Garlic Aioli
10 Comments
Oct 18, 2023
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This creamy garlic aioli is just what you need to add a robust garlicky flavor to anything! And instead of creating an oil and egg emulsion, I’ll show you a quick and easy way to achieve the same delicious results.
Some people consider aioli a fancier European mayonnaise, and to be honest, they’re not wrong. In the south of France (where I’ve traveled extensively), it’s served up as a basic condiment along with fries, sandwiches, burgers, and roasted vegetables. I’ve also seen it drizzled on soups and served as a dipping sauce to meatballs!
So what exactly is aioli? It’s simply an emulsion made from olive oil, egg yolks, and garlic, similar to mayonnaise. Some may call it “aioli” while others call it “garlic aioli” but it should be noted that they’re really one and the same, as both contain garlic.
And while I’m no stranger to creating emulsions, whether it be my homemade mayonnaise or hollandaise sauce, today’s recipe is a bit of a cheater’s aioli since I’m using already mixed mayo rather than starting from scratch with an egg and oil emulsion. I’ll often get a craving for this garlic aioli at the last minute when I’m whipping up a recipe, so this quick-and-easy version has become my go-to!
Garlic Aioli Sauce Ingredients
- Mayonnaise: For a super fresh version with no funky ingredients, my homemade mayonnaise recipe always hits the spot. But you can certainly use a store-bought mayo as well.
- Garlic: You want finely minced garlic to keep this aioli perfectly creamy. You can even smash it with the side of your knife to create a garlic paste, for a smoother texture. And for a roasted garlic aioli flavor, just swap in oven-roasted garlic – super easy!
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is a must! It makes all the difference when it comes to the overall taste.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Use kosher salt and not table salt. Table salt will make this aioli taste overly salty.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below
How To Make Garlic Aioli
Mix the sauce. Add the mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to a mixing bowl, then whisk together with a spoon or whisk.
Let it rest. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and let the garlic aioli chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. It will allow the flavors to meld together and enhance the garlic flavor!
Ways To Use Garlic Aioli
- The perfect sandwich spread. This is the holy grail to give your sandwiches or burgers a garlicky kick, like my turkey burgers!
- Use as a dipping sauce. I love to dip roasted vegetables into this, specifically roasted beets, garlic herb roasted potatoes, or baked zucchini fries.
- Spread onto baked fish or chicken. Try spreading this onto baked salmon, baked cod, or baked chicken for a creamy, garlicky layer!
- Make it part of an appetizer. Spread this on a crostini or cucumber bite with smoked salmon. And of course, this always wins as a dipping sauce for french fries.
Common Questions
You can spin this aioli in so many flavorful directions! You can add finely chopped cilantro and lime juice for a cilantro-lime twist, fresh or dried herbs such as rosemary, basil, or dill for an herbaceous touch, or add a hint of heat with paprika, jalapeño peppers, or chipotle peppers (like in this chipotle sauce). Whatever you’re thinking of, mix it in!
You can store this in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. It’s always a good idea to have this on hand — especially if you have roasted vegetables or cooked meats planned for the week. Plus, I think the flavor gets even better the next day!
More Sauce Ideas
This easy garlic aioli isn’t the only staple condiment in my kitchen. Give these other sauces a try to add extra flavor to your meals!
- Basil Pesto: The freshest and most aromatic pesto sauce around.
- Marinara Sauce: This beats the jarred stuff any day.
- Tahini Sauce: An authentic tahini sauce that’s creamy, tangy, garlicky, and nutty!
- Horseradish Sauce: A staple served with meats like beef tenderloin or prime rib.
I hope you enjoy this garlic aioli with just about anything! If you make it, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the recipe in the comment box below. Your review will help other readers in the community.
Easy Garlic Aioli
Description
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Mix it together. Add the mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to a mixing bowl, then whisk together.
- Let it rest. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and let the garlic aioli chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. Then enjoy.
Nutrition
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How can I make something similar without mayo or oil? Could cottage cheese be used instead?
Sour cream or Mascarpone would be smoother and closer to mayo. Cottage cheese is a bit too chunky.
Just wondering, since you suggest avoiding olive oil in your mayo recipe should olive oil be used in the Mayo if it’s for the aioli recipe? Or is a plain oil just fine?
Hi Emmy – because this recipe has a stronger garlic flavor, you could use any oil in the mayo as the oil flavor is less noticeable. Enjoy!
Super tasty and super easy. Great on roasted or grilled veg and in tuna salad for an extra garlicky kick.
Yes, it’s a great combo with roasted veggies. Enjoy!
Fabulous simple recipe to follow. So tasty, I usually add this to every dish I prepare for up to a week. My favorite mouthwatering dishes are drizzled on smoked salmon 😋 and an accompaniment side dip for my paprika parmesan sweet potato fries, delicious! Mmmm. I can honestly say to anyone to give this fab recipe a try, a great topping for salads also! X
I’m glad you’re loving this garlic aioli recipe, Amanda! It is such a versatile ingredient to have prepped for the week.
Deliciously garlicky and creamy! We made this to accompany salmon cakes. So good!!
This garlic aioli sounds delicious with salmon cakes!