If you love a garlicky kick with a silky smooth texture, you’re going to adore this Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly versatile – perfect for dipping, spreading, or dolloping on just about anything. I promise, once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it daily to jazz up your meals!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deep, Roasted Flavor: Roasting garlic transforms its sharpness into mellow sweetness that’s pure magic in this aioli.
- Super Easy to Make: Just a handful of simple ingredients with minimal prep — even beginners can nail this.
- Versatile Use: Use it as a dip, sandwich spread, or drizzle over veggies and proteins for instant flavor boost.
- Customizable: You can tweak it with herbs or spices to make this aioli truly your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe is how a few well-chosen ingredients come together to create something spectacular – creamy, tangy, and bursting with roasted garlic goodness. Here’s what you want to have on hand:
- Garlic: The star of the show! Roasting softens its intensity and adds a caramelized sweetness that’s irresistible.
- Olive oil: Just a drizzle to help the garlic roast beautifully and stay moist.
- Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base; use your favorite brand or homemade mayo for an even richer taste.
- Lemon juice: Adds a bright, fresh zing that balances the richness perfectly.
- Dijon mustard: Gives a subtle tang and depth, heightening the flavor complexity.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring everything together—adjust to your liking.
- Fresh parsley or chives: For a fresh, colorful garnish that adds a mild herbal note.
Variations
I love making this Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe my own depending on the mood or meal. Don’t hesitate to experiment — here are some ways I’ve had fun customizing it:
- Add heat: I sometimes mix in a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne to give it a nice smoky or spicy twist.
- Dairy-free option: Swap the mayo for a vegan mayo or blend in some silken tofu to keep it creamy without eggs.
- Herb upgrades: Fresh basil or tarragon can add a fragrant, unexpected twist that makes it feel gourmet.
- Sweet hint: A tiny drizzle of honey balances the savory and bright flavors beautifully—I learned this trick after some kitchen experiments!
How to Make Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Garlic to Perfection
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then peel away the outer papery layers from your garlic head, but leave the cloves intact — this keeps them juicy while roasting. Slice off the top of the bulb so that the tops of the cloves are exposed. Place the garlic on a piece of aluminum foil, drizzle generously with olive oil, and wrap it up tight. Pop it in the oven for 30-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cloves are soft and golden brown, almost spreadable. I like to roast an extra bulb since those cloves make amazing snack on their own!
Step 2: Mash and Combine
Once the roasted garlic cools a bit, squeeze the cloves out into a small bowl. Mash them thoroughly with a fork until smooth and creamy – this is your flavor powerhouse! In a separate bowl, mix together the mashed garlic, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Stir everything until it’s fully blended and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a quick taste before chilling — you can adjust lemon or salt as needed. If you want an ultra-smooth texture, blending gently in a food processor works wonders.
Step 3: Chill and Garnish
Transfer your aioli to a serving dish or airtight container and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors marry beautifully. Just before serving, sprinkle on some chopped fresh parsley or chives. It brightens up the look and adds a fresh, herbal note that balances the richness perfectly.
Pro Tips for Making Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe
- Get the Garlic Roasting Timing Right: Keep an eye on your garlic; over-roasting can make it bitter, but under-roasting leaves it too sharp.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled juice is convenient, but fresh lemon juice adds genuine brightness that lifts the whole aioli.
- Adjust Thickness Thoughtfully: If your aioli feels too thick after chilling, thin it out with a splash of water or more lemon juice instead of mayo to keep it light.
- Avoid Metallic Taste: I learned that using a fork instead of metal blades to mash the garlic keeps the flavor pure and free from unwanted bitterness.
How to Serve Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle chopped parsley or chives just before serving. The fresh green touch not only makes the aioli pop visually but adds a subtle earthy note that’s just lovely with roasted garlic’s richness. Sometimes I add a light dusting of smoked paprika for a bit of color and smoky flavor—it’s my go-to garnish for a little extra wow factor.
Side Dishes
This aioli pairs beautifully with crispy roasted potatoes, grilled veggies, or drizzled over burgers and sandwiches. One of my favorite ways to use it is as a dip for homemade sweet potato fries – my family goes crazy over that combo every time. It also adds a lovely, creamy layer to fish tacos or wraps.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I like to serve Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe in individual mini dipping bowls, garnished with a tiny sprig of fresh herbs, right alongside a colorful crudité platter or artisan bread slices. It elevates even a casual gathering and makes the aioli look restaurant-worthy in no time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover aioli in an airtight container in the fridge, usually good for up to 4 days. Keeping it cold helps the flavors stay vibrant and the texture creamy. Remember to give it a gentle stir before serving again, as it can thicken slightly after resting.
Freezing
Freezing aioli isn’t my go-to because it can separate when thawed, but if you want to freeze it, do so in small portions and thaw overnight in the fridge. Give it a good whisk before serving to help bring it back together.
Reheating
Since aioli is best served cold or at room temperature, I avoid reheating. If you want to warm it slightly, let it sit out for 10–15 minutes to take the chill off – that’s enough to enjoy all those roasted garlic flavors without compromising texture.
FAQs
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Can I use raw garlic instead of roasted in this aioli?
Raw garlic has a sharp, pungent flavor that can overpower the aioli. Roasting softens the garlic and adds sweetness, creating that mellow, rich flavor profile this recipe is known for. If you use raw garlic, start with a tiny amount and taste as you go, but I highly recommend sticking with roasted for best results.
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Is mayonnaise necessary in the Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe?
Mayonnaise provides the creamy texture and helps emulsify the ingredients. If you want to skip mayo, you can experiment with Greek yogurt or a blend of silken tofu and lemon juice for a lighter or dairy-free option. Just keep in mind the consistency and flavor will change.
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How long does the roasted garlic aioli last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, the aioli will keep well for up to 4 days. Always smell and taste before using, and give it a stir since it tends to thicken when chilled.
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Can I make the Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, chilling the aioli for at least 30 minutes before serving improves the flavor. You can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the fridge – it only gets better with time.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe is truly one of those kitchen gems that transforms simple meals into something special. I remember the first time I roasted garlic myself—it completely changed how I used to think about garlic flavor. I highly encourage you to give this a try; it’s straightforward, forgiving, and delicious. Trust me, once you get a taste, it’ll become your secret weapon for adding incredible flavor to everything from sandwiches to snacks.
Print
Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy and flavorful Roasted Garlic Aioli is a delightful twist on the classic mayonnaise-based sauce, enhanced with the sweet, mellow flavor of roasted garlic. Perfect as a dip, spread, or condiment, this aioli adds rich depth to sandwiches, grilled meats, vegetables, and more.
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
- Parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the garlic.
- Prepare Garlic for Roasting: Peel away the outer layers of the garlic bulb without separating the cloves. Slice off the top of the bulb to expose the individual cloves. Place the bulb on a piece of aluminum foil, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap tightly to create a foil packet.
- Roast the Garlic: Place the foil-wrapped garlic in the preheated oven and roast for 30-40 minutes until the cloves turn soft and golden brown, releasing their sweet and mellow flavor.
- Cool and Mash: Remove the garlic from the oven and let it cool slightly. Squeeze the softened cloves from their skins into a small bowl, then mash them with a fork until smooth and creamy.
- Mix Aioli Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the roasted garlic mash, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Stir thoroughly until smooth and well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
- Garnish: If desired, garnish the aioli with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and added flavor.
- Chill Before Serving: Transfer the aioli to a serving dish or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
Notes
- Roast extra garlic cloves alongside those used in the aioli; roasted garlic makes a delicious spread for bread or an addition to other dishes.
- For an ultra-smooth 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 extra lemon juice to reach your desired consistency.
- Remember, the aioli will thicken further after chilling, so adjust the texture accordingly before refrigerating.
- Personalize your aioli by adding extras like smoked paprika or a small drizzle of honey to create unique flavor variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0.3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
