Roasted Garlic Aioli is a rich, creamy, and flavorful sauce that adds a gourmet touch to any meal. The sweet, mellow taste of roasted garlic is perfectly balanced with tangy lemon juice and a hint of Dijon mustard, creating a perfect dip, spread, or drizzle for your favorite dishes. Whether you’re serving it with fries, roasted vegetables, or sandwiches, this aioli elevates the flavors in every bite. It’s quick and easy to make, yet the depth of flavor will leave everyone impressed.
Ingredients
-
1 head garlic
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
½ cup mayonnaise
-
1 tablespoon lemon juice
-
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
-
Salt and pepper (to taste)
-
Parsley or chives (chopped, for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
Prepare the Garlic: Peel away the outer layers of the garlic bulb, leaving the cloves intact. Using a sharp knife, slice off the top of the bulb to expose the cloves. Place the garlic bulb on a piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle the exposed cloves with olive oil, then wrap the bulb tightly in the foil.
-
Roast the Garlic: Roast the garlic in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown.
-
Cool the Garlic: Once roasted, remove the garlic from the oven and let it cool slightly. Squeeze the roasted cloves out of their skins into a small bowl.
-
Mash the Garlic: Mash the roasted garlic cloves with a fork until smooth and creamy.
-
Mix the Aioli: In a separate bowl, combine the mashed roasted garlic, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Stir until well blended. Season the aioli with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
-
Garnish: If desired, garnish the aioli with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for added flavor and color.
-
Chill and Serve: Transfer the aioli to a serving dish or airtight container. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Servings and Timing
-
Servings: Approximately 8 servings
-
Prep Time: 5 minutes
-
Cook Time: 40 minutes
-
Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
-
Herbed Aioli: Add extra herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to the aioli for an added layer of flavor.
-
Smoked Paprika: Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smokier flavor that pairs beautifully with roasted garlic.
-
Spicy Twist: Mix in a small amount of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the aioli a spicy kick.
Storage/Reheating
-
Storage: Store leftover aioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
-
Reheating: The aioli is best served chilled. However, if you prefer it warm, gently heat it on the stove, stirring continuously to avoid separating the mayonnaise.
FAQs
1. Can I use raw garlic instead of roasted garlic?
Roasted garlic gives the aioli a sweet, mellow flavor. If you use raw garlic, the aioli will have a sharper, more pungent taste.
2. Can I make the aioli without mayonnaise?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt, sour cream, or even an avocado for a healthier alternative to mayonnaise.
3. How do I know when the garlic is fully roasted?
The garlic is ready when the cloves are soft and golden brown. You should be able to squeeze them out of their skins easily.
4. Can I make aioli without Dijon mustard?
Yes, if you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can substitute it with yellow mustard or leave it out entirely for a different flavor.
5. How long can I store the aioli?
Roasted Garlic Aioli will stay fresh for about 1 week in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container.
6. Can I make this aioli ahead of time?
Yes, this aioli is actually better after chilling for a bit, as the flavors have more time to meld together. It’s a great make-ahead sauce.
7. Can I use olive oil mayonnaise?
Yes, olive oil mayonnaise can be used for a richer, more flavorful aioli. Just keep in mind that it may alter the final taste slightly.
8. Can I freeze the aioli?
It’s not recommended to freeze aioli, as the mayonnaise can separate when thawed, affecting the texture.
9. Can I use a blender to make this aioli?
Yes, using a blender or food processor can give you a smoother, creamier texture if desired.
10. What can I serve this aioli with?
Roasted Garlic Aioli is perfect for dipping French fries, vegetables, or grilled meats, or for spreading on sandwiches, burgers, and wraps.
Conclusion
Roasted Garlic Aioli is an easy-to-make, versatile sauce that enhances any meal with its creamy texture and complex flavors. The sweet roasted garlic combined with tangy lemon juice and Dijon mustard makes it the perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes. Whether you’re using it as a dip, spread, or drizzle, this aioli will add a touch of gourmet to your kitchen.
Print
Roasted Garlic Aioli
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Roasted Garlic Aioli is a creamy, flavorful sauce made with sweet roasted garlic, tangy lemon juice, and a hint of Dijon mustard. Perfect for dipping, spreading, or adding a gourmet touch to any meal, this easy-to-make aioli is a must-try!
Ingredients
1 head garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Parsley or chives (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare Garlic: Peel away the outer layers of the garlic bulb, leaving the cloves intact. Slice off the top of the bulb to expose the cloves. Place the garlic bulb on a piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle the exposed cloves with olive oil, then wrap the bulb tightly in the foil.
Roast Garlic: Roast the garlic in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown.
Cool & Mash Garlic: Remove the garlic from the oven and let it cool slightly. Squeeze the roasted cloves out of their skins into a small bowl and mash with a fork until smooth and creamy.
Make Aioli: In a separate bowl, combine the mashed roasted garlic, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Stir until well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish & Chill: If desired, garnish with chopped parsley or chives. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Notes
Roast extra garlic cloves for spreading on bread or adding to other dishes.
For a smoother texture, use a food processor or blender to blend the aioli ingredients.
Thin out the aioli with a bit of water or extra lemon juice if it’s too thick.
The aioli will thicken a bit after chilling, so adjust consistency accordingly.
Personalize the flavor with smoked paprika or a small amount of honey for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, American
