Roasted Garlic Aioli

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

What Is Aioli? 

Aioli is a popular sauce from the Mediterranean area (primarily along the coasts of France and Spain) that involves emulsifying olive oil with garlic. Traditional aioli is very pungent in flavor and is made with a mortar and pestle. 

That’s traditional aioli. In the US, when someone talks about aioli they’re likely thinking of a creamy, mayonnaise-like spread that’s made with raw egg yolks, oil, and garlic. 

Garlic aioli is an all-purpose sauce that can be used as a spread on burgers or sandwiches, as a dipping sauce for fries, as a flavor enhancer in marinades and dressings, and so much more! 

The Difference Between Aioli vs Mayonnaise 

The line between aioli and mayonnaise has been blurred because most aiolis in the US are made with egg yolks. However, if we’re discussing the traditional aioli vs traditional mayo, the differences are easier to see: 

• Aioli is traditionally only made with oil and raw garlic. It’s very creamy, rich, and tastes powerfully of garlic. 
• Mayonnaise is made by emulsifying egg yolks and oil. There’s typically no garlic in regular mayo. 

The roasted garlic aioli recipe I’m sharing in this post falls somewhere in between traditional aioli and mayo because it uses mayo as the base! 

About This Garlic Aioli Recipe

This is a quick and easy roasted garlic aioli that uses store-bought mayo as the base rather than starting with homemade mayo.

Many home cooks — including myself! — don’t like working with raw eggs. The last thing I want is to accidentally make myself or one of my kids sick! 

(On that note, if you do ever need to use raw eggs in a recipe, make sure to either purchase pasteurized eggs at the grocery store OR pasteurize the eggs yourself at home.) 

By using mayonnaise as the base for this roasted garlic aioli sauce, I was able to reduce the prep time to about 5 minutes. Just remember to plan accordingly because you’ll need to roast the garlic before making the aioli (roasting garlic takes about an hour but is SO easy).  

Keep reading for my top tips and tricks on making garlic aioli, plus the many ways you can eat it! 

Tools Needed to Make Roasted Garlic Aioli

This easy roasted garlic aioli recipe doesn’t require any special equipment—just a few basic kitchen tools:

What’s in this Roasted Garlic Aioli?

Check your fridge and pantry—you might already have everything! This easy roasted garlic aioli comes together with a few simple ingredients. For exact measurements, see the FREE printable recipe card at the bottom of the post!

Garlic Aioli Recipe Tips

Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe FAQs

Got questions about how to make this recipe for aioli with roasted garlic? Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions! If you don’t see yours here, feel free to leave a comment, and I’ll be happy to help.

What’s the best type of mayonnaise for making aioli? 

I don’t recommend reduced fat mayonnaise or Miracle Whip. Other than that, you can use whatever you personally prefer!

We typically have full-fat olive oil mayonnaise on hand in our house, so that’s what I use when making aioli. 

Do I have to roast the garlic when making aioli? 

Without roasting the garlic, you won’t achieve the same mellow, caramelized garlic flavor that makes this aioli so good. 

However, you do not have to roast the garlic before stirring it into the aioli. Just remember that raw garlic is very potent, so you’d only need 2 to 3 cloves for this recipe. 

Mince the raw garlic very finely or mash it into a paste for best results. A garlic press works great for this! 

Can I adjust the garlic amount?

• For a less garlicky aioli, start by adding half a head, then increase the amount one clove at a time until you reach the desired level of garlic flavor.
• For a more garlicky aioli, start by adding a full head of roasted garlic, then increase the amount one clove at a time until you reach the desired level of garlic flavor.

What if I don’t like or don’t have garlic?

Try making caramelized onion aioli instead!

If you don’t have any garlic on hand, you can make a wonderful onion aioli by using caramelized onions instead. Start with approximately ¼ cup of caramelized onions, then work your way up as needed.

Katie’s Tip: When you’re making aioli with roasted garlic, keep in mind that 1 head of garlic is about 10 to 12 cloves, which is approximately ¼ cup when chopped).

Can I add herbs to this aioli? 

Yes! Try these options to had herbaceous notes to your garlic aioli:

• Thyme or rosemary – Up to 1 teaspoon, finely chopped.
• Parsley – Up to 2 teaspoons, finely chopped.

How long does homemade garlic aioli last? 

It stays fresh for up to 1 week when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

Roasted Garlic Aioli Storage Instructions 

• Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Do not freeze – The texture won’t hold up well after thawing.

Ways to Use Roasted Garlic Aioli 

This creamy roasted garlic aioli is a versatile condiment that adds bold, garlicky flavor to countless dishes. Try it as a spread, dip, or dressing to elevate your meals!

Here are some ways to use garlic aioli: 

• Spread on sandwiches or wraps 
• Spread on burgers
• Use as a dipping sauce for:
  • chicken tenders
  • shrimp
  • chicken wings or drumsticks 
  • fries (try sweet potato fries or oven baked fries)
  • veggies (especially great with grilled artichokes!)
  • crudités platter  
  • roasted potatoes 
  • grilled sweet potatoes
  • steaks
• Use in place of mayo when making chicken salad (try tarragon chicken salad or curried chicken salad) 
• Use in place of mayo when making potato salad

Katie’s Tip: A drizzle of garlic aioli also makes a fantastic finishing touch for grain bowls or roasted vegetable platters!

More Homemade Condiment Recipes

Homemade condiments can add a boost of flavor to any meal—whether you’re looking for a creamy sauce, a fresh herb topping, or a flavorful butter. Try one of these delicious recipes:

• Horseradish Sauce – A bold, creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with prime rib and holiday meals.
• Walnut Almond Pesto – A fresh, nutty way to use up summer basil before the season ends!
• Tzatziki Sauce – Cool, creamy, and refreshing—perfect for gyros, grilled meats, or dipping.
• Herb Gremolata Recipe – A bright, garlicky Italian herb sauce that adds fresh flavor to grilled or sous vide steaks.
• How to Make Compound Butter – Learn how to mix up sweet and savory butters to enhance any dish!

Still searching for the perfect meal enhancing recipe? Browse my Sauces & Condiments Recipe Index for even more flavorful ideas!