Copycat Taco Bell Recipe

This Baja sauce recipe adds lots of flavor to any of your dishes, from tacos to a chicken and rice casserole! I like it on any south-of-the-border flavored food. Try it on a variety of dishes and see for yourself!

Taco Bell Baja sauce is a delicious way to season your tacos, nachos, or other Mexican type food. You can make either a chunky or a creamy Baja sauce.

Ingredients

This delicious sauce is made from many ingredients you’re likely to have in your refrigerator and pantry. However, you might have to add one or two things to your shopping list.

Here is a list of ingredients you’ll need to make this yummy sauce:

• Sliced jalapeno peppers 
• Chopped red bell pepper 
• Diced onion
• Mayonnaise (any brand)
• Vinegar (apple cider or white vinegar)
• Garlic powder
• Ground cumin
• Ground black pepper 

Add other ingredients if you like. Some good ones might be sour cream, cayenne pepper, onion powder, or even corn syrup if you like a touch of sweetness. You can even use a small amount of tomato sauce or cream cheese if you like.

For exact measurements of the above ingredients and full directions, go to the recipe card at the bottom of the page. You can even print out the card by using the “print” button.

Directions

First, combine the jalapeño pepper, bell peppers, and onion in a food processor. Puree peppers and onion until you have a somewhat smooth consistency.

Secondly, combine this mixture with the mayonnaise and vinegar. Stir it until it is well mixed.

Next, add the pepper, garlic powder, and cumin. Mix it all together until everything is evenly distributed. 

Taste it in order to determine if you think it needs more of anything. If so, add it now and stir again. Finally, pour the mixture into a small bowl and put it in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours. Overnight is actually better because it gives the flavors more time to marinate.

I’ve seen this copycat recipe with other ingredients. However, this is the one that I think tastes the most like what Taco Bell offers.

Add-ons and Substitutions

Don’t be afraid to try other add-ons or substitutions. Some that we like are onion powder, sour cream, garlic powder, and chili powder. Others you might want to try are chopped red bell peppers, mustard powder, cheese, or honey.

If there’s anything else you think you might like, try it in a little bit of the sauce. Taste it before you add it to the whole batch.

How to Serve

Since it’s a copycat Taco Bell Baja sauce recipe, it pairs well with all of the Taco Bell menu items, whether you pick them up at the restaurant or make them at home. This sauce is also a great addition to a taco bar.

Elevate the flavors next time you crave Nachos Supreme. It tastes like what you’d get from Taco Bell, only better!

I also like to make my own corn tortilla chips. It’s easy in an air fryer, and they always come out tasting even better than the ones you get in a restaurant. Add little of this Baja sauce for dipping, and you have a total winner!

It’s an easy recipe, and it gives you the Taco Bell flavors you like. This Taco Bell copycat sauce truly delivers. Or even if you don’t like fast food, you can put it on other dishes that need a spicy sauce.

We like Baja sauce for chicken tacos. It’s also good on beef or fish tacos as well. Or you can add it to these country style ribs. Or simply drizzle a little over some crispy chicken thighs or slices of this yummy air fryer chicken breast.

More Tips for Making Taco Bell Baja Sauce

Since you’re making this copycat sauce for you and your family, you can do whatever you like. After all, the key is to enjoy your food, right? First of all, if there’s an ingredient that you want more of, go ahead and increase it. No one is stopping you.

Here are some suggestions for making it even better:

• For a delicious balance of creamy and tart, add equal parts mayonnaise and sour cream.
• Squeeze a lime and add the juice for a stronger citrus flavor.
• Increase the amount of vinegar to add more of a tangy taste.
• Add a splash of liquid smoke for a smokey flavor.

What is This Sauce Used On?

There are quite a few great recipes that you can put this on when you need something extra. This Baja sauce is perfect when you want a burst of Taco Bell flavor.

Here are some foods that taste better with Baja sauce:

• Tacos, of course!
• Burritos, another natural
• Hamburgers for a little extra zing!
• Grilled chicken
• Salmon patties
• Shrimp or any type of seafood
• Chicken tenders

If you think you might like Baja sauce on something, try a little bit. I’ve even dipped potato chips and tortilla chips in it, and the flavor is fabulous!

More Delicious Sauce Recipe

Try this easy homemade salsa to take your Mexican cuisine to a new level of deliciousness. I like to add more than one sauce option when I serve tacos.

Another delicious sauce is this zesty dipping sauce. Try putting different ingredients together, and you’re likely to come up with something special that you and your family love.

My friend Julia has this red remoulade sauce on her blog, Julia’s Simply Southern. This slightly spicy sauce is good on a variety of dishes.

If you like tart sauce for seafood, pork, or chicken (or anything else for that matter), you’ll love this lemon dill cream sauce!

Now let’s get back to the Baja sauce. It’s also an excellent dip for these homemade tortilla chips. Bet you can’t eat just one!

Common Questions About Baja Sauce

Perhaps you’ve never had Baja sauce. Or you might have tried it but had some questions. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about this delicious sauce.

What is Baja Sauce?

Baja sauce is a multidimensional, tangy yet creamy sauce that adds a tremendous amount of flavor to tacos, chips, salads, fish, and other dishes. An infusion of Mexican and Southern California flavors, Baja sauce is often used in place of sour cream. So feel free to put some on your baked potatoes for an amazing burst of flavor!

What Does Baja Sauce Taste Like?

Baja sauce has the flavor similar to ranch, only a little bit tangy. It can also have a hint of sweetness if you add honey or sugar. You can add more of any of the ingredients to make it spicier or smoother to suit your own personal taste.

I like it on more intricate dishes as well. For example, you can use Baja sauce instead of salsa on this yummy layered Mexican salad.

What is Baja Style?

The Baja style of food began in Baja California, Mexico with a fish taco. A ranch-like sauce was added to it to give it a unique flavor. This sauce eventually evolved into what it is today.

How Long Can You Keep Taco Bell Baja Sauce?

This Baja sauce is best when eaten at least few hours after you make it. In fact, if you make it and put it in the refrigerator overnight, the flavor is even better the next day. If you’re unable to eat all of the Baja sauce, put it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It should be good for 4 or 5 days after you make it.

Is Baja Sauce Vegan?

The way I make this Taco Bell Baja sauce is not vegan. However, you can use a different type of mayonnaise that doesn’t have any animal products to make it work for a vegan diet.

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