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Why You’ll Love My Recipe
Garlic makes just about any savory dish better, and this Garlic Aioli is no exception! It’s quick to whip up, with lemon juice and a touch of sugar balancing out the bold garlic flavor. Spread it on sandwiches, slather it on toast, or serve it with a pile of crispy fries for dipping!
My Lemon Aioli is another creamy option with a bright citrus twist, and my Garlic Butter Sauce is perfect for drizzling over your favorite dishes. You can also serve this aioli with crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges for an easy, tasty snack!
Karlynn’s Recipe Notes
- Skill Level: This recipe couldn’t be more easy to make! Just mix everything together, and your homemade aioli is ready to enjoy.
- Total Time: You’ll have this ready in 5 minutes from start to finish – a great option when you need a quick sauce or dip.
- Variations: Switch things up and add chilli powder, cayenne pepper, and Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to make a spicy garlic aioli! For a fresh, zesty twist, blend in cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños to make a green version. Spread it on a Classic BLT Sandwich or burger, serve it with my Air Fryer Buffalo Wings, or drizzle it over some roasted vegetables!
- Tools For This Recipe: You will need a measuring cup, a whisk or spoon for mixing, and an airtight container for storing any leftovers.
What You’ll Need for Ingredients
Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise forms the creamy base of this aioli, with a rich texture that works perfectly as a spread or dip. Karlynn’s Tip: For extra umami or tang, whisk in a dash of Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise and brightens the garlic flavor. You can also add a little lemon zest for an extra burst of citrus!
Garlic: This recipe calls for pressed garlic cloves to give the aioli its signature bold, savory taste. Karlynn’s Tip: Swap the raw garlic for a head of slow-roasted garlic for a sweeter, milder flavor with delicious caramelized notes.
Sugar: A small amount of sugar balances the sharpness of the garlic and lemon juice without making the aioli taste sweet.
Salt & Pepper: These classic seasonings bring out the flavors of the other ingredients and let you adjust the aioli to your taste. Karlynn’s Tip: Mix in finely chopped chives, basil, parsley, or dill for a fresh, herby twist, or add your favorite seasonings to make it your own.
How To Make Garlic Aioli
This is a quick overview of the recipe. The full list of ingredients & complete step-by-step instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Combine all ingredients in a measuring cup and stir until completely mixed.
- Add more garlic and salt to taste to help balance the aioli’s intensity.
- Refrigerate until needed, and serve in individual portions.
Karlynn’s Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Garlic Aioli
- Is This Really Aioli?: Sharp-eyed readers might notice that this recipe doesn’t make a traditional aioli – it’s actually a flavored mayonnaise! Traditional aioli is made by emulsifying oil with garlic to create a creamy, mayonnaise-like texture without the need for eggs. In contrast, mayonnaise uses egg yolks to help emulsify the oil. A garlic sauce made this traditional way is similar to toum, a popular Middle Eastern garlic sauce. These sauces are different, but they all deliver that delicious, creamy garlic goodness! People can get pretty passionate about what counts as aioli, but at the end of the day, if it tastes good, who cares?
- Adjust the Garlic to Change the Flavor: How you prepare your garlic can make a huge difference in your final aioli. Chopping garlic gives you a milder flavor, while crushing or pressing it releases more of the compounds responsible for its distinctive pungent, garlicky taste. For a bolder aioli, crush the cloves using the flat side of a knife or a mortar and pestle. If the garlic is tough to mash, sprinkle a little coarse salt on top to help break it down. If you prefer a more subtle garlic flavor, roughly chop the cloves instead!
- Make It Your Own: One of the best things about homemade garlic aioli is how easy it is to customize. Adjust the salt, sugar, and lemon juice until you find the balance you like. You can also experiment with extra seasonings, fresh herbs, or your favorite spices for a version that’s perfect for you!
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator: Transfer the leftover garlic aioli to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for no more than 4 days, following USDA food safety guidelines. Give it a good stir before serving, and keep it refrigerated whenever you’re not using it.
Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing this aioli! The mayonnaise can separate when it’s frozen and thawed, which leaves a watery or grainy texture behind. Since it’s so quick to make, it’s best to prepare a fresh batch when you need it!
More Delicious Marinades, Sauces & Salad Dressing Recipes
Nothing brings a meal together quite like a good sauce! Next time you’re looking to elevate a dish, one of my Marinades, Sauces & Salad Dressings is bound to steal the show:
- My fresh, herb-packed Chimichurri Recipe is perfect for spooning over grilled meats or roasted vegetables!
- This Homemade Teriyaki Sauce is a great way to add sweet and umami flavor to chicken, beef, or stir-fries.
- Sweet, sour, and still plenty savory, my Poppy Seed Dressing is a delicious addition to fresh and fruit salads alike!
And there you have it, folks! A good sauce can become the secret weapon in your kitchen, and this garlic aioli is one worth keeping in your back pocket. Once you start experimenting with different herbs and seasonings, I’m sure you’ll find yourself coming up with your own signature version!
Give this recipe a try, pair it with something delicious, and let me know how it turned out in the comments below. I always love hearing about your kitchen adventures.
Happy Cooking!
Karlynn
Garlic Aioli
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 pinch granulated sugar
- aalt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients together in a measuring cup, stirring until mixed together completely.
- Add in more garlic to taste if desired, and salt if desired.
- Refrigerate until needed then serve in individual portions.
- Store for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Burnice says
Delicious recipe.
However, just a small typo in the recipe “aalt” should be “salt”.