In your medium saucepan, whisk together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and sugar. This mix of spices is the soul of your cookout quesadilla sauce, infusing it with a deep, smoky flavor that’s hard to resist.

To the spice mixture, add the mayonnaise, sour cream, tomato paste, chipotle peppers, and lime juice. The lime juice not only adds a tangy kick but also helps to balance out the richness of the mayonnaise and sour cream.

Place your saucepan over a low heat, whisking constantly to ensure that all the ingredients are well combined and the sauce is smooth. You don’t want to bring it to a boil; just gently heat it through until it’s warm. This helps the flavors blend together beautifully.

If you prefer your cookout quesadilla sauce to be velvety smooth, carefully transfer the warm sauce to a blender and blend until smooth. This step is optional but recommended for those who prefer a sauce without chunks.

The final step in creating the perfect cookout quesadilla sauce is to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Maybe it needs a bit more salt, a squeeze more lime, or an extra teaspoon of chipotle for that kick.