Making garlic aioli in your own kitchen has never been so quick and easy! In less than 10 minutes, this creamy condiment combines basic pantry ingredients. And it tastes better than any store bought version!
I absolutely love a good garlic aioli recipe, especially because it pairs amazingly well with just about any type of food you can think of and adds a lot of delicious zesty flavor. I love using it in this easy potato salad recipe and it's so good when added to this Mexican corn on the cob. And, it's also good when added to this smoked Juicy Lucy burger and to these easy to make French Dip sandwiches.
In today's world when you hear the word garlic aioli, it's typically referring to a recipe made with mayonnaise, garlic, and a little bit of added lemon juice. Those are the typical aioli ingredients used to make a "quick version" of this delicious sauce.
Traditional homemade aioli requires a lot more time and effort to make. Over time, aioli has evolved into a simplified easy-to-make condiment with a lot of different flavor elements. And it has become super popular all over the world. And making this at home tastes so much better than any store-bought version!
The method used to make this garlic aioli is not only quick and easy, but it's incredibly flavorful. It doesn't require a food processor or blender and can be made in minutes! Substitute this aioli with anything you would typically use mayo for. You'll be amazed at the flavor difference!
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Why This Recipe Works
- This is a "quick version" garlic aioli recipe that is rich in flavor and has a creamy texture.
- It can be made in less than 10 minutes!
- You don't need a food processor or blender.
- Made with only 5 ingredients!
🛒 Ingredients You'll Need
- Mayonnaise - for a creamy balanced taste, use real mayonnaise, not Miracle Whip.
- Olive Oil - adds flavor, texture, and richness. It has a thick consistency which helps give the aioli a creamy texture without using dairy products.
- Garlic - provides the garlic flavor in each bite.
- Lemon Juice - adds a freshness to the flavor which makes the aioli taste lighter.
- Pepper - a flavor enhancer that adds a hint of peppery heat.
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list & instructions!
👩🍳 Variations
- Add Some Heat - a lot of aioli sauce recipes include added spice, such as cayenne pepper or chipotle seasoning. Finely chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper also taste great in this sauce.
- Flavor Infused Oils - these help bring out a ton of flavor and there are many varieties to choose from. Lemon, garlic, herb, and chili based olive oils work best in this recipe.
- Roasted Garlic - roasting a head of garlic in the oven with olive oil and then using it here instead of raw garlic adds a nice roasted savory flavor. It also makes the texture more smooth and creamy.
- Citrus - Lime can also be substituted for lemon to make a chipotle-lime garlic mayo.
- Vegan Version - you can easily turn this into a vegan garlic aioli sauce by substituting vegan mayo. And it tastes so amazing on this kale veggie burger!
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🔪 Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Start by adding mayonnaise to a small mixing bowl.
Step 2: From there, add in the minced garlic.
Step 3: From there, add the olive oil to the bowl.
Step 4: Squeeze in fresh lemon juice. Garlic aioli should have a slight hint of lemon flavor so a quick squeeze from a lemon wedge works best. Or, use a teaspoon to measure the exact amount.
Step 5: Then, add in a liberal amount of coarse ground pepper.
Step 6: Using a whisk, combine all the ingredients until mixed well. The texture should be velvety and creamy.
Cover and store in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
🥪 What To Serve With Aioli
Burgers, wraps, and sandwiches taste amazing with garlic aioli mayo. But it has a lot more uses than being just a spread. When added to this savory chicken salad, it completely takes the flavor to a whole new level! Skip the regular mayo and use this instead when making tuna salad. Also, try it when making this potato salad recipe.
Here's some other ways to serve this aioli sauce:
- Use it as a dip for your french fries, tater tots, and even edamame!
- Add a dollop on top of a big bowl of chili.
- A dipping sauce for crab cakes or fried shrimp.
- Baste it on top of this salmon recipe before grilling or pan-searing.
- Try using it as a dipping sauce for these zucchini bites.
- I use this garlic aioli as my secret sauce for these chicken baguettes.
- Garlic mayo is fantastic on grilled corn!
- Skip the butter and use it as a spread on toasted bread.
🙋 Recipe FAQS
No. Aioli is a mayo-like sauce that is packed full of flavor. Most quick version recipes are great for spreads (or as a dip) and are made with raw garlic, mayo, lemon juice, and a small amount of salt. It's simple to make, but tastes fancy and gourmet.
The shelf life for regular mayo is about 2 months. Store this in an airtight container with a lid in the refrigerator for 7-10 days. The longer the garlic sits, the more pungent the flavor. After about 10 days, it starts to taste bitter.
Expert Tips
- The easiest way to mince fresh garlic cloves is to use a garlic press. However, you can also use a large and heavy knife, such as a chef's knife. To mince fresh garlic, remove the cloves from the bulb. Remove the outer skin from each clove. Then, lay the flat side of the knife over a garlic clove and crush it by putting pressure on the flat part of the knife with the palm of your hand. Using the blade of the knife, finely chop the cloves of garlic until finely minced.
- Use an emulsion blender to change the texture into more of a whipped consistency.
- Substitute olive oil for avocado oil.
- Don't freeze this sauce. Mayo-based foods do not freeze well.
- Before serving, store this in the refrigerator for at least half an hour. This allows just enough time for the flavors to combine.
🍳 More Dips And Sauces
There are a plethora of dips and sauce recipes out there, but these are the ones my readers rave about! The sauce I make in this lemon butter chicken recipe tastes amazing served with pasta. And this homemade pesto sauce is another great choice for both a sauce and a dip. Another great dipping recipe is this sweet and smoky BBQ sauce! Try it as a marinade, too! This cranberry orange relish is also fantastic served alongside many different dishes!
If you tried this homemade garlic aioli or any other recipes on my website, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below. I love hearing from you! And, please leave a 🌟 rating while you're there!
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How To Make The Best Homemade Garlic Aioli
Equipment
- whisk
- small bowl
- knife or garlic mincer
Ingredients
- 6 Tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon coarse ground pepper
Instructions
- Put the mayonnaise to a small mixing bowl.
- Add in the minced garlic and then slowly drizzle in the olive oil.
- Squeeze in fresh lemon juice.
- Then, add in a liberal amount of coarse ground pepper.
- Whisk all the ingredients until mixed well. The texture should be velvety and creamy.
- Cover and store in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use an emulsion blender to change the texture into more of a whipped consistency.
- Substitute olive oil for avocado oil.
- Don't freeze this sauce. Mayo-based foods do not freeze well.
- Before serving, store this in the refrigerator for at least half an hour. This allows just enough time for the flavors to combine.
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Enter your email to receive this recipe, along with weekly food inspiration!
Lisa GRant
This is so good on burgers and sandwiches! And super easy that I can make a batch to keep in my fridge every week.
Amanda Mason
Hi Lisa - YES!! I always have a batch of this in a container in my fridge, too!!!
Luke Ratford
Absolutely loved this! So simple but adds such a rich, garlicky kick to everything. Will be making it often.
Amanda Mason
I'm so glad you loved it!! It is delish and pairs with just about everything!!
Alex
Amazing - so easy to make
Amanda Mason
I'm so glad it was so easy for you to make and that it tasted amazing!!!
Jenny
This may be one of the best things I've ever tasted. Literally.
Amanda Mason
Oh wow - thank you so much! What an amazing compliment!!! I cant wait to hear what other recipes of mine you try!!
Amy Liu Dong
Making your garlic aoili at home is a convenient and efficient way there is because it is cheaper and natural, you have the control that;s why it is the best!
Amanda Mason
100% correct!! And it tastes so much better!
Jamie
This is a perfect source for a perfect dinner it looks delicious. Hope everyone like it
Silvia
Super easy recipe, full of flavor, I was looking for something like this for fish and it was absolutely delicious and very easy to make. I really love the lemon juice. And I actually added a pinch of ground chipotle and it was so yummy.
Amanda Mason
What a great add! So glad you liked it!! And yes, it's amazing on fish, poultry, vegetables, and so much more!
DK Park
A simple yet great recipe of aioli that is great for those who dont have an idea how it is made. It looks good and i'd love to try this!
Kellie
This recipe is fantastic! However, I almost passed it up because you have so much running on your site that it is hard to see the recipe. It is very good so i am glad I stayed! Thank you!
Amanda Mason
Thank you for staying on the site to try the recipe! Glad you loved it and I cant wait to hear what else you try!!