Chipotle Lime Crema

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Chipotle Lime Crema is the perfect topping for everything from tacos to burritos. You can whip up a batch of this delicious sauce in just 5 minutes!

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Whether you're hosting an outdoor party or cooking dinner, this recipe is sure to wow your friends and family. Be warned, though, it's addictive! If you're not careful, your guests will be asking for seconds before they leave the house.

Having a Mexican themed party? Don't forget this zesty Beef Queso!

This Chipotle Lime Crema recipe is simple and easy with under ten ingredients! This easy Chipotle lime crema sauce is perfect for adding a kick of flavor to your favorite Mexican dishes.

This crema is a deliciously creamy, dreamy addition to your tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more. I love it with drizzled over my Instant Pot Brisket when wrapped in corn or flour tortillas.

It's also packed full of flavor thanks to spicy chipotles in adobo sauce along with lime juice and garlic cloves. You'll love it as a topping or dipping sauce for anything from nachos to fries!

Try my Homemade Mexican Guacamole for you next Tex Mex feast!

Highlights

Quick! Ready in 5 minutes
Versatile! Great on tacos, salads, french fries and more
Adjustable spice level

Recipe profile

Super easy - this delicious crema recipe could not be easier to make! With under ten easy-to-find ingredients, you can have this flavorful dip whipped up in no time.

Healthy - this creamy sauce contains lots of fresh and healthy ingredients, so it would be a great addition to add a punch of flavor to any dish without the guilt.

Make-ahead - you can easily make this yummy dip ahead of time and keep it in your fridge for a quick topping to your tamales, taquitos, and other favorite Mexican-inspired dishes.

Flavorful - with chipotle peppers, garlic, lime zest, and other flavor-packed ingredients, this sauce packs a tasty punch atop any dish.

Key ingredients

Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce - use a knife to split the peppers open and scrape out the seeds. Some of the sauce will get lost with the seeds, so adding a couple of teaspoons into the sauce is a good idea.

Honey - One teaspoon of honey will soften the spice of this sauce, while two teaspoons will add a touch of sweetness. Try sugar or agave nectar in you prefer.

Sour Cream - I make this with regular sour cream. Low fat or fat-free may have a different taste and texture than intended, but you can try it if you like. Mexican crema is a wonderful substitute but it may be hard to find for some folks.

how to make chipotle lime crema

Always start with clean hands, work area, and kitchen utensils. This deliciously spicy sauce has just one simple step to complete!

Step One: Add all of the ingredients to a food processor or blender and pulse until combined. Continue to process until well blended. Serve and enjoy!

ingredients in a food processor — Add to food processor or blender.

a creamy chipotle sauce in a food processor — Add to food processor or blender.

Top tips

Use one chipotle pepper for a mild sauce or three peppers for extra spicy.
I usually make this without garlic, but feel free to add it in if you like it.
Omit honey when you feel like it doesn't compliment the food you're serving it with.
Use some milk to thin out the sauce, if preferred.

Serving suggestions

Serve your crema atop my ground beef tacos, my flavorful burritos, taquitos, quesadilla or nachos. You can even use it to top fish, like my sweet chili salmon, barbacoa, and other meats for a flavorful kick.

Tastes great on taco or grain bowls and can be used as a salad dressing. Try it with my Easy Taco Salad!

This sauce works best with Mexican and Spanish-style dishes, but you can add it to anything you like!

Storage

Keep the sauce covered in the refrigerator for up to a week or until your sour cream expires. Make sure to make note of the expiration date on the container.

Freezing your chipotle lime crema sauce is not recommended.

helpful tools and equipment

Food processor

Blender

Most asked questions

What is Chipotle in Adobo Sauce?

Chipotles in adobo sauce are jalapeños that have been smoked, dried, rehydrated, and canned in a puree sauce with tomato, and garlic, as well as some other spices.

What is a Substitute for Mexican Crema?

The very best substitute for a Mexican crema sauce would be crème fraîche that has been thinned out with some lime juice or water. Since crème fraîche is a cultured cream, it will give your dishes a similar tanginess to Mexican crema. You can also just mix a bit of sour cream with some lime juice for a more simple sauce.

What Is The Difference Between Chipotle Sauce and Adobo Sauce?

Chipotle chiles are dried and smoked jalapeños, while adobo is a tangy and slightly sweet red sauce. However, these two spicy ingredients can often be found canned together as they complement each other very well.

chipotle crema oozing off a spoon into a jar

Try This Chipotle Lime Crema Sauce Tonight

Chipotle Lime Crema is the perfect way to add a bit of excitement to your Mexican dishes! With under ten simple ingredients, it's easy to create delicious tacos, nachos, and more.

The perfect balance of smoky chipotle and refreshing lime makes this crema irresistible. Add a dollop for a burst of flavor that will take your meal from ordinary to amazing. Don't go without it for your next Mexican feast!