Garlic Aioli

Garlic Aioli is a super flavorful sauce or dip that goes perfectly with all your favorite recipes like sandwiches, burgers, fries, fish, and so much more! Here I will show you how to make this super easy garlic aioli recipe using just a handful of super simple delicious ingredients.

Easy Garlic Aioli Recipe

I call this my cheater garlic aioli recipe since we’re making it with store-bought mayonnaise. Truthfully, I’m totally ok with that. Life is all about picking your battles and whipping and whisking together my own emulsified mayonnaise is a battle I do not wish to fight.

Anyway, you may use whatever mayonnaise you’d like: regular, low-fat, olive oil mayo, avocado oil mayonnaise, vegan mayo. I don’t know, what am I missing?

Making the actual aioli is super easy and shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes. In the end, you’ll have a sauce perfect for dipping all of your favorite side dishes, main dishes, and appetizers!

What is Aioli?

We all know that aiolis are creamy and delicious and a lot like mayonnaise, but are they the same thing?

Well, no. Not exactly.

They are, however, both emulsions, or substances that don’t want to mix but are forced to anyway. In the case of mayonnaise, it is made when oil is emulsified into a mixture of lemon juice or vinegar, mustard, egg yolk, and salt. Traditional “true” aioli, on the other hand, is a sauce that originated in the Mediterranean. It is made from olive oil that is emulsified with mashed garlic – just garlic. And usually lots of it.

These days you’ll find all kinds of aioli recipes. Some are completely homemade while others save time and are made with pre-made, store-bought mayonnaise.

What is Garlic Aioli?

Traditionally, garlic aioli is made by emulsifying olive oil with smashed garlic. Delicious, but time-consuming, this easy (and much faster) garlic aioli recipe is made by combining mayonnaise with fresh lemon juice, fresh garlic, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

How to Make Garlic Aioli

Start by mincing the garlic cloves. I like to use my garlic press. If you don’t have a garlic press, it’s easy to mince by hand. Next, continue to mince and mash with the side of your knife until your garlic resembles a thick paste (use a mortar and pestle if you own one).

Transfer the garlic to a small bowl. Combine with the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, if using. Season to taste.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and transfer to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or so before serving. This allows the flavors to marinate and settle.

How to Store Garlic Aioli

Always keep leftover aioli (homemade, store-bought, or aioli made with mayo) stored in an airtight container and in the refrigerator. Use within 2-3 days.

What to Serve it With?

Aioli is a creamy and delicious condiment that can be served alongside or in place of other dips or sauces like ketchup or barbecue sauce. I love to serve it as a dip for buffalo wings, regular French fries, or sweet potato fries. I smear it on sandwiches, grilled cheese, and burgers or serve it with roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli.

Have you tried making this Easy Garlic Aioli Recipe?

Tell me about it in the comments below! I always love to hear your thoughts. And tag me #theforkedspoon on Instagram if you’ve made any of my recipes, I always love to see what you’re cooking in the kitchen.