Chuy's Copycat Version Creamy Jalapeno Dip
I lived in Texas for about 2 days before everyone and their dog was telling me all about this famous Chuy's creamy jalapeno dip that I must try asap. Of course, I ditched unpacking in my quest to do some culinary research. Was it really as good as everyone said? I wanted to be the judge.
Dean and I chose a weekend night and drove straight to Chuy's. There was a line out the door and a long wait. That is always a good sign! People seemed to love this place -- even if it was for the star of the show, the creamy jalapeno dip.
We sat down and within minutes, the creamy jalapeno dip was sitting right in front of me. A basket of hot chips, fresh out of the fryer were beckoning me. I took the tortilla chip and dipped it into what looked more like a cilantro jalapeno dressing than anything and took the first bite. Wow. This stuff was straight up addicting.
Before I knew it, Dean and I had devoured an entire basket of chips and he was asking for more. Trouble. I was hooked on this creamy jalapeno dip and there was no turning back!
We just flew back to San Antonio last week for my darling niece's wedding (hi Amanda!). I married into such a wonderful family and loved being with the Stadler crew.
We had a Mexican feast on Sunday and another darling niece (I have a lot of them), Haley, was bringing it! She is a little whiz in the kitchen and shared her version of Chuy's famous creamy cilantro jalapeno dip. Once she put it out on the table, it was like watching vultures. It was a huge hit and I begged her for the recipe!
This is our version of the Chuy's famous creamy jalapeno dip is super simple to make and can be whipped up in less than 10 minutes. I without a doubt could drink this stuff....all day long. It is also reminiscent of Cafe Rio or Costa Vida's cilantro ranch dressing. You can use this dressing to drizzle on a salad, a burrito bowl, or just as an appetizer.
How do you make this famous Chuy's creamy jalapeno cilantro dip dressing? You start with jarred jalapenos and cilantro pureed in a blender. You can use fresh jalapenos as well but I prefer the jarred jalapenos as I can control the heat. The jarred jalapenos are much milder than fresh ones but give off a crazy amount of flavor. Fresh cilantro brings the freshness and balances out the heat.
Both sour cream and mayonnaise are used as the base of this creamy cilantro ranch dressing. A packet of dry ranch dressing dip brings that ranch flavor that everyone seems to love. If you want to add more freshness, throw in a couple of tomatillos. You can use fresh tomatillos or canned tomatillos. Buttermilk makes a huge difference in this dressing and use just enough to thin it to desired consistency and taste.
The jalapenos and cilantro are pureed in a blender or food processor. My favorite inexpensive food processor can be found HERE.
Chuy's Creamy Jalapeno Cilantro Dip Dressing
Ingredients
- ¾ cup Sour Cream
- ¾ cup Mayonnaise (if you prefer less mayonnaise, you may use 1 cup of sour cream and ½ cup mayonnaise)
- 1 packet 1 oz Dry Ranch Dip
- ¼ teaspoon Garlic Salt
- ½ cup Cilantro (tightly packed, may add more for fresh flavor)
- ¾ cup Pickled Jalapenos (plus juice from a jar (may add up to 1 cup depending on heat preference)
- ½ cup Buttermilk (if you want it to be thinner, add more buttermilk)
- 2 Tomatillos optional
- 2 teaspoons Fresh Lime Juice optional
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, stir together sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch dip packet, and garlic salt.
- In blender or food processor, puree cilantro and pickled jalapenos with a little juice. (If using tomatillos, blend with jalapenos and cilantro).
- Add cilantro jalapeno puree to mayo mixture.
- Stir in buttermilk until you reach desired consistency. Add fresh lime juice, if using.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Video
Nutrition
I hope you love this copycat version of Chuy's popular Creamy Jalapeno Dip! It's a family favorite. Happy Eating, my friends!
Jason
I used this to break in my new food processor and it was perfect! By my memory it tastes exactly like Chuy's, so much so that I may go to Chuy's this weekend and get some to compare. The only thing I'll change next time is a little less liquid from the jalapeno jar to thicken it up a little more, but as it is it's about the same consistency as the Chuy's version and it thickened considerably after being in the fridge a little while. Thanks!
Taneè
I love this recipe. I use this recipe every time I make it and have even passed it on to many people. I make it for everyone and they Love it saying it taste just like Chuys. I live down the street from a Chuys and it’s a tad pricey to buy it made. I also use the processor to make the jalapeño and cilantro mix and freeze the extra for another time for convenience. Just a little tip. Thank you!
Jacks
You nailed it!!! I had my first experience with this dip at Chuy’s and am hooked! Had to find me the recipe and BINGO!!! This recipe is SPOT ON!!! No changes needed. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Can’t wait to try it on some street tacos. I could drink it all!!!
J smith
How much dry ranch Is in this recipe? I buy the big container at Costco and it’s not in a packet. Thank you!
Sean K.
Packets are typically one ounce.
Kristen B
2 Tablespoons
Nate
Do you use the whole cilantro bunch or just the leaves? I have done both and although tedious I find just the leaves bring out better flavor.
April
Is the calories per serving or the entire recipe? If per serving, how much is a serving?
Collin
You wrong as hell Boi, them stems and leaves add flavor
Great recipe, just made it
Melissa
2nd time making this & we've really enjoyed it! Used fresh jalapeños instead of from a jar and it still tasted great. Question though: how long does this last in the fridge? I think I've made way too much for 2 ppl
Heather
I love this recipe! It’s so good! My parents make it too and it’s become a favorite!
Tina
A family favorite!! SO amazing!!