Taco Bell Lava Sauce Dupe - Dish with Drew

 Taco Bell Lava Sauce Dupe (Volcano Menu)

The moment the internet starts demanding a recipe, you know I have to deliver! When I saw the absolute frenzy surrounding the return of Taco Bell’s iconic Volcano Menu and that legendary Lava Sauce, I knew I had to drop everything and figure out the perfect dupe. This recipe is the result of focused testing, and I can tell you right now, it is spot-on. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requires absolutely zero cooking, and comes together in no time flat. It is the ultimate creamy, spicy, and cheesy dupe that lets you satisfy that craving any time you want, without having to wait for a limited-time menu release. The key to the authentic flavor lies in using the correct pickled chili peppers, specifically the Mezzetta Fresno Chili Peppers (These are the exact Fresno Chili Peppers I used ➡️ Mezzetta Fresno Chili Peppers - Pickled Sliced Hot Peppers Locally Sourced from California), which give the sauce the exact heat and vinegary tang of the original.

This dupe is designed for maximum flavor and zero fuss. The process is simple: we blend the base flavor of the pickled peppers with a small amount of the brine for texture, and then we combine that vibrant paste with a creamy base of mayonnaise, giving the sauce its signature rich consistency. We layer in the savory complexity with garlic powder, onion powder, and cheese powder to mimic that elusive fast-food flavor profile, along with a kick of cayenne pepper. The result is a smooth, creamy sauce that perfectly balances savory, tangy, and spicy notes. While you can certainly use it immediately, the real magic happens if you can wait a couple of hours: transferring the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerating it for at least two hours allows all those bold flavors to meld, resulting in a deeper, more balanced taste. Seriously, this dupe is so identical, you'll feel like you just ordered it fresh from the drive-thru.

🧾 Ingredients 🧾

One 16 ounce jar Mezzetta Fresno chili peppers (Savory Heat)
1 tablespoon Kraft cheese powder
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

👨‍🍳 Instructions 👨‍🍳

1) Place a strainer over a bowl. Pour the entire jar of Fresno chili peppers into the strainer and let the liquid drain into the bowl below. You will use a small amount of this liquid later.

2) Transfer all of the drained Fresno chili peppers into a blender. Add one tablespoon of the reserved jar liquid and one tablespoon of water. This small amount of liquid ensures the peppers can blend smoothly without becoming too loose.

3) Blend the peppers and liquids until you have a smooth puree. The mixture will be dry at first, so you may need to stop the blender and stir the mixture once or twice to help it process evenly. Blend for sixty to ninety seconds for best texture. Avoid adding additional liquid, as this will change the flavor and thickness of the final sauce.

4) In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, cheese powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and four tablespoons of the blended Fresno pepper paste. Mix until everything is evenly combined and the sauce is smooth. For more heat, add extra cayenne pepper to taste.

5) You can use the sauce immediately, but for the best flavor, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it for at least two hours. The flavor becomes stronger and more balanced as it sits!

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