Restaurant Style Mexican White Sauce Recipe

Authentic Mexican White Sauce Recipe

This authentic Mexican white sauce recipe is easy and straightforward and one you’ll use over and over again. A versatile and delicious dip, perfect for tortilla chip-dipping and enchilada-topping, adds a cool, creamy, zesty flavor boost to your dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, our easy-to-follow recipe is one that you’ll want to save!

This white dipping sauce is addictively delicious and pairs perfectly with the warm tortilla chips and salsa from our favorite Mexican restaurant here in town. In fact, I can’t eat tortilla chips and salsa without it anymore!

Side Note: Google has informed me that this recipe is practically exclusive to Mexican restaurants in North Carolina and Virginia. I had no idea! Have you ever had Mexican White Sauce? Leave us a comment at the end of the post and let us know. 

Explore the savory side of Mexican cuisine with our easy Mexican White Sauce recipe – a perfect companion for tacos and more!

Ingredients

• Miracle Whip*: The base of the sauce, Miracle Whip contributes a sweet and tangy creamy texture, adding a smooth consistency to the overall mixture.
• Sour Cream: Sour cream complements the tanginess of Miracle Whip, enhancing the creaminess while providing a slightly tart flavor that balances the richness of the sauce. 
• Milk: Milk works with the sour cream to thin out the sauce to your desired consistency, ensuring it’s pourable and “dip-able.”
• Crushed Red Pepper Flake: Adding a hint of heat, crushed red pepper flakes bring a subtle spiciness to the sauce, providing a well-rounded flavor profile.
• Cumin: Cumin introduces warm and earthy undertones, enhancing the savory notes of the sauce and giving it a distinct Mexican flavor.
• Garlic Powder: A key aromatic element, garlic powder infuses the sauce with a rich and savory taste, elevating the overall flavor profile.
• Oregano: Oregano contributes a touch of herbal freshness, enhancing the authenticity of the Mexican flavor in the sauce.
• Jalapeño Brine: The juice from the pickled jalapeno jar– the unsung hero of this recipe. This ingredient adds all the flavor of jalapeño without the mouth-scorching heat,  which boosts the overall flavor profile and gives the sauce its distinctive taste. 

*Many of you will want to use real mayonnaise instead of Miracle Whip. Don’t do it! Just trust me and use the MW. 

Elevate your culinary skills with our step-by-step guide to crafting the authentic Mexican White Sauce at home.

Tips for Success

Even though this recipe is fairly straightforward and simple, we’ve picked up a few tips and tricks along the way worth mentioning to to make sure your white sauce turns out just right. Read through these notes before starting the recipe, and you’ll end up with the most flavorful restaurant-quality Mexican white sauce that you’ve ever dipped a chip in!

Ingredient Preparation: Measure all ingredients accurately for a well-balanced flavor. Use fresh and quality ingredients to enhance the overall taste.

Consistency: Adjust the milk quantity to achieve your desired consistency. Aim for a smooth and creamy texture, ensuring the sauce coats dishes (and more importantly– tortilla chips!) evenly.

Balance the Heat: Control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of crushed red pepper flakes based on your preference.

Flavor Development: Allow the sauce to chill for several hours before serving to let the flavors meld and intensify. Taste and adjust seasonings accordingly to suit your palate.

Storage and Serving: Refrigerate any leftovers promptly to maintain freshness. Serve the sauce chilled for the best taste experience.

Experimentation is Encouraged: Don’t be afraid to experiment with ingredient quantities to tailor the sauce to your liking. Gradually add seasonings and spices, tasting as you go, to achieve the perfect balance.

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Restaurant Style Mexican White Sauce Recipe

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Add a creamy twist to your favorite dishes with our foolproof Mexican White Sauce recipe – a taste of Mexico in every bite!

FAQs | Authentic Mexican White Sauce Recipe

What is the history of Mexican White Sauce? And is it really from Virginia?

I did a lot of digging around regarding the origins of this recipe, and there appears to be two schools of thought. The first being that the original recipe for the sauce was created by a Mexican restaurant owner in Norfolk, Virginia back in the 1970s as a flavorful salad dressing for the local patrons of El Torro. And that people began dipping their chips in it and topping their other menu items with the sauce which quickly turned into a region-wide phenomenon, becoming wilding popular at many other Mexican restaurants in Virginia and North Carolina.

The second opinion on the matter is that restaurants often create their unique twists on recipes, and the origins of such dishes can be intertwined with the creativity of local chefs and communities. El Toro and other restaurants may have popularized or contributed to the spread of Mexican White Sauce, but that it’s part of a broader culinary tradition rather than having a single, definitive origin.

Whatever the true origin of the recipe may be, we’re just glad it’s here!

Transform your meals with the rich and zesty notes of our homemade Mexican White Sauce – a must-try condiment.

Can I use mayonnaise instead of miracle whip?

The short answer:

Please don’t. Mayo just misses the mark in this recipe, and you won’t get to experience the true amazingness that is Mexican White Sauce!

The longer answer: 

Sure, you can use mayonnaise as a substitute for Miracle Whip in many recipes, including the Mexican White Sauce recipe. However, it doesn’t mean you should.

It’s important to note that Miracle Whip has a slightly different flavor profile compared to traditional mayonnaise. Miracle Whip has a tangier and sweeter taste, while mayonnaise is typically creamier and more neutral in flavor.

If you choose to use mayonnaise instead of Miracle Whip, consider adjusting the other ingredients in the recipe to balance the flavors according to your preference. You might need to add a bit of sugar and/or vinegar, depending on the specific taste you’re aiming for.

What dishes pair well with this Authentic Mexican White Sauce recipe?

So glad you asked! Our favorite way to enjoy this sweet and tangy sauce is mixed with salsa and used as a dip for dips. Simple, but also NEXT LEVEL.

It’s also delicious with just about any of your favorite Mexican dishes. Here are a few we highly recommend:

• Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas
• Honey Lime Chicken (for Tacos)
• Blackened Chicken Burrito Bowls

Continue to Content

Restaurant Style Mexican White Sauce Recipe

Yield: 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Chill Time: 7 hours

Total Time: 7 hours 5 minutes

Also known as "Virginia White Sauce" and "Mexican White Dipping Sauce," this creamy and tangy condiment is the perfect companion to your regular order of chips and salsa.

Print

Ingredients

• 1 cup Miracle Whip
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flake
• 3/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 tablespoon jalapeño brine (juice from pickled jalapeño jar)

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine Miracle Whip, sour cream, and milk. Whisk together until well blended.
2. Add crushed red pepper flakes, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano to the mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices.
3. Mix in the jalapeño brine into the sauce, adjusting the amount based on your desired level of spiciness.
4. Continue to whisk the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. Taste the sauce and make any necessary adjustments to the seasonings to suit your preference.
6. Once the sauce is well-mixed and seasoned to your liking, cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for a minimum of 7 hours or overnight. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and intensify. Don't skip this step!
7. Before serving, give the sauce a good stir to ensure it maintains a consistent texture.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 132Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 29mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 0gSugar: 3gProtein: 2g

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