A roasted garlic aioli sauce combines rich, creamy mayonnaise with the sweet, roasted flavor of garlic, tangy lemon, and a touch of Dijon mustard. This easy-to-make aioli is the perfect addition to any meal, whether you’re using it as a dip, spread, or topping for grilled meats and seafood. It’s versatile, flavorful, and sure to elevate any dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Roasted garlic aioli is a delicious and creamy sauce that brings a comforting blend of flavors. The sweetness of roasted garlic pairs beautifully with the creamy mayonnaise and tangy lemon, creating a balanced, savory dip or spread. It’s perfect for adding a gourmet touch to fries, burgers, sandwiches, or even as a sauce for grilled meats or seafood. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also stores well for future use. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want to enhance a weeknight meal, this aioli will quickly become your go-to condiment.
Ingredients
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1 head of garlic
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1 cup mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for a richer flavor)
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Fresh herbs (like parsley or chives, for garnish, optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Peel away the outer layers of the garlic head, keeping the cloves intact.
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Cut about 1/4 inch off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves.
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Drizzle olive oil over the exposed cloves.
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Wrap the garlic head in aluminum foil tightly.
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Roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the cloves are soft and golden brown.
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Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before unwrapping.
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Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into a small bowl to create a smooth paste.
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In a medium mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, roasted garlic paste, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
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Whisk until well combined.
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If desired, drizzle in olive oil while whisking for a richer flavor.
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Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
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Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.
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Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
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Stir the aioli before serving and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
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Serve as a dip for vegetables, a spread for sandwiches, or a sauce for grilled meats and seafood.
Servings and Timing
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Yield: 1 cup
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 35 minutes
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Refrigeration Time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Lighter version: Substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lower-calorie version.
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Smoky flavor: Add smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke to give the aioli a smoky kick.
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Spicy twist: Mix in a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
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Herb variations: Try different fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary for a unique flavor.
Storage/Reheating
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
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Since this aioli is mayonnaise-based, it should not be left out at room temperature for extended periods.
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No reheating is necessary—simply stir before serving.
FAQs
How long does roasted garlic aioli last in the fridge?
Roasted garlic aioli can last up to 1 week when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I make this aioli without roasting the garlic?
While roasted garlic provides a sweet, mellow flavor, you can use raw garlic for a sharper taste. However, roasting is recommended for a richer flavor.
Can I use a different oil in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute olive oil with avocado oil or any mild-flavored oil. Olive oil adds richness, but other oils can work too.
Can I make roasted garlic aioli without mayonnaise?
Yes, you can substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or use a vegan mayonnaise alternative for a dairy-free version.
What dishes can I serve this aioli with?
Roasted garlic aioli is perfect for dipping fries, spreading on sandwiches, or serving with grilled meats, seafood, or vegetables.
Can I add more garlic to the aioli?
If you love garlic, feel free to add more roasted garlic cloves to the aioli. Just keep in mind that the flavor will become more intense.
Can I freeze roasted garlic aioli?
It’s not recommended to freeze aioli as the mayonnaise can separate and change texture upon thawing. It’s best when consumed fresh.
Can I use store-bought roasted garlic for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute store-bought roasted garlic paste, but roasting your own garlic gives the aioli a fresher, more robust flavor.
Is roasted garlic aioli healthy?
It’s a flavorful condiment, but due to the mayonnaise, it’s calorie-dense. To make it healthier, you can substitute part of the mayo with Greek yogurt.
Can I make this aioli in advance?
Yes, in fact, making it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste. Just refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Conclusion
Roasted garlic aioli is a simple yet decadent addition to almost any meal. With its rich, creamy texture and the unique sweetness of roasted garlic, this sauce will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether used as a dip, spread, or dressing, it brings a gourmet touch to everyday dishes. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple instructions, you can enjoy this flavorful sauce in no time.

Roasted Garlic Aioli Sauce
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- Author: Alice
- Total Time: undefined
- Yield: 1 cup
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Roasted garlic aioli is a creamy, flavorful sauce made with roasted garlic, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. It’s perfect as a dip, spread, or sauce for meats and seafood, adding a rich, zesty twist to your dishes.
Ingredients
1 head of garlic
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for a richer flavor)
Fresh herbs (like parsley or chives, for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Peel away the outer layers of the garlic head, keeping the cloves intact. Cut about 1/4 inch off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves.
- Drizzle olive oil over the exposed cloves. Wrap the garlic head in aluminum foil tightly.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the cloves are soft and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before unwrapping.
- Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into a small bowl to create a smooth paste.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, roasted garlic paste, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
- If desired, drizzle in olive oil while whisking for a richer flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Stir the aioli before serving and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve as a dip for vegetables, a spread for sandwiches, or a sauce for grilled meats and seafood.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
- For a spicier version, add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to taste.
- Fresh herbs like basil or rosemary can be used to customize the flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Condiment, Sauce
- Method: Roasting, Whisking
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg