- Skip the store-bought version and save money with this simple homemade alternative
- Customize the flavor intensity by adjusting garlic and lemon to your preference
- Perfect for meal prep – stays fresh in the fridge for up to a week
- Naturally vegan and gluten-free without any special ingredients
Why You Need This Bitchin Sauce Recipe In Your Life
Have you tried finding the perfect dip that’s both healthy and packed with flavor? The search ends here with this homemade Bitchin Sauce recipe. This almond-based dip has gained cult status for good reason – it’s creamy, garlicky, and utterly addictive.
Store-bought Bitchin Sauce can cost up to $7 for a small container. Our homemade Bitchin Sauce recipe gives you twice as much for half the price. Plus, you control exactly what goes in!
Whether you’re spreading it on sandwiches, using it as a dip for veggies, or drizzling it over tacos, this sauce brings big flavor to any meal. Let’s make a batch sized perfectly for four people.
Nutrition Comparison: Homemade vs. Store-Bought
| Nutrient | Homemade Bitchin Sauce (2 Tbsp) | Store-Bought (2 Tbsp) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 90 | 120 |
| Fat | 8g | 11g |
| Protein | 3g | 2g |
| Carbs | 2g | 3g |
| Sodium | 95mg | 170mg |
| Cost | ~$0.87 per serving | ~$1.75 per serving |
What You’ll Need
Ingredients List
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Raw almonds | 1 cup | Blanched or with skins |
| Water | ½ cup | Plus more if needed for consistency |
| Nutritional yeast | 3 tablespoons | Gives the cheesy flavor |
| Fresh lemon juice | 2 tablespoons | About 1 medium lemon |
| Garlic cloves | 3-4 cloves | Use less for milder flavor |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | Extra virgin for best flavor |
| Bragg Liquid Aminos | 1 tablespoon | Or substitute tamari or soy sauce |
| Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon | Gives the classic earthy flavor |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | Adjust to taste |
| Cayenne pepper | ¼ teaspoon | Optional for heat |
Kitchen Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Food processor or blender | For blending the sauce to creamy perfection |
| Measuring cups and spoons | For accurate measurements |
| Citrus juicer or reamer | For extracting fresh lemon juice |
| Rubber spatula | For scraping down the sides of the processor |
| Storage container | For refrigerating leftover sauce |
Possible Substitutions
- Almonds: Cashews make a creamier but slightly sweeter sauce
- Liquid Aminos: Soy sauce or tamari (reduce salt if using)
- Nutritional yeast: Increase salt slightly if omitting
- Lemon juice: Apple cider vinegar can work in a pinch
- Olive oil: Avocado oil makes a good substitute
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 (makes about 1½ cups)
Preparation Phase
- Measure all ingredients and have them ready beside your food processor or blender.
- This makes the process smoother and ensures you don’t forget anything.
- Prepare your almonds based on which type you’re using:
- If using raw almonds with skins: No prep needed.
- If using blanched almonds: They’re ready to go.
- If you only have roasted almonds: They’ll work but give a different flavor.
- Cut your lemon and extract the juice.
- Fresh juice makes a big difference in flavor compared to bottled.
- Remove any seeds before measuring.
Assembly Steps
- Add almonds to your food processor and pulse until they’re finely ground.
- This should take about 30 seconds.
- Stop before it turns into almond butter.
- Add remaining ingredients to the food processor:
- ½ cup water
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3-4 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Bragg Liquid Aminos
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (if using)
- Process everything together until smooth and creamy.
- Start by pulsing a few times to incorporate.
- Then run continuously for 2-3 minutes.
- Stop and scrape down the sides as needed.
- Check the consistency of your Bitchin Sauce.
- It should be smooth but thick, similar to hummus.
- If it’s too thick, add water 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Blend after each addition until you reach desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Need more tang? Add more lemon juice.
- Want more depth? A dash more liquid aminos.
- Desire more zing? Try another garlic clove.
Finishing Steps
- Transfer to a serving bowl or storage container.
- The sauce can be served immediately but tastes even better after flavors meld.
- For best results, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve with your favorite dippers like:
- Fresh cut veggies
- Chips or crackers
- Warm pita bread
- As a spread on sandwiches or wraps
Troubleshooting Your Bitchin Sauce Recipe
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Sauce is too thick | Not enough liquid | Add water 1 tablespoon at a time while processing |
| Sauce is too thin | Too much liquid added | Add a few more almonds or a tablespoon of nutritional yeast |
| Bitter taste | Too much garlic or old olive oil | Balance with more lemon juice or a pinch of sugar |
| Not flavorful enough | Under-seasoned | Add more salt, nutritional yeast, or liquid aminos |
| Texture is grainy | Almonds not processed long enough | Process longer or soak almonds for 4 hours before blending |
Exciting Variations To Try
Chipotle Bitchin Sauce
Add 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy kick. Check out this pizza sauce recipe for more ideas on incorporating smoky flavors into sauces.
Herb Garden Bitchin Sauce
Mix in 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, parsley, or basil for a bright, herbal version.
Curry Bitchin Sauce
Add 1 teaspoon curry powder and a pinch of turmeric for an Indian-inspired twist.
Heat Lover’s Bitchin Sauce
Double the cayenne and add ½ teaspoon of hot sauce for serious spice.
Storage & Freshness Tips
Your homemade Bitchin Sauce recipe will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 7 days when stored in an airtight container. The sauce may thicken slightly in the fridge.
Reviving tips:
- If it thickens too much during storage, simply stir in a tablespoon of water.
- Taste before serving again – you might want to add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Can you freeze it? Yes, but the texture may change slightly. Freeze in small portions for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Safety Notes & Pro Tips
- Nut allergy warning: This sauce contains almonds. For a nut-free alternative, try using sunflower seeds instead of almonds.
- Bitter prevention: Always use fresh garlic. Old garlic can make your sauce bitter. If you’re worried about too much garlic bite, you can sauté the garlic lightly in the olive oil before adding.
- Time-saving hack: Make a double batch and freeze half in ice cube trays for quick flavor bombs to add to dressings or sauces.
- Serving temperature: This sauce tastes best when not ice-cold. Remove from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving.
- Don’t waste the leftovers! Thin it with a bit more water to make an amazing pasta sauce alternative or salad dressing.
Perfect Pairings For Your Bitchin Sauce
Your homemade Bitchin Sauce pairs perfectly with:
- Fresh vegetable platters
- Grain bowls
- Roasted vegetables
- Falafel wraps
- As a unique alternative to mayo on sandwiches
- Drizzled over roasted potatoes
For more amazing specialty and dipping sauces to complement your meals, check out our complete collection!
Remember that this sauce gets even better after a day in the fridge when all the flavors have had time to mingle. Make it ahead for the best flavor experience!
