Name: Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 head of garlic; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish, optional)

This Roasted Garlic Aioli is a flavorful and versatile condiment that’s perfect for adding a delicious touch to sandwiches, burgers, fries, vegetables, and more. Roasting the garlic mellows out its harshness and brings out a sweet and nutty flavor that complements the creamy mayonnaise base. This aioli is easy to make and will elevate any dish with its rich and savory taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Versatile: This aioli is packed with flavor, thanks to the roasted garlic, and it’s incredibly versatile. It can be used as a dipping sauce, a spread, or a condiment for a wide variety of dishes.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of roasting time, this aioli is surprisingly easy to prepare.
Homemade Goodness: Making your own aioli allows you to control the ingredients and create a truly fresh and delicious flavor that’s far superior to store-bought options.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Roasted Garlic Aioli:

Garlic: One whole head, roasted to bring out its sweetness and mellow its flavor.
Olive oil: Used for drizzling the garlic before roasting.
Mayonnaise: The base of the aioli, providing a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
Lemon juice: Adds brightness and acidity to balance the richness.
Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tanginess and complexity.
Salt and pepper: To taste, enhances the overall flavor.
Parsley or chives: Chopped, optional, for garnish and added flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Roasted Garlic Aioli

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 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, and wrap the bulb tightly in the foil. Roast the garlic in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown.

Step 2: Prepare the Roasted 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 roasted garlic cloves with a fork until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Make 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.

Step 4: Garnish and Chill

If desired, garnish the aioli with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for added flavor and color. 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.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Roast extra garlic: Roast extra garlic cloves along with the ones needed for the aioli. They’re great for spreading on bread or adding to other dishes.
Use a food processor: For a smoother texture, use a food processor or blender to blend the aioli ingredients.
Adjust the consistency: If the aioli is too thick, thin it out with a bit of water or extra lemon juice. Keep in mind that the aioli will thicken up a bit more after chilling.
Personalize the flavor: Feel free to add extra ingredients like a pinch of smoked paprika, a small amount of honey, or your favorite herbs and spices for a unique twist.

How to Serve

Dipping Sauce: Serve this Roasted Garlic Aioli as a dipping sauce for french fries, sweet potato fries, vegetables, chicken tenders, or fish sticks.
Spread: Use it as a spread for sandwiches, burgers, wraps, or crostini.
Condiment: Add a dollop to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or salads for extra flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Roasted Garlic Aioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought roasted garlic?

Yes, you can use store-bought roasted garlic if you don’t have time to roast your own.

Can I make this aioli vegan?

Yes, you can use vegan mayonnaise and omit the egg yolk (if your mayonnaise recipe calls for it) to make this aioli vegan-friendly.

Can I freeze this aioli?

It’s not recommended to freeze this aioli, as the mayonnaise may separate upon thawing.

How can I make this aioli spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or some finely diced jalapeños to the aioli for extra heat.