Panera's Signature Sauce is a chipotle mayo blend that's perfect for so many things. It can be used as a sandwich spread, french fry dip, or even as a salad dressing.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Whether you're looking for a new way to dress up your sandwiches or you're just looking for a delicious dipping sauce, Panera Signature Sauce is the perfect choice for a creamy, smoky flavor boost.
The chipotle peppers give it a smoky heat, while the mayonnaise and lemon juice add a touch of acidity and sweetness.
- Easy. Just a few easy to find ingredients to mix up together.
- Delicious. Amazing flavor that elevates meats, sandwiches, and salads.
- Economical. Much less expensive to make your own than purchase store bought.
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Panera Signature Sauce (Chipotle Mayo) Ingredients
Chipotle mayonnaise is made with a few simple ingredients, but it packs a big flavor punch. The chipotle peppers give it a smoky heat, while the mayonnaise and lemon juice add a touch of acidity and sweetness.
- Mayonnaise - Use real mayonnaise.
- Chipotle adobo sauce - Sold in jars with whole or diced chipotle peppers, just use the sauce.
- Lime juice - Fresh squeezed or bottled.
- Smoked paprika
- Chili powder - Any brand, or make our Chili Seasoning Blend.
- Salt
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Chipotle Mayo Sauce
If you're a fan of Panera Bread, then you know their Signature Sauce is one of their secrets to making amazing sandwiches.
It's a delicious blend of mayonnaise, chipotle sauce, lemon juice, and spices. It's perfect for dipping fries, slathering on sandwiches, or tossing with salads.
Measure Out Ingredients
- Add all ingredients into a small mixing bowl. If increasing the recipe, choose a larger bowl.
Combine and Refrigerate
- Whisk ingredients together so they are well blended, then transfer to a mason jar or covered plastic container.
- Refrigerate, flavors will blend together if you let it sit overnight.
Serving Suggestions
Panera Signature Sauce can be served on its own as a dipping sauce, or it can be used to add flavor to sandwiches, wraps, salads, and more.
Here are a few ideas:
- Use as a spread for our copycat Panera Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt.
- Serve chipotle mayo sauce with Air Fryer Crinkle Fries, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries, Onion Rings, vegetables, or chips.
- Great dip for chicken nuggets or mozzarella sticks.
- Thin this chipotle mayonnaise recipe to create a delicious chipotle dressing for salad greens.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
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Substitutions and Variations
Here are a few substitutions and variations using this Panera Signature Sauce (chipotle dressing recipe) recipe as a base:
- If you don't have chipotle chili powder, you can increase the smoked paprika or regular chili powder.
- You can also add other ingredients to the sauce, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs.
Equipment
Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Below are some of my favorite pieces of equipment that I use when making this chipotle dressing recipe.
Storage Options
- Panera Signature Sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Tips for Success
- For a spicier sauce, add more chipotle chili powder to taste.
- You can also add other ingredients to this chipotle mayo recipe, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs.
- Panera Signature Sauce (chipotle mayo recipe) can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, mayonnaise should not be frozen.
Yes, you can use any type of mayonnaise that you like.
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📖 Recipe
Panera Signature Sauce (Chipotle Mayo)
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise real mayo, not salad dressing
- 2 teaspoon chipotle adobo sauce
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into a small mixing bowl. If increasing the recipe, choose a larger bowl.½ cup mayonnaise, 2 teaspoon chipotle adobo sauce, 1 teaspoon lime juice, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon chili powder, ⅛ teaspoon salt
- Whisk ingredients together so they are well blended, then transfer to a mason jar or covered plastic container.
- Refrigerate, flavors will blend together if you let it sit overnight.
Notes
- For a spicier sauce, add more chipotle chili powder to taste.
- You can also add other ingredients to this chipotle mayo recipe, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs.
- Panera Signature Sauce (chipotle mayo recipe) can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
Food Safety
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat.
- Wash hands after touching raw meat.
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds.
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.
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