Name: Homemade Garlic Aioli Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise; 4–6 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional); 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives

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Introduction

Homemade garlic aioli is a simple yet flavorful sauce that brightens up any dish. With creamy mayonnaise, fresh garlic, and a hint of lemon, this aioli is perfect as a dip, spread, or accompaniment to your favorite meals.

The image shows a small, dark gray stone bowl filled with creamy, white dip that has a smooth and thick texture. On top of the dip, there are small green herb pieces sprinkled all over and a light dusting of reddish-brown spice. A wooden spoon is scooping some of the dip from the bowl, held by a woman's hand, with a few yellow French fries lying next to the bowl. The background is a white marbled surface with soft light coming from the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup mayonnaise
4–6 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives

Instructions

Step 1: Finely mince the garlic and mash it into a paste if desired for a smoother texture.
Step 2: Add the mayonnaise to a mixing bowl.
Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil.
Step 4: Add salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper if using, and Dijon mustard to the bowl.
Step 5: Whisk the mixture until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Step 7: Fold in the chopped fresh parsley or chives.
Step 8: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Add smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
If you prefer stronger garlic, let the minced garlic sit in lemon juice for 10 minutes before mixing.
Use fresh herbs like basil or tarragon to vary the flavor profile.

Storage

Store aioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before serving, give it a good stir. If the sauce thickens too much, you can thin it slightly with a teaspoon of water or lemon juice. Avoid freezing as it can affect the texture.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a gray stone bowl filled with creamy white sauce, topped with green parsley and a sprinkle of brown spice, sitting on a round wooden board. A wooden spoon is lifting a smooth, thick scoop of the sauce from the bowl. In the background, there are blurred fries and a yellow bottle on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make aioli without mayonnaise?

Traditional aioli is made by emulsifying garlic with olive oil, but it requires some skill. Using mayonnaise as a base is an easy shortcut that gives creamy, delicious results without much effort.

How can I make this aioli vegan?

Replace mayonnaise with a vegan mayonnaise alternative, and ensure your mustard is also vegan-friendly. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, making this sauce simple to adapt.