Make this creamy Baja sauce recipe for your next taco night! This simple condiment is packed with delicious, zesty flavors from sour cream and lime juice and a spicy kick from the hot sauce. The best part is it comes together in 5 minutes!

Baja cream sauce is all you need to elevate your favorite dishes. It's traditionally paired with shrimp and fish tacos and is definitely perfect when drizzled over my grilled shrimp tacos.
But it also goes well with so many other dishes like bean and cheese tacos, grilled seafood, sweet potato nachos, and stuffed peppers.
📖Why My Recipe Works
- Taco Bell Copycat - If you've been craving that '90s Taco Bell Baja sauce, this is the recipe for you. Its rich creamy texture and tangy, slightly spicy flavors are sure to bring back good memories.
- Lime- This recipe has an appropriate amount of acid, which helps cut through the creaminess so the sauce is in balance.
🧾 Baja Sauce Ingredients
- Mayonnaise- Serves as the creamy base of the sauce. Use light or full-fat mayo.
- Sour Cream- Adds a creamy, tangy flavor that complements the mayo. You can also use Greek yogurt.
- Lime Juice- Use bottled or fresh lime juice.
- Cotija Cheese- If you can't find cotija cheese, use grated parmesan. If using cotija cheese, crumble it finely.
- Hot Sauce- Adjust heat to your preference or skip it for a milder sauce.
- Honey- Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tangy flavor. A pinch of sugar will also work.
- Seasonings- Use garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and salt to taste.
💭Spicy Baja Sauce Recipe Variation
For a smoky meets spicy version of this homemade sauce add 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Make this version in a blender or food processor to ensure the chipotles get pureed thoroughly.
⏲️How to Make Baja Sauce
Use a food processor or blender to mix all the ingredients together until it reaches a smooth consistency. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
Then, transfer the sauce to a jar and refrigerate. Before serving, give it a quick stir or shake to mix.
More Toppings for Tacos
Did you enjoy making this recipe? Show it some love with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a comment! Hungry for more FLAVORFUL recipes?
📖 Recipe Card
Baja Sauce for Tacos
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ⅓ cup cotija cheese
- 2 Tablespoons lime juice
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- 1 Tablespoon hot sauce or more to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Whisk together all the ingredients. Salt to taste and add more hot sauce as needed.½ cup mayonnaise, ¾ cup sour cream, ⅓ cup cotija cheese, 2 Tablespoons lime juice, 1 Tablespoon honey, 1 Tablespoon hot sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon cumin, salt
- Refrigerate until ready to use.
Jen Wooster says
Quick and easy.