Smoky Chipotle Dip
Unleash a bold burst of flavor with this incredibly easy-to-make Smoky Chipotle Dip. Creamy sour cream provides the perfect canvas for the smoky heat of chipotle peppers in adobo, brightened by a squeeze of fresh lime and a hint of garlic. It's the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, ready in minutes.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
Total Time
10 minutes (plus optional chilling time)
Servings
Makes approximately 300 ml (1.25 cups), serving 4-6 people
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Explosive Flavor: A perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and tangy notes.
- Effortlessly Quick: Ready in just 10 minutes with no cooking required.
- Incredibly Versatile: Perfect with chips, veggies, tacos, or as a sandwich spread.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering or for a simple snack.
Ingredients
- 240 ml (1 cup) full-fat sour cream
- 15-30 ml (1-2 tablespoons) chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely minced (adjust to desired heat level)
- 1 medium clove garlic, finely minced or grated
- 30 ml (2 tablespoons) fresh lime juice (from approximately 1 medium lime)
- Pinch of sea salt, to taste (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the 240 ml (1 cup) full-fat sour cream, the finely minced 15-30 ml (1-2 tablespoons) chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, the finely minced 1 medium clove garlic, and the freshly squeezed 30 ml (2 tablespoons) lime juice. Ensure you scrape all the flavorful sauce from the chipotles as well.
- Using a whisk or a sturdy spoon, gently but thoroughly stir all the ingredients together. Continue mixing until the dip is completely smooth and creamy, with the chipotle and garlic evenly distributed throughout the sour cream base. This ensures every bite delivers a consistent burst of flavor.
- Taste a small spoonful of the dip. Evaluate the balance of smoky heat, tang from the lime, and savory garlic. If you prefer a more pronounced smoky spice, carefully add another small amount of minced chipotle pepper and stir well. Add a small pinch of sea salt if needed to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Transfer the Smoky Chipotle Dip to a stylish serving bowl. For the best flavor melding and a slightly thicker consistency, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving, though it can be enjoyed immediately. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or a thin lime wheel if desired, and serve with your favorite dippers.
Tools You’ll Need
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Citrus juicer (optional)
Essential Success Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly minced garlic and freshly squeezed lime juice make a noticeable difference in the dip's brightness.
- Adjust Heat Carefully: Start with 1 tablespoon of chipotle and taste. It's easier to add more spice than to tone it down.
- Chill for Best Flavor: While delicious immediately, a 30-minute chill time allows the flavors to meld and deepen beautifully.
- Don't Over-Mix: Mix until just combined and smooth to maintain the sour cream's creamy texture.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an ultra-smooth, restaurant-quality dip, briefly blend all ingredients in a food processor or with an immersion blender. This creates a velvety texture and ensures the chipotle is perfectly incorporated.
- Char the lime: Briefly charring your lime halves cut-side down in a dry pan before juicing can intensify their flavor and add a subtle smoky note that complements the chipotle beautifully.
- Roast the garlic: For a deeper, mellower garlic flavor, substitute raw minced garlic with 1 teaspoon of roasted garlic paste.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Variations: For an even richer dip, add 60 grams (2 ounces) of softened cream cheese along with the sour cream. For a vibrant green dip, add 60 grams (about 1/2 of a small avocado) and blend until smooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, this dip is excellent for making ahead! Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen as it sits.
What can I serve with Smoky Chipotle Dip?
It's incredibly versatile! Serve it with classic tortilla chips, fresh vegetable sticks (carrots, celery, bell peppers), as a spread for sandwiches or wraps, a dollop on tacos or quesadillas, or even as a topping for baked potatoes or grilled chicken.
How can I make this dip less spicy?
To reduce the heat, start with a smaller amount of chipotle peppers (e.g., half a tablespoon) and remove any seeds from the peppers before mincing. You can also add an extra tablespoon of sour cream to mellow the spice.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Approximate per serving (based on 6 servings): Calories: 120, Protein: 2g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Carbs: 5g, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Sodium: 100mg.
Allergy Information
Contains dairy. For a dairy-free version, substitute sour cream with a plant-based sour cream alternative.
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