Lava Sauce Recipe

Lava sauce, a popular and spicy addition to various dishes, has become quite a sensation among food lovers.

Its name originates from the fiery kick it adds to your taste buds, much like the molten substance it is named after.

This flavorful sauce is known for appearing at fast food chains like Taco Bell, but now you can easily create it at home.

You may have tried lava sauce at your favorite restaurant but been left craving more.

How to Make Lava Sauce

Ingredients List

To make your own Lava Sauce, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup chipotle cheddar cheese dip (mild, medium, or hot)
• 1 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Pinch of garlic powder
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1/2 tsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Optional: 1-2 tbsp of chipotles in adobo sauce for an extra spicy kick

Step-by-step Process

Step 1:

In a small-medium-sized saucepan, whisk the water and white vinegar together.

Add the cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, granulated sugar, cumin, garlic powder, brown sugar, and black pepper to the liquid mixture.

Stir well to combine.

Step 2:

Heat the mixture over medium heat until it starts to simmer.

Lower the heat and allow the mixture to continue simmering for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a flavorful base for your sauce.

Step 3:

In a separate bowl, add the chipotle cheddar cheese dip and sweet chili sauce.

If desired, add chipotles in adobo sauce for an extra spicy kick.

Once the liquid mixture has simmered for an adequate amount of time, pour it into the bowl with the cheese dip and chili sauce.

Mix well to combine.

Step 4:

Taste and adjust the sauce as needed.

If necessary, add more salt or spices to achieve the desired flavor profile.

Allow the sauce to cool at room temperature before transferring it to a storage container.

Store in the refrigerator for optimal freshness.

Now you have a delicious homemade Lava Sauce ready to be enjoyed!

This versatile sauce can be used for a variety of dishes, from adding a spicy kick to Taco Bell’s Fried Chicken Sliders to drizzling over tacos or using it as a dip for nachos or wings.

Enjoy your fan-favorite Lava Sauce in the comfort of your own home!

Side Dishes for Lava Sauce

Lava sauce is a versatile and flavorful addition to countless dishes.

To maximize your enjoyment of this spicy condiment, consider pairing it with these tried-and-true side dishes that perfectly complement lava sauce.

Chicken Sliders

Chicken sliders are a top favorite food to pair with lava sauce.

Stack breaded chicken breast or chicken cutlets between small buns to create mouthwatering sliders.

You can prepare the chicken in advance by breading it in a mixture of cornstarch and spices before frying to achieve that crisp and juicy texture.

The bold flavors and juicy chicken create the perfect marriage with the intense lava sauce.

Chop Chicken

Another great dish to pair with lava sauce is chopped chicken.

Simply dice pieces of chicken breast and coat it in a thin layer of cornstarch and seasonings.

Fry or bake the chicken bits, then toss them in lava sauce.

The slightly crispy exterior of the chopped chicken combines well with the rich and spicy notes of the lava sauce.

Fried Chicken Sliders

For a twist on a classic dish, try fried chicken sliders.

Use crispy chicken cutlets instead of the traditional fried chicken breast to craft delicious bite-sized bites of heaven.

Sandwich the crispy chicken between small buns and drizzle with lava sauce for an irresistible burst of flavor.

Remember to set out shallow bowls of additional lava sauce so everyone can add more if they want!

How to Store Lava Sauce

Storing your homemade Lava Hot Sauce is crucial to maintaining its delicious, savory flavors.

Proper storage helps keep the sauce fresh and delicious for as long as possible.

Follow these simple guidelines to ensure your Lava Hot Sauce stays in top-quality condition.

Airtight Container

Using an airtight container is the first key to storing your Lava Hot Sauce.

Glass jars, like mason jars or even empty condiment containers, work perfectly for this purpose.

When filling the container, make sure to leave some headspace to allow for expansion, especially if storing it in the freezer.

Always remember to seal the container tightly before storing it in the refrigerator or freezer.

Refrigerator

Once your Lava Hot Sauce is in an airtight container, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator.

This will help to slow down the growth of bacteria and retain the fresh taste of the sauce.

You can expect your sauce to last up to 2-3 weeks while stored in the fridge, as long as it remains unopened.

Once opened, try to consume within one week to maintain optimum freshness.

Freezer

If you have made a large batch of Lava Hot Sauce and won’t be using it all within a few weeks, then freezing it is a great option.

Be sure your airtight container is freezer-safe, and don’t fill it all the way to the top to allow for expansion.

When properly stored in the freezer, your sauce can last up to 6 months without losing its quality, taste, and texture.

Whenever you need to use some of your sauce, just remove the container from the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours.

Remember these simple storage tips to keep your Lava Hot Sauce fresh and delicious for as long as possible so you can enjoy its savory tastes on all your favorite dishes anytime you desire.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the sauce

One common mistake with lava sauce is overcooking it.

Cooking for too long can make the sauce too thick and alter the intended flavor.

Be sure to follow the recommended simmering time for your recipe, typically around 15-20 minutes, to achieve the ideal consistency and taste.

Using wrong or low-quality ingredients

Using the wrong or low-quality ingredients can significantly impact the flavor of your lava sauce.

Ensure you use the correct ingredients as specified in the recipe, such as hot sauces and cheese types.

Additionally, using fresh, high-quality spices like paprika and chili powder will enhance the overall flavor of your sauce.

Not seasoning the sauce properly

Another mistake to avoid is not seasoning the sauce enough or over-seasoning it.

It’s essential to taste your sauce while you’re cooking and adjust the seasoning as necessary.

A good balance of spices, hot sauce, and other seasonings will ensure that your lava sauce has the right level of spiciness and flavor.

Ignoring green onions

Green onions offer a nice contrast and additional flavor to the spicy and rich lava sauce.

Incorporating finely chopped green onions into your recipe can enhance the overall taste.

While they might not be a must-have ingredient, their inclusion can bring a distinct freshness that complements the heat of the sauce.

Neglecting proper storage and reheating techniques

Lastly, it’s essential to store leftover lava sauce properly for future use.

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge to preserve the sauce’s freshness and keep it from drying out.

Before reheating, bring it to room temperature, then heat it over low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating and maintain its smooth consistency.