Name: Chuy’s Creamy Jalapeno Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1 cup mayonnaise; 12 ounce jar sliced pickled jalapeños (drain and reserve the juice); 1/4 cup tomatillo sauce; 3/4 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (or more to taste); 1 ounce packet Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix; 1/2-1 teaspoon garlic salt (adjust to taste)

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Introduction

Chuy’s Creamy Jalapeño is a tangy, flavorful sauce that perfectly balances heat and creaminess. This versatile dip or dressing adds a zesty kick to your favorite dishes, making it a staple in Tex-Mex cuisine.

A woman’s hand is dipping a large, round yellow tortilla chip into a wooden bowl filled with creamy white sauce that has small green herb specks. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with slices of fresh green jalapeño peppers and some fresh cilantro scattered around it. The sauce looks smooth and thick, and the chip is coated halfway in the sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup buttermilk
1 cup mayonnaise
12 ounce jar sliced pickled jalapeños (drain and reserve the juice)
1/4 cup tomatillo sauce
3/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup chopped cilantro (or more to taste)
1 ounce packet Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
1/2-1 teaspoon garlic salt (amount as desired)

Instructions

Step 1: Place a colander inside a bowl and drain the sliced pickled jalapeños, reserving the liquid for later use.
Step 2: In a blender or food processor, combine the jalapeños, 2 tablespoons of the reserved pickled jalapeño juice, tomatillo sauce, sour cream, mayonnaise, buttermilk, cilantro, ranch dressing mix, and garlic salt. Blend until smooth and fully incorporated.
Step 3: Taste the sauce and adjust the flavor as desired. Add lime juice for extra tang, more pickled or fresh jalapeños for increased heat, or additional ranch mix and garlic salt to enhance the seasoning.
Step 4: Transfer the creamy jalapeño sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for the flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

For a fresher jalapeño flavor, substitute some pickled jalapeños with fresh ones, but start with a small amount to control heat.
Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving to brighten the sauce.
If you prefer a thinner consistency, increase the buttermilk slightly until you reach your desired texture.
Mix in a handful of chopped green onions or scallions for added crunch and flavor.

Storage

Store the creamy jalapeño sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Give it a good stir before serving again. This sauce is best enjoyed chilled, and reheating is not recommended as it may affect the texture and flavor.

How to Serve

A white triangular chip is partly dipped into a creamy, pale green sauce inside a small round wooden bowl. The sauce has a smooth texture with some tiny green specks visible. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with a few sliced green jalapeños and fresh cilantro leaves nearby. A woman's hand is holding the chip from the top left corner of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce actually benefits from resting in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it refrigerated.

What can I use this sauce for?

This creamy jalapeño sauce works great as a dip for chips or veggies, a topping for tacos and burgers, or a flavorful dressing for salads and grilled meats.