Garlic Aioli Recipe

If you’ve ever wished for that perfect creamy, garlicky sauce to elevate everything from sandwiches to roasted veggies, this Garlic Aioli Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s incredibly simple yet bursting with flavor—a luscious blend of fresh garlic, zesty lemon, and comforting richness from mayonnaise that brings any dish to life. Whether you’re drizzling it over crispy fries or using it as a dipping sauce, garlic aioli is one of those magic sauces that instantly makes every bite exciting and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Garlic Aioli Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, combining smooth, tangy, and savory notes to create a sauce that’s far greater than the sum of its parts. Gather these basic staples, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly this flavor-packed aioli comes together.

• ¾ cup mayonnaise: We love Hellman’s for its creamy texture and perfect base for this aioli.
• 3 cloves garlic: Grated fresh for the best pungent, aromatic garlic flavor that shines through.
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Adds a bright, citrusy punch that keeps the aioli fresh and balanced.
• ¾ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavors, making every bite pop.
• ½ teaspoon sugar: Just a touch to round out the sharpness and create harmony.
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a mild spiciness that complements the garlic perfectly.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts garlic depth and keeps the flavor consistent.

How to Make Garlic Aioli Recipe

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Start by adding the mayonnaise, grated garlic cloves, fresh lemon juice, salt, sugar, ground black pepper, and garlic powder into a small bowl. Having all your ingredients at the ready really speeds up the process and ensures an even mix.

Step 2: Whisk Until Smooth

Whisk all the ingredients together vigorously. This step is where everything starts to come together into that luscious, creamy texture you’re aiming for. Make sure the garlic is well distributed throughout to get consistent flavor in every spoonful.

Step 3: Let Flavors Meld

Once combined, cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 15 minutes. This short resting time allows the garlic to infuse beautifully into the mayo, softening sharp edges and marrying the bright lemon with the savory base. Your efforts here create depth and complexity that makes the aioli so addictive.

How to Serve Garlic Aioli Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives on top adds a lovely pop of color and fresh herbal notes that contrast nicely with the aioli’s creamy richness. A tiny drizzle of olive oil can add a subtle fruity undertone and a beautiful sheen.

Side Dishes

This aioli pairs amazingly with crispy fries, roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or even as a cooling dip alongside spicy dishes. It’s also a fantastic accompaniment for seafood like shrimp or crab, enhancing their natural sweetness with its garlicky creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not serve your Garlic Aioli Recipe in small ramekins as part of a gourmet appetizer platter? Pair it with crusty bread, roasted veggies, and charcuterie for an impressive, yet effortless spread at your next gathering. You can also dollop it atop burgers or sandwiches for an instant upgrade.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Garlic Aioli Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 5 days, making it perfect for meal prep or quick snacks throughout the week.

Freezing

While this aioli is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze small portions in ice cube trays for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before using, but note the texture might slightly change after freezing, so it’s ideal for recipes where it’s blended or cooked into rather than served cold.

Reheating

This aioli is typically served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. If you’re mixing it into hot dishes, add it off the heat or at the very last moment to maintain its creamy texture and fresh flavors.

FAQs

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic in this Garlic Aioli Recipe?

Yes, garlic powder can be used if you don’t have fresh garlic on hand, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant and fresh. Using both fresh garlic and garlic powder together, as in this recipe, helps balance deep, rounded garlic notes.

Is this Garlic Aioli Recipe vegan?

This particular recipe uses mayonnaise as the base, which is typically made with eggs, so it’s not vegan. However, you can substitute vegan mayonnaise to make a plant-based version that tastes just as delicious.

How long should I let the aioli rest before serving?

At minimum, give it 15 minutes in the fridge so the garlic infuses properly and the flavors develop fully. For even more flavor depth, resting a few hours or overnight works beautifully.

What’s the best way to grate garlic for this recipe?

Using a microplane grater or a fine box grater helps to create a silky garlic paste that blends seamlessly into the aioli, avoiding any big chunks and distributing flavor evenly.

Can I add herbs or spices to customize this aioli?

Absolutely! Fresh herbs like basil, tarragon, or dill add amazing freshness, and spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper bring exciting twists. Feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors!

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Aioli Recipe is a total game changer for your everyday meals, effortlessly adding a gourmet touch that’s both simple and satisfying. Once you make it, you’ll find so many creative ways to enjoy its creamy, garlicky goodness. Honestly, it’s one of those recipes that quickly becomes a kitchen staple—give it a try and watch your dishes transform with just a spoonful!

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