Name: Bell Sauce Dipping Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 1 can (8 oz) of tomato sauce; 1/3 cup water; 1/4 cup white vinegar; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds a nice depth); 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to your heat preference); 1/2 teaspoon sugar; Salt to taste

Taco Tuesday shouldn’t be limited to one day a week; the Bell Sauce Dipping Sauce is an undeniable crowd-pleaser. After all, who hasn’t felt the pang of yearning for that tangy, slightly spicy, and utterly irresistible condiment that makes every chalupa and nacho feel complete? Replicating this beloved sauce in your kitchen is simpler than you might think, and with this recipe, freshness and flavor are at your fingertips.

Table of Contents

How to make Bell Sauce Dipping Sauce

Bell Sauce dipping sauce is popular for its tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor. It is typically associated with Chinese-American cuisine and is often served as a condiment for dishes like egg rolls, fried chicken, dumplings, and other appetizers.

Ingredients

1 can (8 oz) of tomato sauce
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup white vinegar
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds a nice depth)
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to your heat preference)
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Salt to taste

Instructions:

Combine Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, water, white vinegar, and all the spices including chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and sugar until well combined.
Simmer: Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and gently simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Thickness Adjustment: Simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the sauce has thickened to your liking. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out by stirring in a little more water, a tablespoon at a time.
Taste and Adjust: Taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remember, the flavors will continue to develop and meld together, so it’s best to be conservative with adjustments.
Cool and Store: Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Tips for the Perfect Bell Sauce Dipping Sauce:

Freshness Matters: For the best flavour, use the freshest spices you can find. Spices lose their potency and flavor over time.
Smooth or Chunky: Consider blending the mixture with an immersion blender before simmering for a smoother sauce.
Let it Marinate: Allowing the sauce to sit in the refrigerator overnight before using it can help the flavors to meld together more thoroughly, enhancing the overall taste.
Heat Level: The original Bell Sauce has a mild to moderate heat level. Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on how spicy you want your sauce to be.
Serving Suggestion: While perfect as a dipping sauce, don’t hesitate to get creative and use it as a condiment on homemade tacos, burritos or even as a zesty salad dressing with a Tex-Mex twist.

What to serve with

The versatility of Bell Sauce Dipping Sauce means it pairs wonderfully with a wide array of snacks, meals, and sides.

Classic Tex-Mex and Mexican Dishes

Tacos: Whether hard-shell or soft, chicken, beef or even fish tacos, this sauce adds a delightful kick.
Burritos: Drizzle or dip for an extra flavor boost in every bite.
Quesadillas: Serve the dipping sauce on the side for dunking those cheesy triangles.
Nachos: A perfect companion for cheese-drizzled or loaded nachos.
Taquitos: These crispy rolled tacos and the dipping sauce are a match made in heaven.

Snacks and Appetizers

Potato Skins: For a delicious twist, top potato skins with cheese, bacon bits, and a dollop of sauce.
Jalapeño Poppers: The sauce provides a cool, tangy contrast to the spicy, cream cheese-filled peppers.
Cheese Sticks: Move over marinara and dip these gooey sticks into Bell Sauce instead.
Chicken Wings or Strips: A unique alternative to traditional wing sauces.
Vegetable Platter: Fresh cut veggies like carrots, celery, and bell peppers are perfect for a lighter dipping option.

Unconventional Pairings

Pizza: Swap out the typical garlic sauce for this zesty dipping sauce to dip your crust.
Burgers and Sandwiches: Spread a thin layer on your buns for a flavorful kick.
Grilled Cheese: Dip your sandwich for a comforting, zesty twist.
Fries and Tater Tots: Move over ketchup; this sauce can completely change the game for potatoes in any form.
Eggs: Whether it’s scrambled eggs, an omelet, or a breakfast burrito, a bit of Bell Sauce can add an unexpected but welcome spice and zest.

Breakfast

Breakfast Burritos: Start your day with a burst of flavor by adding this sauce to your morning burrito.
Avocado Toast: A drizzle of the sauce on top can add a nice tang and spice.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Veggie Burgers: A perfect condiment to spice up plant-based burgers.
Tofu Scramble: Mix in or serve on the side for added flavor complexity.
Roasted Vegetables: Toss your favorite veggies in the sauce before or after roasting for a flavor boost.

Salads

Tex-Mex Salad: For added spice, give your salad a zesty dressing or use it to top taco salads.

Ingredients Substitutes

Bell Sauce Dipping Sauce is a flavorful condiment often composed of a blend of mayonnaise, mustard, and other spices and herbs. Though the exact recipe might vary from one version to another, making substitutions can help if you’re faced with allergies, dietary restrictions, or simply a shortage of ingredients at home.

Mayonnaise (Base Ingredient)

Greek Yogurt: For a healthier substitute that still offers creaminess.
Sour Cream: Offers a tangier flavor profile while maintaining the creamy texture.
Vegan Mayonnaise: Makes the sauce vegan-friendly without compromising on the texture.
Silken Tofu: Blended until smooth, it can be a lower-fat, high-protein base.

Mustard (Typically Dijon or Yellow Mustard)

Stone Ground Mustard: Adds a coarser texture and spicier taste.
Honey Mustard: Provides a sweeter flavor profile.
Horseradish or Wasabi: For an intense heat similar to that of mustard.
Turmeric: Can mimic the color and add a mild kick. Use sparingly for flavor and add a cream component.

Ketchup (For Sweetness and Tang)

Tomato Paste: Mixed with a bit of vinegar and sugar to replicate the tangy sweetness.
BBQ Sauce: Provides a similar sweetness with a smoky twist.

Pickle Juice (For Acidity and Flavor)

Vinegar (apple cider, white wine, or white wine) provides the tangy edge provided by pickle juice.
Lemon or Lime Juice: Adds a fresh acidic note to the sauce.

Worcestershire Sauce (For Umami and Depth of Flavor)

Soy Sauce: Offers a similar umami flavor.
Anchovy Paste: A bit mixed with water can substitute for the fishy undercurrent in Worcestershire.
Liquid Smoke: This can serve as an alternative if the desired element is the smokiness.

Garlic (Fresh or Powdered)

Onion Powder: Serves as another allium that can substitute the garlic flavor.
Asafoetida: A strong alternative used in Indian cuisine; use in smaller quantities because of its potent smell and flavor.

Spices and Herbs (Such as Paprika, Chili Powder, Cayenne Pepper)

Other Chile Powders: Can substitute for chili powder if not available but expect a change in flavor profile.
Red Pepper Flakes: Can add heat that might be lacking without cayenne pepper.
Ground Cumin or Coriander: Which can add earthy notes, though differently than paprika or chili powder.

Final Thoughts

Creating your own Bell Sauce Dipping Sauce at home allows you to customize the flavors to your liking and enjoy that Taco Bell vibe anytime.

More Sauce Recipes:

Taco Bell Chicken Nuggets Sauce Recipe