I make this Mexican White Sauce whenever I want something smooth and flavorful to pour over tacos or enchiladas. The mix of sour cream, cream cheese, and green chilies makes it creamy, tangy, spicy, and packed with flavor. A popular sauce served at Mexican restaurants can now be made at home!
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Why This Recipe Works
I love making this Salsa Blanca (Mexican White Sauce) because it’s creamy, flavorful, and comes together in minutes. It’s the kind of sauce that instantly makes any meal taste like it came from your favorite Mexican restaurant. Here’s what makes it special:
- Creamy and Tangy: The mix of sour cream and cream cheese gives this sauce its smooth, velvety texture and a tangy bite that keeps you coming back for more. It’s got that same satisfying creaminess you’ll find in this Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce.
- Perfect Heat: The green chilies and a touch of sriracha bring just the right amount of spice. It’s flavorful without being overpowering, and you can easily adjust the heat to your liking.
- Quick and Easy: This white taco sauce takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something homemade but don’t have a lot of time.
- Versatile for Any Dish: I drizzle it over enchiladas, tacos, or burrito bowls, and it even makes a great dip for chips. It’s as versatile as this Easy Chimichurri Sauce, which I also love for adding flavor to just about anything.
- Even Better the Next Day: The flavors deepen as it sits, making it perfect for meal prep. I always make a little extra because it tastes even better after a night in the fridge.
Made this recipe? Come back and leave a rating to let me know how it turned out. I ❤️ hearing from you!
Ingredients
- Butter – Unsalted butter creates a rich base for this Mexican white cream sauce and helps form the roux that thickens it. If you only have salted butter, just reduce the added salt later.
- Flour – All-purpose flour gives the sauce its smooth, creamy texture. You can use cornstarch or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free option.
- Chicken Broth – Adds savory depth and helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency. Vegetable broth works well if you prefer a vegetarian version.
- Sour Cream – Brings tanginess and creaminess that balance the richness of the butter and cream cheese. Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter substitute.
- Cream Cheese – Makes the sauce thick, smooth, and slightly tangy. It melts beautifully and gives the sauce that signature creamy texture.
- Green Chilies – Add mild heat and a touch of brightness. You can swap them for pickled jalapeños or roasted poblanos for more spice.
- Hot Sauce – A small amount of sriracha adds gentle heat and flavor. Use cayenne or red pepper flakes if you prefer a different kind of spice.
- Salt and Pepper – Simple seasonings that bring all the flavors together. Adjust to taste once the sauce is finished.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
Instructions
- Make the roux: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Whisk until smooth: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, starting with a small amount, until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
- Add the cream and extras: Stir in sour cream, cream cheese, green chilies, hot sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until creamy: Continue stirring until everything is fully melted, smooth, and well combined.
- Pour and heat through: Let the sauce gently simmer until heated through and slightly thickened.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve warm with your favorite dishes.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
Here are some of my favorite substitutions and variations:
- Heat Level: I like using sriracha for a smooth, balanced heat, but you can swap it for cayenne, red pepper flakes, or chipotle hot sauce for a smoky flavor.
- Chilies: Green chilies keep it mild and flavorful, but pickled jalapeños or roasted poblanos add a bolder kick. You can even stir in a spoonful of the jalapeño brine for extra tang.
- Seasoning: Try adding cumin, oregano, or a pinch of chili powder for a deeper flavor. Fresh minced garlic also works great if you like a garlicky sauce in your Mexican dipping sauce.
Ways to Use Mexican White Sauce
Main Dishes
- This creamy Mexican White Sauce goes perfectly with all your favorite Mexican meals. We love drizzling it over Easy Chicken Fajita with Fajita Seasoning for a smooth, flavorful finish.
- It’s also delicious poured over Cheese Steak Chimichangas Recipe or served alongside Easy Carne Guisada Tacos for a creamy, spicy touch. Try it with the Best Crunch Wrap Supreme for a fun, restaurant-style meal at home.
Other Tex Mex Favorites
- We like to serve this sauce as a dip or drizzle with Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas or spoon it over Chicken Tacos for extra flavor.
- It’s also a great topping for Taco Salad Bowls or even a creamy layer inside a Best Crunch Wrap Supreme.
FAQs
Yes. You can use vegetable broth instead if you want a vegetarian version. It will still have great flavor and a creamy texture.
Definitely. If you prefer a milder sauce, use less hot sauce or skip it altogether. For extra heat, add more sriracha, a pinch of cayenne, or diced jalapeños.
Yes, this salsa blanca makes a great dip for tortilla chips, quesadillas, or even roasted vegetables. Just warm it slightly before serving so it stays smooth and creamy.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring often until warmed through.
More Tex-Mex Recipes You'll Enjoy
- 10-Minute Mexican Cheese Dip Recipe – Make entertaining easy with this quick Mexican cheese dip recipe. Ready in just 10 minutes and oh so delicious!
- David's Nacho Cheese Dip – David's Nacho Cheese Dip - The Best Nacho Cheese Dip from scratch with ground beef and few other ingredients. It is SOOOO GOOD!
- How To Make Salsa With Fresh Tomatoes – Whip up homemade salsa in no time. Find out how to make salsa with fresh tomatoes for a flavorful snack or topping.
- The Best Homemade Nachos With Ground Beef – The Best Homemade Nachos With Ground Beef - This 8 ingredient nacho madness is a savory, meaty, and out-of-this-world snack or meal!
If you make this Mexican White Sauce recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a rating and review in the comments below, and don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram @munchkintimeblog
📖 Recipe
Mexican White Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter unsalted
- 3 Tablespoons flour all-purpose variety
- 2 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup cream cheese
- 4 oz green chilies drained
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce I use sriracha
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Using a small sauce pan, melt butter on medium heat. Add flour, stir and cook for about 1-2 minute.
- Slowly whisk in a small amount of chicken broth, whisk until there are no lumps then whisk in the rest of the chicken broth. Bring it to a boil.Into the same pan add sour cream, cream cheese, green chillies, hot sauce, salt and pepper to taste.
- After it starts boiling turn off the heat and use in these delicious chicken chimichangas. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Melt low & slow: Keep the heat on medium-low to prevent the dairy from separating and to get that silky-smooth texture.
- Whisk constantly: This helps avoid lumps and keeps the sauce creamy and cohesive.
- Make it ahead: The flavor deepens as it sits, making it even better the next day.
- Double the batch: This sauce goes fast—great to have extra for meal prep or leftovers.
Brittany Sutterman
Hello, it says 6 servings but doesn't say how much one serving is.
Love Keil
Hi, Brittany! 😊 The recipe says it makes 6 servings, and the nutrition info is based on one serving out of those 6 — roughly about ¼ cup per serving of the sauce. Feel free to adjust based on how much sauce you actually use with your dish! Hope this helps!
Dee
I have been looking for a recipe like this for a long time, perfect and amazing my family loved it. Thank you
Munchkin Time
Thank you so much for your kind words, Dee! I'm thrilled to hear that you and your family loved the recipe. It means a lot to me that you found it perfect and amazing!
Pam Bestler
This was absolutely the best Mexican sauce ever! So easy to make and tasted like you were in hi end Mexican restaurant. DELICIOUS
Munchkin Time
Thank you Pam for your awesome recipe review and rating!!! I am so happy you like this Mexican white sauce recipe!!! It is our favorite!