Creamy Roasted Garlic Aioli: 3 Simple Ingredients (Print Version)
Whip up luscious Easy 3-Ingredient Roasted Garlic Aioli. This simple recipe brings rich, savory flavor to everything. Perfect for dipping or spreading!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 50 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ Core Aioli Ingredients
01 -
1 whole head of garlic
02 -
1 cup good quality mayonnaise
03 -
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
→ Seasoning (to taste)
04 -
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
05 -
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Optional Garnish
06 -
1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab that beautiful head of garlic. Slice off about a quarter-inch from the top, exposing the cloves inside. Don't worry about peeling anything yet; we want those papery skins to protect the cloves as they roast. Drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil over the exposed cloves, just enough to give them a little glow, then wrap the whole thing snugly in aluminum foil. This is where the magic starts to happen, sealing in all those amazing aromas. I always double-check my foil wrap, learned that from a past leaky mess!
02 -
Pop that foil-wrapped garlic onto a baking sheet and into your preheated oven. Let it roast for about 40-60 minutes. You’re looking for those cloves to be super soft and a lovely golden-brown. When it’s done, your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly – sweet, earthy, a little nutty. That’s your cue! I usually set a timer for 40 minutes and then check every 5-10 minutes after that. Sometimes it takes a little longer, depending on the size of the garlic head, so don't rush it. This step is crucial for the depth of flavor in your Easy 3-Ingredient Roasted Garlic Aioli.
03 -
Once the roasted garlic is cool enough to handle (don't burn your fingers, hon!), carefully unwrap it. The cloves should be so soft that you can just squeeze them right out of their skins. They'll be like little caramel-colored jewels. If they're being stubborn, a small knife or a fork can help coax them out. I usually put on some gloves for this part, because roasted garlic smell on your hands is lovely for a bit, but then it gets intense! Gather all those glorious cloves into a small bowl.
04 -
Now for the fun part! Take those soft, sweet roasted garlic cloves and mash them really well with a fork until they form a paste. You want it as smooth as possible, no big chunks. This is where you can truly appreciate the transformation from pungent raw garlic to this sweet, creamy essence. I sometimes use the back of a spoon if I'm feeling lazy, and it works just as well. This smooth paste is key to a velvety Easy 3-Ingredient Roasted Garlic Aioli.
05 -
Add your good quality mayonnaise to the mashed roasted garlic paste. Then, squeeze in the fresh lemon juice. Give it all a good stir. I like to use a small whisk to ensure everything is perfectly combined and super smooth. You’ll see it start to transform into that beautiful, creamy aioli texture. Don't be shy with the stirring; you want it homogenous. This is where the magic of the Easy 3-Ingredient Roasted Garlic Aioli truly comes alive!
06 -
Taste your aioli! This is important. Add sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away! I usually start with a tiny pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper, stir, taste, and adjust. If you’re using them, stir in those optional fresh chives. Transfer your glorious Easy 3-Ingredient Roasted Garlic Aioli to a serving dish. It should be rich, creamy, and bursting with that sweet roasted garlic flavor. Enjoy every single dollop!
# Notes:
01 -
Roast an extra head of garlic; it freezes well for future batches!
02 -
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week; it gets better with time.
03 -
No fresh lemons? A tiny splash of apple cider vinegar can work in a pinch for acidity.
04 -
Serve with warm crusty bread, fresh veggies, or as a burger spread for an instant upgrade.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Baking sheet
02 -
aluminum foil
03 -
small bowl
04 -
fork or small whisk
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 120 kcal
Total Fat: 12 g
Total Carbohydrate: 2 g
Protein: 0 g