Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce

Featured in Appetizers & Snacks.

Miss Taco Bell's sauce? Got it down! In just 10 minutes, you’ll have a batch of that sweet-spicy ranch mix everyone loves. Jalapeños add a little heat, while the rest is super creamy. Tastes spot-on the next day too! Dip anything into it, spread it on tacos, or use it for quesadillas. Fridge it for a week, but it won’t last that long. Restaurant packets can’t compare.
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Updated on Tue, 22 Apr 2025 17:28:44 GMT
A creamy orange dipping sauce with spicy flecks next to tortilla chips. Pin it
A creamy orange dipping sauce with spicy flecks next to tortilla chips. | tasteofmoms.com

I tweaked this Taco Bell sauce clone until it became the go-to star in my home cooking. After testing for days, I nailed the perfect mix of ranch zip, spicy warmth, and subtle sweetness. These days my whole family asks for it on everything from cheese wraps to raw veggies.

Why This Sauce Stands Out

You'll dig how fast this sauce pulls together. I always have some waiting in my fridge for taco evenings, bread fillings, and it even works as dressing for greens. The smooth ranch foundation with just the right amount of spice makes any food taste awesome.

Your Ingredients

  • 1 cup Hidden Valley Ranch
  • ⅛ teaspoon cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon each garlic salt and onion salt
  • 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha
A bowl of thick orange-tinted sauce showing specks of herbs and seasonings, next to a partly visible tortilla. Pin it
A bowl of thick orange-tinted sauce showing specks of herbs and seasonings, next to a partly visible tortilla. | tasteofmoms.com

Cooking Instructions

Step 1
Empty your ranch into a mixing bowl.
Step 2
Mix in cumin, paprika, cocoa, sugar, cayenne, and both salts.
Step 3
Add your chopped jalapeño and hot sauce.
Step 4
Stir everything till it's completely combined.
Step 5
Transfer to a bottle and keep in the fridge.

Crowd-Pleasing Topping

The little ones go crazy for it on their folded cheese tortillas while grown-ups can't get enough of its zippy flavor. This sauce gets everyone excited about mealtime.

A dark bowl containing orange-tinted creamy sauce with tiny flecks of seasonings resting on a gray surface. Pin it
A dark bowl containing orange-tinted creamy sauce with tiny flecks of seasonings resting on a gray surface. | tasteofmoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long will it keep fresh?
If you use a store-bought ranch, it stays good for up to 6 months in the fridge. Homemade ranch cuts that time down.
→ What can I pair it with?
It’s tasty on quesadillas, tacos, chicken, or even salads. Try dipping your chips or spreading it on your sandwich!
→ Can I tone down the heat?
Absolutely! Just scale back the jalapeños and cayenne pepper, or skip one entirely if you like it mild.
→ What kind of ranch works best?
Hidden Valley Ranch Homestyle nails the flavor closest to the original. Other brands work too but tweak the taste a bit.
→ Can I mix it by hand?
Sure thing! A blender makes it smooth, but finely chop the jalapeños and whisk everything together for a chunkier texture.

Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce

Whip up your own sweet and spicy take on the famous orange sauce for tacos, quesadillas, or even chicken. It's quick, easy, and tastes amazing!

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
5 Minutes
By: Ashley


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 32 Servings (2 cups)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt.
02 1/2 teaspoon onion salt.
03 3 teaspoons of sriracha.
04 2 teaspoons granulated sugar.
05 1 cup Hidden Valley Ranch (the original kind).
06 1/2 fresh jalapeño or 1 tbsp of pickled ones.
07 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cumin.
08 1 teaspoon cayenne.
09 1/2 teaspoon of paprika.
10 1/4 teaspoon cocoa powder (unsweetened).

Instructions

Step 01

Put all the ingredients into a bowl or measuring cup.

Step 02

Blend with a hand mixer until it’s smooth and the jalapeño bits disappear.

Step 03

Pour into a squeeze bottle and pop it in the fridge.

Notes

  1. If you can't find garlic or onion salt, mix their powders with some salt instead.
  2. Hidden Valley Ranch is key for the classic flavor.
  3. Store-bought ranch keeps the sauce fresh for 6 months. Homemade shortens that.

Tools You'll Need

  • Measuring cup.
  • Hand blender.
  • A squeeze bottle for storing.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 76
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 2 g
  • Protein: 1 g