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Taco Bell Lava Sauce Recipe
Camila Markson

Taco Bell Lava Sauce Recipe

If you’ve been craving the fiery kick of taco bell lava sauce ever since the chain retired its Volcano Menu, this copycat taco bell lava sauce recipe is here to save the day. Re-creating the bold, creamy heat of the original lava sauce taco bell made famous in Volcano Tacos and Burritos, this homemade version lets you enjoy that signature flavor anytime you want. With easy ingredients and quick prep, this taco bell lava sauce recipe puts the legendary heat back on your table.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 14
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: American
Calories: 110
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 full packet powdered cheese mix from a standard box of macaroni & cheese, usually about ¼ cup or 40g – the orange kind
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1½ cups mayonnaise full-fat works best for texture and flavor
  • 2¼ teaspoons cayenne pepper adjust down if you want milder heat
  • 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
  • ¾ teaspoon granulated sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¾ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce Frank’s RedHot or Louisiana-style works great

Equipment

  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk or fork
  • Measuring spoons
  • Airtight container for storage
  • Rubber spatula

Method
 

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the powdered cheese mix, 1 tablespoon water, and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Stir vigorously with a fork or whisk until it forms a smooth, thick paste with no dry powder left. This step is important – it helps the cheese flavor distribute evenly throughout your lava sauce recipe.
  2. Add all the dry spices and seasonings to the cheese paste: cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, sugar, cumin, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Also add the 1 tablespoon of hot sauce at this stage.
  3. Mix everything together very well using your whisk or spatula until the spices are evenly distributed and there are no clumps remaining in the mixture.
  4. Add the 1½ cups of mayonnaise to the spiced cheese mixture. Fold and stir gently but thoroughly until completely smooth and uniform in color. The sauce will turn a beautiful orange-red with visible flecks of seasoning, just like the authentic volcano sauce taco bell served.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap (or transfer to an airtight container) and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, though overnight is even better. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken and chill properly.
  6. Before serving, stir the chilled sauce again to ensure consistency. The taco bell lava sauce should be thick, creamy, cheesy, and have a nice building heat with smoky, tangy notes.

Video

Notes

Store your homemade lava sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7-10 days. The vinegar and mayonnaise base help preserve freshness. If needed, warm small portions in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, stirring well to maintain consistency.