Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare in under 10 minutes
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Creamy, rich, and packed with garlic flavor
- Perfect as a dip, spread, or sauce
- Easily customizable with herbs and spices
- Great for sandwiches, burgers, fries, and seafood
- No special equipment required
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
- Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the salt and black pepper, then stir well to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more lemon juice for brightness or more garlic for a stronger flavor.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 8 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Aioli: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Herb Aioli: Mix in chopped parsley, dill, or basil for a fresh flavor.
- Roasted Garlic Aioli: Replace raw garlic with roasted garlic for a sweeter, mellow taste.
- Smoky Aioli: Add smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
- Lemon Herb Aioli: Increase lemon juice and add fresh thyme or oregano.
Storage/Reheating
Store garlic aioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before serving if separation occurs. Because it contains mayonnaise, do not leave it at room temperature for extended periods.
Garlic aioli does not need reheating and is best served chilled or slightly cool.
FAQs
What is garlic aioli made of?
Garlic aioli is typically made with mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and seasonings.
Is aioli the same as mayonnaise?
Traditional aioli is made from garlic and oil, while modern aioli often includes mayonnaise as a base for convenience and creaminess.
How long does homemade garlic aioli last?
It usually lasts up to 5 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.
Can I use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic?
Yes, roasted garlic gives the aioli a milder, sweeter flavor.
What foods pair well with garlic aioli?
It pairs well with fries, burgers, seafood, sandwiches, roasted vegetables, and grilled meats.
Can I make garlic aioli without mayonnaise?
Yes, traditional aioli can be made using garlic, olive oil, egg yolk, and lemon juice.
Why does my aioli taste too strong?
Raw garlic can become very pungent. Letting the aioli chill helps mellow the flavor.
Can I freeze garlic aioli?
Freezing is not recommended because the texture may separate after thawing.
How can I thicken aioli?
Adding a little more mayonnaise or whisking thoroughly can help thicken it.
Is garlic aioli gluten-free?
Most homemade garlic aioli recipes are naturally gluten-free, but always check ingredient labels to be certain.
Conclusion
Garlic aioli is a simple yet incredibly flavorful condiment that can enhance countless dishes. With its creamy texture and bold garlic taste, it’s an easy recipe to keep on hand for dipping, spreading, or drizzling. Whether you stick with the classic version or try one of the variations, this homemade aioli is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
PrintGarlic Aioli
A creamy and flavorful garlic aioli made with mayonnaise, fresh garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. This versatile sauce is perfect as a dip, spread, or topping for countless dishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
- Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add salt and black pepper, stirring well to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed by adding more lemon juice or garlic.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicy variation.
- Mix in fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or basil for added freshness.
- Use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic for a sweeter flavor.
- Add smoked paprika for a smoky version.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Stir before serving if separation occurs.
- Best served chilled or slightly cool.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg