A regular at my bistro once rushed into the kitchen, panicking about an impromptu dinner party she was hosting in an hour. “I need that garlic sauce you make, but I don’t have time for the traditional method!” I shared my secret shortcut – a foolproof “cheater’s aioli” that saved her evening. Now, whenever she visits, she winks and whispers, “Got any more chef tricks up your sleeve?” Trust me, this quick fix delivers that rich, garlicky punch without the arm workout of traditional aioli.
History
While most modern cooks know aioli as a garlic-flavored mayonnaise, this Mediterranean sauce traces its origins to ancient Provence, France.
Traditional aioli consisted of just two ingredients: garlic and olive oil, carefully emulsified using a mortar and pestle. This simple combination required significant skill and patience to achieve the proper creamy texture.
Creating authentic aioli demands mastery, as transforming just garlic and olive oil into silky smoothness requires both technique and dedication.
Over time, cooks began adding egg yolks to stabilize the emulsification, making aioli more similar to mayonnaise.
Today’s cheater’s version, which starts with prepared mayonnaise, has become popular in American kitchens. The term now encompasses various flavored mayonnaise-based sauces, though purists maintain that true aioli requires just garlic and oil.
Recipe
Traditional aioli, a garlic-infused mayonnaise sauce from the Mediterranean, typically requires careful emulsification of raw eggs and oil. However, this quick cheater’s version delivers the same vibrant flavors without the complex preparation process, making it accessible to home cooks of all skill levels.
This simplified aioli recipe maintains the signature garlicky punch and creamy texture while using store-bought mayonnaise as its base. The result is a versatile sauce that pairs perfectly with seafood, vegetables, sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce for fries and other appetizers.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 4-5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Start by mincing the garlic and combining it with lemon juice in a small bowl, allowing it to rest for 10 minutes to develop flavor. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise with the garlic-lemon mixture and optional Dijon mustard. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and well-blended, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate to let the flavors meld together. For best results, use fresh garlic rather than pre-minced varieties, as this will provide the most authentic flavor.
The consistency can be adjusted by adding more mayonnaise for thickness or additional lemon juice to thin it out. If the garlic flavor is too strong, add mayonnaise gradually until reaching the desired intensity.
Allow the aioli to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to achieve optimal flavor development.
How to Serve It
Once you’ve prepared your aioli, let’s explore the many ways to put it to delicious use.
With aioli ready to go, endless delicious possibilities await to elevate your favorite dishes from ordinary to extraordinary.
I love serving this creamy garlic sauce to enhance and elevate dishes in multiple ways:
- Serve as a dipping sauce for crispy French fries or sweet potato wedges to experience the rich flavor combination.
- Spread generously on sandwiches, burgers, and wraps to add a creamy kick.
- Pair with roasted vegetables, especially artichokes and zucchini, as an appetizer dip.
- Use alongside seafood dishes – it’s perfect for fried fish, grilled shrimp, or fresh oysters.
Mix cheater’s aioli into potato salads or warm pasta dishes to transform them into creamier, more flavorful versions of themselves.
Final Thoughts
Making cheater’s aioli proves that achieving restaurant-quality garlic sauce doesn’t require complex techniques or raw eggs. I’ve found this homemade version delivers consistent results every time, combining creamy mayonnaise with fresh garlic flavor and bright lemon juice.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Quick Prep | Ready in 5 minutes |
| Base | Quality mayonnaise |
| Essential Mix-ins | Garlic and lemon juice |
| Optional Add-ins | Dijon mustard |
| Storage | Up to 10 days refrigerated |
Store your finished aioli in an airtight container. The garlic flavor will intensify over time, creating a more robust sauce. Consider adjusting ingredients to enhance flavor based on your preferences.
If you love this, you’ll definitely want to try our Umami Garlic Aioli Recipe.
Cheater’s Aioli
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl Medium size
- Whisk
- Airtight Container For storage
Ingredients
- 1 cup Mayonnaise High-quality
- 4-5 cloves Garlic Fresh, minced
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard (optional) Adds depth
- To taste Salt Adjust as needed
- To taste Black Pepper Freshly ground
Instructions
- Mince the garlic finely and combine it with lemon juice in a small bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes to mellow the garlic’s intensity.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, garlic-lemon mixture, and Dijon mustard (if using).
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice if too thick or more mayonnaise if too thin.
- Transfer the aioli to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve chilled as a dip, spread, or sauce for various dishes.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
- The aioli will develop a stronger garlic flavor over time.
- Use as a dip for fries, spread on sandwiches, or drizzle over grilled seafood and vegetables.
