Capsaicin
The chipotle peppers contain capsaicin, a compound known to aid metabolism and provide a gentle thermogenic effect.
Probiotic Support
Sour cream is naturally fermented, offering beneficial live cultures that can promote gut health (when store-bought and unpasteurized after culturing).
Vitamin C from Fresh Lime
Fresh lime juice delivers a dose of vitamin C, which supports immune function and helps absorb iron from other foods.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, plain full-fat Greek yogurt works well for a tangier, thicker crema. You may need an extra teaspoon of water to reach the desired consistency.
