Why You’ll Love Creamy Jalapeño Dip (Chuy’s Copycat) Recipe

This dip blends cool, creamy ingredients with the bright heat of fresh jalapeños and cilantro, creating a perfect balance of flavor. It’s versatile — serve it with chips, veggies, sandwiches, tacos, or even as a salad dressing. Plus, it comes together in just minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup mayonnaise
3/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch seasoning mix
2 fresh jalapeños (seeds removed for mild, kept for spicy)
1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
1 garlic clove
Salt to taste

Directions

Wash the jalapeños, slice them in half, and remove seeds if you want a milder heat.
In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk; blend until smooth and creamy.
Add the dry ranch seasoning mix, jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt; blend again until fully combined and smooth.
Taste and adjust salt or jalapeño heat as needed.
Transfer the dip to a sealed container and chill for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop.
Serve cold with tortilla chips, fresh veggies, or your favorite dippers.

Servings and timing

Servings: about 8 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: at least 1 hour
Total time: about 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Extra Spicy: Add a serrano pepper or keep all the jalapeño seeds in.
Avocado Jalapeño Dip: Blend in 1/4 to 1/2 a ripe avocado for added creaminess.
Greek Yogurt Twist: Replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a protein-packed version.
Vegan Version: Use plant-based mayo and sour cream alternatives and check your ranch mix for dairy.
Smoky Flavor: Add a dash of smoked paprika or use roasted jalapeños.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before serving, as separation may occur. This dip contains dairy and is not suitable for freezing.

FAQs

Can I make this dip less spicy?

Yes — remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before blending to reduce the heat level.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

You can substitute with whole milk plus a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk’s tang.

Is this dip gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the ranch seasoning mix you use is labeled gluten-free. Always check the package ingredients.

Can I make this without a blender?

Yes — finely mince the ingredients and mix by hand, though the texture will be less smooth.

Can I use pickled jalapeños instead of fresh?

Yes, but the flavor will be tangier and slightly different. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.

How long should I chill the dip?

At least 1 hour, but chilling longer (like overnight) will deepen the flavor.

Can I add avocado to this dip?

Yes — blending in 1/4 of a ripe avocado adds richness and a touch of green color.

What can I serve this with?

It’s great with tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, crackers, or as a sauce for tacos and sandwiches.

Can I make this ahead for a party?

Absolutely — this dip keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better after the flavors meld for a few hours.

Is there a low-fat version?

You can substitute Greek yogurt for some of the sour cream and use light mayo to reduce fat content.

Conclusion

This creamy jalapeño dip is a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s easy to make with simple ingredients. Its balance of creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors makes it a versatile addition to any snack spread or meal. Chill it ahead of time for the best flavor, and enjoy it with chips, veggies, or as a flavorful condiment.