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This copycat Taco Bell sauce has become my kitchen superstar. I spent weeks getting the blend just right balancing ranch tangy heat and a touch of sweetness. Now my family begs for it on everything from quesadillas to dipping veggies.
What Makes This Sauce Special
You'll love how quick this sauce comes together. I keep a bottle ready in my fridge for taco nights sandwiches and even salad dressing. The creamy ranch base with that perfect kick of heat makes everything taste better.
What You'll Need
- 1 cup Hidden Valley Ranch
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon each onion salt and garlic salt
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped
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Let's Make It
- Step 1
- Pour your ranch into a bowl.
- Step 2
- Add cayenne, paprika, cocoa, sugar, cumin, and salts.
- Step 3
- Drop in your hot sauce and chopped jalapeño.
- Step 4
- Blend everything until smooth.
- Step 5
- Pour into a squeeze bottle and refrigerate.
Family Friendly Favorite
Kids love it on cheese quesadillas while adults enjoy its bold kick. This sauce brings everyone to the table.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long does this sauce last?
- When made with bottled ranch dressing, the sauce keeps for up to 6 months in the fridge. If using homemade ranch, the shelf life will be shorter.
- → What can I use this sauce on?
- This versatile sauce works great on quesadillas, tacos, chicken dishes, and salads. You can also use it as a dip for chips or spread it on sandwiches.
- → Can I adjust the spiciness?
- You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of jalapeño and cayenne pepper. Start with less and add more to taste if you prefer milder flavors.
- → Which ranch dressing works best?
- Original Hidden Valley Ranch Homestyle dressing gives the closest taste to Taco Bell's sauce. Other ranch brands will work but might give slightly different results.
- → Can I make this sauce without a blender?
- While a blender gives the smoothest results, you can finely mince the jalapeño and whisk ingredients together. The texture will be slightly different but still tasty.