Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe

If you love garlic and creamy, dreamy dips, you’re in for a treat with this Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe. It’s one of those sauces that instantly elevates anything it touches—fries, grilled veggies, sandwiches—you name it. The magic here is in roasting the garlic until it’s caramelized and sweet, which takes away the raw sharpness and gives the aioli a deeply rich, mellow flavor. Stick with me, and I promise you’ll want to make this on repeat.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe are simple but perfectly balanced. Each one plays a role to build that classic creamy, tangy, and garlicky flavor that you’ll fall in love with. When shopping, picking fresh garlic bulbs and good mayonnaise really makes a difference.

• Garlic head: Fresh, firm garlic bulbs roast beautifully and become creamy and sweet inside.
• Olive oil: Just a bit to help roast the garlic cloves and add richness.
• Mayonnaise: This creates the creamy base; homemade or store-bought both work well.
• Lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances out the richness.
• Dijon mustard: Brings mild tang and depth to the aioli.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
• Parsley or chives (optional): Fresh herbs for garnish, adding a pop of green and fresh flavor.

Variations

I love that this Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe lets you get creative. Over the years, I’ve played around with different twists depending on what I have on hand or the vibe I’m going for in a meal. Feel free to personalize the flavor—you’ll enjoy making it your own.

• Smoky aioli: Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky kick; it’s a game-changer with grilled dishes.
• Herb infusion: Mix in fresh basil or dill instead of parsley for a fresh herbal note.
• Spicy version: Toss in a dash of cayenne or chipotle powder to wake up your taste buds.
• Vegan adaptation: Use vegan mayonnaise to keep it plant-based but just as tasty.

How to Make Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Garlic to Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel away the outer papery layers of the garlic bulb but keep the cloves snug inside their skins. Slice the top off the bulb to expose the tops of the cloves—this step is key to get that beautiful caramelization. Drizzle olive oil over the exposed garlic, then wrap it tightly in foil. Pop it in the oven and roast for 30 to 40 minutes until the cloves become soft, golden, and fragrant. You’ll know it’s ready when the aroma fills your kitchen and the cloves feel buttery to the touch.

Step 2: Mash and Mix the Aioli

Once roasted, let the garlic cool just enough so you can handle it without burning your fingers. Squeeze the soft cloves out of their skins and into a small bowl. Mash them with a fork until creamy—this part is so satisfying! Then, combine the mashed garlic with mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Stir everything together until smooth and well blended. Now season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as you go. If you like it thinner, a splash of water or extra lemon juice does the trick.

Step 3: Let the Flavors Meld

Transfer the aioli to a container, cover it, and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Giving it some resting time really lets those roasted garlic flavors deepen and blend beautifully with the creamy base. I like to make this a day ahead whenever I can because the flavor just hits differently.

How to Serve Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top just before serving. Not only do they add a vibrant pop of color, but their fresh, herbaceous notes contrast wonderfully with the roasted garlic’s richness. Sometimes I’ll also drizzle a tiny bit of extra virgin olive oil around the edge for a glossy finish.

Side Dishes

This aioli pairs so well with crispy roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or as a dip for crab cakes. My family goes crazy for it as a sandwich spread, especially on grilled chicken or veggie burgers. If you’re hosting, it’s a hit as a dipping sauce for crudités or artisan bread.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I love serving this roasted garlic aioli in small ramekins surrounded by a colorful platter of crudités, breadsticks, and chips. You could also use edible flowers as garnish for a fancy touch or swirl the aioli decoratively on plates when plating seafood or grilled meats—it’s an easy way to wow guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always keep leftover aioli in a sealed jar in the fridge. It stays fresh for about 5 to 7 days, so I make sure to label it with the date. Give it a quick stir before using again because it can thicken slightly after chilling.

Freezing

While you technically can freeze this aioli, I found that the texture changes a bit once thawed and it may separate. If you do freeze it, thaw slowly in the fridge and whisk well before serving to bring back its creaminess.

Reheating

This sauce is best served cold or at room temperature. If you want to warm it just slightly, do so gently by placing the container in warm water, stirring frequently. Keep in mind that heating too much can break the emulsion and alter the texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe turns out every single time—it feels fancy yet is so easy to make. When I first tried roasting garlic for aioli, I was amazed how much smoother and less sharp it made the sauce. Since then, it’s become a staple in my kitchen, and my family always asks for more. If you give it a try, I’m confident you’ll soon be sharing it with friends and dreaming up new ways to enjoy it. Trust me, once you taste that roasted garlic goodness in a creamy aioli, you’ll wonder how you ever went without it!

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