Serrano Cream Sauce is a rich, velvety blend of bold heat and silky smoothness, perfect for those who love a touch of spice in every bite.
Made with fresh Serrano peppers, this sauce delivers a vibrant kick balanced by the luscious texture of cream.
The natural zest of garlic and citrusy undertones enhance its complexity, creating a deeply flavorful experience.
Whether you enjoy mild warmth or fiery intensity, this sauce can be easily adjusted to suit your taste, making it an irresistible addition to your culinary repertoire.
How To Make Serrano Cream Sauce?
Preparation Times: 10 minutes
Cooking Times: 15 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Mexican
Yields: About 2 cups
Equipment Needed
- Saucepan
- Knife
- Chopping board
- Spoon
- Measuring cups
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 2-3 serrano peppers (seeds removed for a milder sauce, seeds left in for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup sour cream (for a tangy twist)
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar (to balance the heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions
1. Sauté the aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
2. Incorporate the serrano peppers
Add the seeded (or unseeded for more heat) serrano peppers to the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the peppers soften slightly.
3. Create the roux
Melt the butter in the pan with the sautéed ingredients. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, stirring continuously to form a roux. Cook for about 1 minute until the mixture is lightly browned.
4. Add liquids
Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring a smooth consistency. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 minutes, thickening slightly.
5. Incorporate creams and seasonings
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, sour cream, and sugar. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it reaches the desired thickness. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Blend for smoothness (Optional)
For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender directly in the saucepan or transfer the sauce to a blender. Blend until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
7. Garnish and serve
Remove the sauce from the heat. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm over your chosen dish.
Nutrition Facts Of Serrano Cream Sauce?
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
Serving Suggestions
❖ Tacos & Burritos: Drizzle over tacos, burritos, or quesadillas for an extra layer of flavor.
❖ Dipping Sauce: Pair it with tortilla chips, crispy fries, or roasted veggies.
❖ Grilled Meats & Seafood: Use it as a sauce for grilled chicken, shrimp, or even steak.
❖ Pasta & Rice Bowls: Mix it into pasta or pour it over a rice bowl for a creamy kick.
Tips and variations
✱ Blend Well: For a smooth sauce, use a blender or food processor to combine all ingredients.
✱ Balance Flavor: Add a pinch of sugar or honey if the sauce is too spicy to balance the heat with sweetness.
✱ Avocado Serrano Sauce: Blend in a ripe avocado for a smoother, richer texture.
✱ Yogurt-based Serrano Sauce: Replace the cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it milder?
Yes! To reduce the heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the serrano peppers or use fewer peppers in the sauce.
What can I use Serrano Cream Sauce on?
It’s great on tacos, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, burritos, or as a dip for chips or fries.
Can I store Serrano Cream Sauce?
Yes, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to stir it before using it, as it may separate.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made a day or two ahead to allow the flavors to meld together, but fresh is always best.
Can I make it without dairy?
Yes, substitute the cream with coconut milk, cashew cream, or a non-dairy yogurt for a dairy-free version.
Conclusion
Serrano Cream Sauce is a perfect harmony of heat and creaminess, delivering a bold yet smooth flavor experience.
Its rich texture and vibrant spice create a delightful balance that lingers on the palate. Whether you crave subtle warmth or fiery intensity, this sauce offers a satisfying finish to any dish.

Serrano Cream Sauce
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Knife
- Chopping board
- Spoon
- Measuring cups
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 2-3 serrano peppers seeds removed for a milder sauce, seeds left in for extra heat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup sour cream for a tangy twist
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar to balance the heat
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the seeded (or unseeded for more heat) serrano peppers to the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the peppers soften slightly.
- Melt the butter in the pan with the sautéed ingredients. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, stirring continuously to form a roux. Cook for about 1 minute until the mixture is lightly browned.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring a smooth consistency. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 minutes, thickening slightly.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, sour cream, and sugar. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it reaches the desired thickness. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender directly in the saucepan or transfer the sauce to a blender. Blend until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
- Remove the sauce from the heat. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm over your chosen dish.

Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.