If you’re anything like me, you know the magic that roasted garlic can bring to a simple sauce. This Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe is seriously one of my go-to flavor boosters—it’s creamy, garlicky, and just a little tangy, making it the perfect companion for everything from roasted veggies to crispy fries. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through how to nail this fan-freaking-tastic sauce every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deep, mellow garlic flavor: Roasting softens garlic’s bite and transforms it into a sweet and creamy delight.
- Simple ingredients: You likely already have everything in your kitchen to whip this up quickly.
- Versatile and crowd-pleasing: Use it as a dip, spread, or sauce; it’s always a winner.
- Customizable texture and flavor: Easily tweak consistency or add seasonings to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here plays a key role in balancing flavor and texture—roasted garlic brings mellow sweetness, while lemon juice adds brightness, and mayo lends creaminess. Grab the freshest garlic you can; it really makes a difference.
- Garlic bulb: Fresh, whole heads roast beautifully to give that soft, caramelized flavor.
- Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin for roasting—the subtle fruity notes complement the garlic.
- Mayonnaise: Choose your favorite brand or homemade mayo for a rich base.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is best for bright acidity.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle tang and depth to the aioli.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing and rounding out all the flavors.
- Fresh herbs (parsley or chives): Optional but highly recommended for a fresh, colorful finish.
Variations
I love making this Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe my own by experimenting with little twists. You’ll find it fun to tweak the flavor to suit whatever mood you’re in or dish you’re serving it with!
- Spicy kick: I sometimes add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a subtle heat that wakes up the skin.
- Herbaceous boost: Adding fresh basil or cilantro instead of parsley gives it a totally fresh vibe that’s fantastic on grilled seafood.
- Vegan swap: Use vegan mayo and olive oil to keep things plant-based without sacrificing creaminess.
- Honey hint: A tiny drizzle of honey adds a touch of sweetness that unexpectedly brightens the whole sauce.
How to Make Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe
Step 1: Roast your garlic to caramelized perfection
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel away those outer papery layers of your garlic bulb, but keep the cloves snug inside. Then cut off the top to expose those beautiful garlic cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap it up tight in foil. Roasting for 30-40 minutes is key—you’re looking for soft, golden cloves ready to spread. When you try this, you’ll find the aroma alone makes you hungry!
Step 2: Mash and mix the magic
Once your garlic’s cooled just a bit, squeeze those roasted cloves out into a bowl. Mash them with a fork until creamy—this part is so satisfying, I swear! Then stir in mayo, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Taste, and season with salt and pepper. If you want it smoother, blitz everything in a food processor, but I love the rustic texture of mashing by hand.
Step 3: Chill and garnish for best flavor
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. I learned that this resting time lets the flavors marry into something absolutely crave-worthy. Before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top for that fresh burst both in flavor and color.
Pro Tips for Making Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe
- Roast Extra Garlic: I always roast a couple extra cloves for snacking or to spread on bread—their rich sweetness is addictive.
- Adjust Texture Smartly: If your aioli feels too thick, thin it out with a teaspoon of water or an extra squeeze of lemon juice instead of mayo to keep it light and bright.
- Mashing vs. Food Processor: Mashing by hand keeps little garlic textures that add personality to the aioli; a processor yields smooth perfection if that’s what you prefer.
- Don’t Skip the Chill: My turning point was realizing chilled aioli tastes way better, so don’t rush serving it after mixing.
How to Serve Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a sucker for a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives—something green really lifts the creamy aioli. Sometimes a pinch of smoked paprika on top makes it look extra special, especially if I’m serving guests.
Side Dishes
This aioli shines with crispy roasted potatoes, grilled chicken, or even as a drizzle over roasted veggies. My family goes crazy for it with homemade sweet potato fries or spread inside crusty sandwiches.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like to serve it in a pretty bowl surrounded by colorful vegetable crudités, or spoon it into small ramekins for individual dipping. It also makes a gorgeous swirl atop grilled seafood platters that always impresses guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover aioli in an airtight container in the fridge and try to use it within 3-4 days. It keeps its flavor beautifully, but give it a quick stir before serving as it might thicken a bit.
Freezing
Freezing aioli is not my favorite because it can separate or lose texture. If you do freeze it, thaw slowly in the fridge and whisk well before serving—but fresh is definitely better here.
Reheating
No reheating needed—you’re aiming for cool, creamy aioli. Just take it from the fridge about 10 minutes before serving to let it soften slightly if it’s too thick.
FAQs
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Can I make this Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe without an oven?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an oven handy, you can roast the garlic cloves in a skillet over low heat with olive oil, stirring often until golden and soft. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’s a good workaround.
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How long does homemade roasted garlic aioli last in the fridge?
Typically, it keeps well for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. Because it contains mayonnaise and fresh garlic, I don’t recommend keeping it longer to ensure safety and freshness.
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Can I use store-bought roasted garlic instead?
You can, but freshly roasted garlic has a brighter, sweeter flavor that really makes this recipe shine. Store-bought versions might be more pungent or have preservatives that affect taste.
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What’s the best way to thin out thick aioli?
The easiest way I’ve found is adding a teaspoon of water or fresh lemon juice little by little until you reach your preferred consistency, rather than adding more mayo, which can make it heavy.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe turns out—it’s like a little jar of umami gold in the fridge. Whether you’re drizzling it over roasted veggies, dunking fries, or spreading it on a sandwich, it adds that special something that makes everyday meals feel elevated. I really encourage you to give it a try, and don’t forget to play around with the flavors—you might discover your new signature sauce just like I did.
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Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Roasted Garlic Aioli is a creamy, flavorful sauce made by roasting garlic until golden and soft, then combining it with mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Perfect as a dip, spread, or condiment, this aioli offers a rich garlicky depth with a citrusy kick and customizable herb garnish.
Ingredients
Roasted Garlic
- 1 head garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Aioli Base
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish (optional)
- Parsley or chives (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the garlic.
- Prepare Garlic: Peel away the outer layers of the garlic bulb, keeping the cloves intact. Slice off the top of the bulb to expose the garlic cloves. Place the bulb on a piece of aluminum foil, drizzle the exposed cloves with olive oil, then wrap tightly in foil.
- Roast Garlic: Roast the wrapped garlic bulb in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, until the cloves become soft and golden brown.
- Cool and Mash: Remove the garlic from the oven and let it cool slightly. Squeeze the roasted cloves from their skins into a small bowl and mash with a fork until smooth and creamy.
- Mix Aioli: In a separate bowl, combine the mashed roasted garlic with mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Stir until well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as preferred.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish the aioli with chopped fresh parsley or chives for extra flavor and color.
- Chill: Transfer the aioli to a serving dish or airtight container. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Roast extra garlic cloves to use later as a spread or in other dishes.
- For a smoother texture, blend the aioli ingredients in a food processor or blender.
- If the aioli is too thick, thin it out with a little water or additional lemon juice.
- Remember, the aioli will thicken further after chilling, so adjust the consistency accordingly.
- Customize the flavor by adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a small amount of honey for a unique twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.1 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
