If you’re anything like me, you’ll absolutely fall in love with the rich, creamy delight of this Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe. It’s one of those homemade sauces that instantly upgrades any dish, from simple roasted veggies to grilled meats and sandwiches. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deep, Roasted Flavor: Roasting the garlic transforms its harsh bite into sweet, mellow creaminess that makes this aioli addictive.
- Versatile Condiment: Use it as a dip, spread, or sauce to instantly brighten everything from fries to grilled chicken.
- Easy to Make at Home: No fancy equipment needed — just a little patience while the garlic roasts and you’re set.
- Customizable Flavors: You can tweak the lemon, mustard, or herbs to make it perfectly suited to your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe keeps things simple but flavorful. Each ingredient plays a role in balancing creaminess, tang, and that garlicky goodness you crave.
- Garlic: Roasting fresh garlic bulbs softens the flavor and adds a rich sweetness you just can’t get with raw garlic.
- Olive oil: A drizzle helps the garlic roast perfectly and adds subtle fruitiness to the aioli.
- Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base that carries the roasted garlic flavor smoothly.
- Lemon juice: Brightens up the aioli with fresh acidity to balance the richness.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a touch of sharpness and complexity to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Parsley or chives: Fresh herbs add a pop of color and subtle freshness as garnish.
Variations
I love playing around with the Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe depending on the occasion and what’s in my kitchen. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!
- Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika gives the aioli a smoky heat that’s out of this world with grilled foods—I stumbled upon this when I wanted something with a bit more punch.
- Herb Mix: Swap parsley for fresh basil, dill, or tarragon to match your meal’s flavor profile. My family especially loves chive-studded aioli on sandwiches.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan mayo, and you’ll still get all the garlicky richness without compromising on taste.
- Lemon Twist: Try using lime juice or add a touch of zest for citrusy brightness—especially great in summer.
How to Make Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Garlic to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Now, peel away only the outer layers of the garlic bulb so the cloves stay intact. Slice off the top to reveal the tops of the cloves. Place the whole bulb on a sheet of foil, drizzle the exposed cloves with olive oil, then wrap it up tight. Pop it in the oven for 30-40 minutes until the cloves are soft, golden, and giving off that irresistible aroma. Roasting garlic transforms its sharpness into creamy sweetness, which is the heart of this aioli.
Step 2: Mash and Mix With the Creamy Base
Once the garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze those roasted cloves out of their skins into a small bowl. Mash them with a fork until smooth and creamy—that’s the magic right there. In another bowl, combine the mashed garlic with mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Give it a good stir to blend. Taste, then season with salt and pepper. You’ll start to see the bright, luscious aioli come to life!
Step 3: Chill and Garnish
Transfer your aioli to a serving dish or an airtight container and chill it for at least 30 minutes to let all the flavors meld beautifully. Before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top for a fresh, colorful finish—this simple touch makes it look as good as it tastes.
Pro Tips for Making Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe
- Use Fresh Garlic Bulbs: I once tried roasting pre-minced garlic, and it never had the same deep flavor—fresh bulbs make all the difference.
- Don’t Skip the Rest Time: Chilling the aioli allows the flavors to marry and mellow, so give it at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Smooth Texture Trick: For an extra-smooth aioli, blend the ingredients in a food processor—you’ll notice the texture become luscious and velvety.
- Avoid Overpowering Garlic: Roasting takes the bite out of garlic, but don’t add raw garlic or too much, or it can quickly dominate the aioli’s delicate balance.
How to Serve Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe
Garnishes
I usually garnish my roasted garlic aioli with freshly chopped parsley or chives. The green flecks not only make it pop visually but also add a subtle herbal freshness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy garlic flavors.
Side Dishes
This aioli is ridiculously versatile—my go-to pairings include crispy roasted potatoes, grilled steak, or even drizzled over a fresh Caesar salad. It also makes a stellar dip for crudités or a decadent spread for sandwiches and burgers.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve the aioli in small ramekins alongside an assortment of artisan bread, colorful veggie sticks, or grilled seafood skewers. Sprinkle a little smoked paprika or a few lemon zest curls on top to give it a gourmet touch that guests always notice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover roasted garlic aioli in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to a week. I always make a bit extra because I know we’ll want to keep dipping everything into it throughout the week!
Freezing
Freezing aioli isn’t something I recommend because mayonnaise-based sauces can separate when thawed. However, if you need to, freeze in small portions and thaw slowly in the fridge, then whisk well before serving. Fresh is definitely best though!
Reheating
This aioli is best served chilled or at room temperature. If you want to warm it up slightly, do it gently in a double boiler or warm water bath—too much heat can break the emulsion and change the texture.
FAQs
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Can I make roasted garlic aioli without mayonnaise?
Absolutely! You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or use a vegan mayo if you prefer. Keep in mind these swaps will change the texture and flavor slightly, but the roasted garlic will still shine through beautifully.
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How long can I store roasted garlic aioli in the fridge?
When stored in a sealed container, roasted garlic aioli keeps well for about 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator. Always check for any signs of spoilage before using it.
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Can I roast garlic in advance?
Yes, you can roast garlic ahead of time and store the cloves in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. This is a great time-saver, especially if you’re making aioli for a party or meal prep.
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What’s the best way to serve roasted garlic aioli?
Serve it as a dip for fries or veggies, a spread on sandwiches or burgers, or dolloped on grilled proteins like chicken or seafood. It also makes a delicious flavor boost for roasted potatoes or steamed vegetables.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe turns out every time—it’s creamy, flavorful, and just a little bit special. When I first tried roasting garlic for aioli, I was hooked by how it mellowed the garlic’s sharpness and added a nutty sweetness I couldn’t get from raw garlic. I promise, once you taste this on your next meal, you’ll start dreaming up more ways to use it. Go ahead, make a batch today and impress your family and friends with a sauce that feels gourmet but is truly simple to prepare at home!
Print
Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Roasted Garlic Aioli recipe features a rich and creamy sauce with the deep, caramelized flavor of roasted garlic, blended with mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Perfect as a flavorful dip, spread, or accompaniment to a variety of dishes, this homemade aioli is simple to prepare and customizable with fresh herbs or spices.
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
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley or chives
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the garlic.
- 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, and wrap the bulb tightly in the foil.
- Roast Garlic: Roast the wrapped garlic bulb in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, until the cloves are soft and golden brown.
- Cool and Mash Garlic: Remove garlic from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Squeeze the roasted cloves out of their skins into a small bowl and mash them with a fork until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the mashed roasted garlic with mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
- Garnish and Chill: If desired, garnish the aioli with chopped parsley or chives. Transfer to a serving dish or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Roast extra garlic cloves to use as spreads for bread or in other dishes.
- For smoother aioli, blend ingredients in a food processor or blender.
- If the aioli is too thick, thin with a bit of water or extra lemon juice.
- Remember the aioli will thicken after chilling, so adjust consistency accordingly.
- Personalize the aioli by adding smoked paprika or a touch of honey for unique flavor variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0.4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
