Blend one whole chipotle plus a spoon of its adobo — the smoke lives in the sauce it's packed in, not just the pepper. Chopping the pepper alone gives you heat with none of that deep, smoky background.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep5 min
Cooknone
Makesabout 1 cup
CuisineMexican-American
Cost$$
VegetarianGluten-free
Contains dairy · eggs
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for1cup
Our ratio, your call. The amounts below are a tested starting point — a version, not the one and only. Anything tagged to taste is the knob you turn: start there, then make it yours.
Sour cream
The tangy base of a real crema. Full-fat, cultured.
Can you freeze Taco Shop Chipotle Crema? — Not ideal
Not really — the cream, custard, or emulsion turns grainy or splits once thawed. This one is best kept fresh in the fridge.
Can you make Taco Shop Chipotle Crema ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it keeps in the fridge for several days; stir or shake it before serving.
Is Taco Shop Chipotle Crema gluten-free? — Yes
Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.
Is Taco Shop Chipotle Crema vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan
It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy and egg. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Community Notes
Made it, tweaked it, or recognize which restaurant this tastes like? Leave a note — first-name basis, no account.
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