If you’ve ever had Jack in the Box’s tacos, you know that their taco sauce is something special. It’s tangy, slightly spicy, and just the right amount of sweet. I loved it so much, I couldn’t help but wonder how I could make it at home.

After a few attempts and some tweaks, I finally nailed the recipe. Now, I can enjoy that same great flavor anytime I want, without having to run to the drive-thru.

Whether you’re craving tacos, nachos, or just a good dip, this homemade Jack in the Box taco sauce recipe is the perfect addition. It’s super easy to make, and the best part? You get to control the heat and flavor just the way you like it.

Let’s dive in and get started with this delicious Jack in The Box Taco Sauce copycat recipe..

Is Jack In The Box Taco Sauce Spicy?

After trying it with some jalapeno poppers, I can definitely say it has a good amount of heat! It’s not overwhelming, but you’ll feel the spice kick in. The flavor is fantastic, though, and it balances the heat with a nice tanginess.

If you like your sauces with a bit of spice, you’ll love it. But if you prefer something milder, you can always adjust the heat to suit your taste.

What Is in Jack in the Box Taco Sauce

Liquid Base:

• 1 cup cold water – Provides the smooth liquid base, ensuring all spices blend evenly while keeping the sauce pourable and not too thick.
• 1/4 cup chili sauce (not ketchup) – Brings tangy, peppery depth with mild heat, forming the flavorful backbone of the taco sauce.
• 2 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar – Adds sharp acidity, balancing spice and enhancing the sauce’s zesty kick.
• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – Infuses savory umami with subtle sweetness, deepening the sauce’s flavor complexity.

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes – Supplies fiery heat, giving the sauce its signature spicy punch without overwhelming balance.
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt – Enhances flavor uniformly, bringing both saltiness and a hint of seasoning blend.
• 3/8 teaspoon granulated garlic – Adds bold, aromatic depth with earthy pungency, slightly sharper than fresh garlic.
• 1/4 teaspoon granulated onion – Contributes gentle sweetness and savory balance, rounding out the spice mix.
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper – Delivers mellow, earthy heat with subtle sharpness, complementing chili’s spice.
• 1/8 teaspoon ground coriander – Adds citrusy warmth, brightening overall flavor and preventing heaviness.
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin – Brings smoky, earthy undertones, grounding the sauce’s spice profile.
• A pinch of cloves – Infuses sweet-spicy warmth, adding depth without overpowering.
• A pinch of paprika – Provides mild heat and color, enhancing appearance and flavor balance.

Thickener:

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Thickens sauce to a silky consistency, helping it cling to tacos perfectly.

Recipe Instructions

Step 01: Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients and measure them out. It’s easiest if you mix all the seasonings (red pepper flakes, seasoned salt, granulated garlic, granulated onion, white pepper, coriander, cumin, cloves, and paprika) into one small bowl ahead of time.

Step 02: Mix the Liquid Base

In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the water, Worcestershire sauce, and vinegar. Stir these together gently.

Step 03: Add Chili Sauce and Seasonings

Pour in the chili sauce, and then add all the pre-mixed seasonings to the saucepan. Use a whisk to blend everything together until smooth.

Step 04: Incorporate the Cornstarch

Slowly whisk in the cornstarch. Make sure it dissolves completely without forming any lumps.

Step 05: Cook the Sauce

Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat. Stir continuously as the mixture heats up. Bring it to a gentle boil while whisking, then reduce the heat slightly. Let the sauce simmer for about 5–7 minutes, whisking often, until it thickens slightly.

Step 06: Cool and Adjust

Once the sauce is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it cool. The sauce will thicken further as it cools. Taste it and adjust if needed (for example, add a touch more red pepper flakes if you want more heat).

Step 07: Serve or Store

Serve immediately with your favorite tacos, or pour the sauce into a clean jar or container. Store it in the fridge for up to a week. Make sure to stir it before using, as it may thicken more during storage.

Tips for the Best Sauce

• Heat Level: If you like extra spicy taco sauce, add a pinch more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
• Consistency: For a thinner sauce, add a tablespoon of water after cooking. For a thicker sauce, cook it slightly longer.
• Use Ideas: Besides tacos, this sauce works great as a dip for tortilla chips or drizzled over enchiladas.

Recipe Variations and Additions

• Sweet & Spicy: Add a teaspoon of honey for a sweet kick.
• Smoky Twist: Use smoked paprika instead of regular for a bold flavor.
• Extra Garlic: Double the granulated garlic for a more intense taste.
• Citrus Boost: A squeeze of lime juice can brighten the flavor.

What to Serve with This Taco Sauce

This taco sauce is so versatile, you’ll want to add it to everything! Here’s what I love serving it with:

1. Tacos: Of course! It’s the perfect topping, whether you’re using hard-shell or soft tortillas.
2. Enchiladas: Pour it over for a tangy, flavorful kick.
3. Nachos: Drizzle it over chips, cheese, and jalapeños for a delicious snack.
4. Burritos: It makes a great dipping sauce or topping.

There you have it—my go-to Jack in the Box taco sauce recipe! It’s packed with flavor, so easy to make, and perfect for all your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes.

I hope you’ll try it out and enjoy the delicious results as much as I do. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more tasty recipes.