This recipe for a copycat version of Subway's chipotle southwest sauce is an absolute must-try for any sandwich lover. The combination of smoky chipotle peppers, tangy lime juice, and creamy mayo creates a delicious and versatile sauce that pairs well with almost any sandwich!
Give your sandwiches a Subway-inspired upgrade by creating your very own Chipotle Southwest Sauce at home. This sauce, renowned for its tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor profile, has won the hearts of many Subway customers.
Subway actually took away its spicy-flavored Chipotle Southwest sauce, which left many customers disappointed. There is even a petition on change.org to bring back the chipotle southwest sauce!
And similar to my Jimmy John's Kickin Ranch recipe, it's perfect for your sandwiches!
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In the meantime, why wait for Subway to bring this popular sauce back when you can make it yourself? It's surprisingly easy to recreate this tasty sauce at home, and you only need a few simple ingredients!
Tip: Love to recreate your favorite sauces at home? Try this copycat recipe for Popeye's Sweet Heat Sauce. Or, for the perfect dipping sauce, check out our Honey Gold Sauce.
Why you'll love this Subway chipotle southwest sauce
- This sauce has a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors!
- It's incredibly versatile and pairs well with any sandwich or wrap.
- The chipotle peppers give this sauce a nice kick without being too spicy. It's very similar to my Tex-Mex Paste but creamier!
- The mayo and sour cream add a creaminess that helps to balance out the heat from the chipotle peppers.
- A squeeze of lime gives it an explosion of flavor!
- Making it at home is so much more budget-friendly.
Key ingredients and why we use them
This recipe for chipotle southwest sauce is absolutely delicious and filled with smokey flavors.
Here are some of the key ingredients in this recipe and why we use them:
- Chipotle peppers: These jalapeño peppers are the star of this sauce, giving it that signature spicy and smoky flavor. Make sure to get the canned kind in adobo sauce.
- Sour cream: The sour cream adds a tangy and creamy element to the sauce. It also helps balance out the spiciness of the chipotle peppers. You can substitute greek yogurt, if desired.
- Mayonnaise: The creaminess of mayo helps to bind all the flavors together and adds richness to the chipotle southwest sauce.
- Lime juice: The acidity of lime juice balances out the creaminess of the mayo and sour cream. It also adds a fresh and zesty flavor to the sauce.
- Mustard: A touch of mustard gives this sauce a subtle tangy kick that complements the chipotle peppers perfectly. The mustard in here is similar to my McDonald's breakfast sauce recipe.
- Honey: This natural sweetener adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the spiciness of the chipotle peppers.
- Spices: A combination of spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika add depth and flavor to this sauce.
Equipment
You'll need the following pieces of equipment to make this Subway chipotle southwest sauce...
- Small blender: Using a small blender or food processor makes it much easier to blend and combine the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
- Mixing bowl: You'll need a mixing bowl to mix all of the sauce ingredients together after blending the peppers.
- Whisk: Use a whisk to ensure that all the ingredients are well combined and there are no lumps in the sauce.
Heather's helpful hints
- Make sure to blend the chipotle peppers until they are smooth and fully combined with the other sauce ingredients. This will help create a silky smooth texture.
- Don't have a small blender? You can also finely chop the chipotle peppers and whisk them into the other ingredients.
- Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers according to your preferred level of spiciness. For additional spice, use up to four tablespoons of chipotle peppers in the recipe.
- Want a creamier sauce? Add more mayo and sour cream to your liking.
- Make this copycat chipotle sauce vegan by using vegan mayo and sour cream substitutes.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1) Add the chipotle peppers to a small blender and blend until smooth.
Step 2) Combine peppers, sour cream, and mayonnaise together in a small bowl.
Step 3) Add the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly.
Step 4) Place in an airtight container or squeeze bottle and refrigerate overnight.
Creative ways to use Chipotle Southwest sauce
Subway's Chipotle Southwest sauce is not just limited to sandwiches! Here are some creative ways you can use this delicious sauce:
- As a dip for vegetables, chips, or mozzarella sticks
- Paired with ranch dressing for extra creamy goodness on your salads
- As a topping for tacos or nachos
- Drizzled over grilled corn on the cob
- As a dip with some crackers
Make ahead and storage tips
This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container or squeeze bottle.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can definitely use fresh chipotle peppers, but the adobo sauce from the canned peppers adds more flavor to the sauce. If using fresh peppers, make sure to add some adobo sauce or smoked paprika for that smoky flavor.
The level of spiciness in this sauce can be adjusted based on personal preference. If you want it less spicy, use fewer chipotle peppers or remove the seeds before blending.
Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream if desired. Just keep in mind that it may alter the texture and flavor slightly.
Using full-fat mayo will give the sauce a richer and creamier texture, but you can use low-fat or vegan mayo as well.
Recipe
Subway Chipotle Southwest Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce blended
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Add the chipotle peppers to a small blender, and blend until smooth.
- Combine peppers, sour cream, and mayonnaise together in a small bowl.
- Add remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly.
- Place in an airtight container or squeeze bottle and refrigerate overnight.
Notes and Tips
- For additional spice, use up to four tablespoons of chipotle peppers in the recipe.
John
Fantastic! Was look for an easy at-home recipe and this one fits the bill.
Heather
Great, I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe John!