Garlic Aioli Recipe (Easy, Creamy & Better Than Restaurant Style)

If you’ve ever dipped fries into a silky, garlicky sauce at a restaurant and thought, I need this in my life at home, you’re in the right place. This garlic aioli recipe is creamy, rich, and packed with bold garlic flavor — yet surprisingly easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have.

Whether you’re serving it with crispy fries, spreading it on sandwiches, drizzling it over roasted vegetables, or using it as a dip for seafood, homemade garlic aioli instantly upgrades almost any dish. Best of all? You don’t need fancy equipment or chef-level skills to make it from scratch.

In this post, you’ll learn exactly how to make classic garlic aioli, plus foolproof shortcuts, flavor variations, storage tips, and delicious ways to use it. Let’s get into it.

What Is Garlic Aioli?

Traditional aioli is a Mediterranean sauce made from garlic and olive oil, emulsified into a thick, creamy consistency. The word aioli comes from the Provençal words ai (garlic) and oli (oil). Historically, it didn’t even include eggs — just garlic, oil, and a whole lot of arm strength.

Modern garlic aioli recipes, especially in the U.S., usually include egg yolks or mayonnaise to make the process easier and more stable. The result is a sauce that’s similar to garlic mayonnaise, but with a richer flavor and smoother texture.

This recipe gives you that restaurant-quality garlic aioli taste without the intimidation factor.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Aioli Recipe

• Quick and easy — ready in under 10 minutes

• Rich, creamy texture with bold garlic flavor

• Versatile for dipping, spreading, or drizzling

• Customizable with lemon, herbs, or spice

• Better than store-bought (and no preservatives)

If you’ve been searching for the best garlic aioli recipe, this one checks all the boxes.

Ingredients for Garlic Aioli

Before you start, gather these simple ingredients:

Basic Garlic Aioli Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)

• 2–4 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated

• 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins

• Dijon mustard (½ teaspoon for depth)

• Roasted garlic (for a sweeter, milder flavor)

• Smoked paprika or cayenne (for heat)

• Fresh herbs like parsley or chives

Using high-quality mayonnaise and fresh garlic makes a huge difference in the final flavor of your garlic aioli.

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How to Make Garlic Aioli (Step-by-Step)

This easy garlic aioli recipe uses mayonnaise as a base, making it practically foolproof.

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic

Finely mince or grate your garlic cloves. The finer the garlic, the smoother your aioli will be. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, use roasted garlic instead of raw.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Stir until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Season to Taste

Add salt and black pepper, then taste. Adjust lemon juice, garlic, or salt as needed.

Step 4: Chill (Optional but Recommended)

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step takes your garlic aioli from good to incredible.

That’s it! Your homemade garlic aioli is ready to serve.

Traditional Garlic Aioli vs. Mayo-Based Aioli

If you’re wondering whether this is “authentic,” here’s the difference:

Traditional Garlic Aioli

• Made with garlic and olive oil only

• No eggs or mayonnaise

• Requires slow emulsification

• Stronger garlic flavor

Modern Garlic Aioli Recipe

• Uses mayonnaise or egg yolks

• Easier and more stable

• Creamy and mild

• Perfect for everyday cooking

Both are delicious, but for home cooks, the mayo-based version is faster and more reliable.

Roasted Garlic Aioli (Milder & Sweeter)

If raw garlic feels too sharp, roasted garlic aioli is a game-changer.

How to Roast Garlic

1. Preheat oven to 400°F

2. Slice the top off a garlic head

3. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap in foil

4. Roast for 35–40 minutes until soft

Mash the roasted cloves and use them in place of raw garlic. The result is a sweet, nutty, ultra-smooth garlic aioli.

Garlic Aioli Variations You’ll Love

One of the best things about this garlic aioli recipe is how customizable it is.

Lemon Garlic Aioli

Add extra lemon zest and juice for a bright, citrusy kick.

Spicy Garlic Aioli

Mix in sriracha, chili paste, or cayenne pepper.

Herb Garlic Aioli

Fold in chopped parsley, basil, or dill.

Parmesan Garlic Aioli

Add finely grated Parmesan for a rich, savory twist.

Vegan Garlic Aioli

Use vegan mayonnaise and follow the same steps.

Each variation works beautifully as a dip, sauce, or spread.

What to Serve with Garlic Aioli

Garlic aioli pairs with almost everything. Here are some popular ways to use it:

Dipping Ideas

• French fries or sweet potato fries

• Onion rings

• Roasted vegetables

• Chicken tenders

• Shrimp or calamari

Spreading Ideas

• Burgers and sliders

• Sandwiches and wraps

• Paninis

• Toasted sourdough

Drizzling Ideas

• Grilled vegetables

• Roasted potatoes

• Fish tacos

• Grain bowls

Once you start using garlic aioli, plain mayo just won’t cut it anymore.

Tips for the Best Garlic Aioli

• Use fresh garlic for the best flavor

• Grate garlic instead of chopping for smooth texture

• Start with less garlic, then add more to taste

• Let it rest in the fridge before serving

• Use full-fat mayo for the creamiest result

If your aioli tastes too sharp, let it chill longer — the garlic mellows over time.

How Long Does Garlic Aioli Last?

Homemade garlic aioli will keep in the refrigerator for 5–7 days when stored in an airtight container.

Storage Tips

• Always use a clean spoon

• Keep tightly sealed

• Refrigerate promptly

• Discard if smell or texture changes

Because this garlic aioli recipe uses mayonnaise, it’s not shelf-stable and should never be left out at room temperature for extended periods.

Can You Freeze Garlic Aioli?

Freezing is not recommended. Mayonnaise-based sauces tend to separate when thawed, resulting in a grainy texture. Garlic aioli is best enjoyed fresh.

Garlic Aioli Recipe (Printable)

Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 2–4 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.

2. Stir until smooth and creamy.

3. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is garlic aioli the same as garlic mayo?

They’re very similar. Garlic aioli traditionally uses olive oil, while garlic mayo uses mayonnaise as a base. Modern garlic aioli recipes often blend the two.

Can I make garlic aioli without mayonnaise?

Yes! Traditional aioli uses garlic and olive oil only, but it requires careful emulsification.

Why does my aioli taste bitter?

Over-processed garlic or low-quality olive oil can cause bitterness. Try roasted garlic or a lighter olive oil.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Garlic aioli tastes even better after resting in the fridge.

Final Thoughts: The Best Garlic Aioli Recipe for Any Occasion

This garlic aioli recipe is creamy, flavorful, and endlessly versatile — the kind of sauce that instantly elevates everyday meals. Whether you’re hosting guests, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something indulgent, homemade garlic aioli is always a good idea.

Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again — and putting it on everything.