A regular at my restaurant came in flustered one evening, confessing she’d tried making aioli for a dinner party and ended up with a garlicky disaster that sent her guests running. I couldn’t help but chuckle – we’ve all been there. After sharing my foolproof roasted garlic aioli recipe with her, she became the neighborhood’s go-to sauce expert. Now, I’m passing this Mediterranean magic on to you, transforming those harsh garlic notes into something divinely smooth and caramelized.
History
While today’s aioli is often a garlic-flavored mayonnaise, this Mediterranean sauce traces its roots to Provence, France, where cooks traditionally made it by hand-grinding garlic with olive oil.
In Provence, the name itself tells the story – “aï” means garlic, and “oli” means oil in the local dialect.
I’ll explain how this garlic-infused sauce started as a simple combination of crushed garlic and olive oil, sometimes incorporating egg yolks for a richer emulsion.
Mediterranean cooks would serve this dip alongside seafood and vegetables.
As modern cooking evolved, we’ve adapted the traditional recipe to include mayonnaise, making it more approachable for home cooks.
Recipe
Roasted Garlic Aioli is a rich, creamy condiment that elevates any dish with its deep, savory flavors. The process of roasting garlic transforms its sharp, pungent taste into a mellow, sweet, and complex profile that serves as the perfect foundation for this classic sauce.
This recipe combines the sweetness of roasted garlic with smooth mayonnaise and bright lemon juice, creating a versatile aioli that complements everything from French fries to grilled vegetables. The addition of Worcestershire sauce adds depth, while careful seasoning with salt and pepper brings all the flavors into perfect balance.
Ingredients:
- 3 heads of garlic
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Cut the tops off the garlic heads to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil. Roast for 35-40 minutes until soft and golden.
Once cooled, squeeze the garlic cloves into a bowl and mash. Add mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop.
For best results, let the roasted garlic cool completely before mixing with other ingredients to prevent the aioli from becoming too thin. The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Allow the aioli to come to room temperature before serving for the fullest flavor expression. If the consistency is too thick, adjust by adding small amounts of olive oil or lemon juice until reaching the desired texture.
How to Serve It
Three primary serving methods make this aioli shine as a versatile condiment.
Use it as a dip for vegetables by arranging raw or roasted veggies on platters, offering the creamy roasted garlic aioli alongside.
Spread it generously on sandwiches, wraps, or burgers for added richness.
Serve it as a condiment for proteins by dolloping a tablespoon onto grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
For a unique twist, I’ll mix it into pasta salads or drizzle it over roasted potatoes.
The creamy texture perfectly complements crispy foods like French fries and onion rings, enhancing flavors with each dip.
Final Thoughts
Mastery of this classic garlic aioli transforms ordinary dishes into memorable meals worthy of any home chef’s repertoire.
I’ve found that the key to success lies in properly roasting the garlic until it’s caramelized and sweet, then blending it with store bought or homemade mayonnaise, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice.
The resulting creamy garlic mayo delivers a balanced flavor that garlic lovers crave.
Remember to chill your aioli recipe for 30 minutes before serving, and store it properly for up to 5 days.
This versatile condiment elevates everything from sandwiches to grilled meats, making it an essential addition to your culinary arsenal.
Check out our Cilantro Avocado Aioli recipe that adds a zesty punch to this creamy favorite.
