The Magic of Homemade Flavored Mayonnaise

For many, mayonnaise is simply a jar found in the refrigerator. But for those who appreciate fine flavors, it’s a blank canvas awaiting a culinary masterpiece. Making homemade mayonnaise from scratch is an art form in itself, requiring just a few pantry staples and a touch of patience. The result is a silky, creamy, and undeniably fresh sauce that far surpasses any store-bought alternative. Once you master the basic recipe, the possibilities for customization become endless.

Why settle for ordinary when you can craft a sauce specifically designed for your meal? Whether you’re serving a gourmet Italian Caprese burger, delicate sushi, a classic sandwich, or even a simple plate of fries, a homemade flavored mayonnaise can elevate the entire dining experience. These easy-to-prepare recipes will quickly become your go-to condiments, adding a personalized touch and an explosion of flavor to any dish.

Beyond the enhanced taste, preparing your own flavored mayonnaise gives you complete control over the ingredients. This means no artificial preservatives, unwanted additives, or excessive sugars. You choose the freshest, highest-quality components, resulting in a healthier and more delicious condiment that aligns with your dietary preferences.

1. Zesty Wasabi Mayonnaise

For those who love a bit of a kick, Wasabi Mayonnaise offers a vibrant and spicy twist. This Japanese-inspired condiment is perfect for sushi, grilled fish, or even a simple salmon burger. Its pungent heat is beautifully balanced by the creamy richness of the mayonnaise.

• Wasabi Paste: The star of this show, wasabi paste, is derived from the Japanese horseradish plant. It delivers a sharp, clean heat that is distinct from chili-based spices. Many commercial wasabi pastes also contain a touch of horseradish, intensifying that characteristic fiery flavor. Start with a small amount and add more to achieve your preferred level of spice.
• Sour Cream: This ingredient is key to achieving a perfectly balanced texture and flavor. Sour cream, with its thick consistency and tangy taste (typically 10-20% milk fats), mellows the intensity of the wasabi while adding an extra layer of creaminess, making the mayonnaise incredibly smooth and luscious. It’s best used in cold sauces for optimum results.

How to Make Easy Wasabi Mayonnaise:

1. In a small bowl, combine your base mayonnaise, wasabi paste, and sour cream.
2. Stir all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined and smooth. Taste the mixture. If you desire more heat, add a little extra wasabi. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. For the best flavor, let it chill in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes before serving.

2. Classic Garlic Mayonnaise (Aioli)

Garlic Mayonnaise, often referred to as Aioli, is a staple of Mediterranean cuisine and a universally loved condiment. Its robust, savory flavor makes it an excellent accompaniment to everything from roasted vegetables and grilled meats to seafood and crispy fries. Our recipe ensures a vibrant garlic flavor without being overly pungent.

• Garlic: Unsurprisingly, fresh garlic is the heart and soul of this mayonnaise. For the best flavor, use fresh cloves and either finely mince them or use a garlic press. The more finely processed the garlic, the better its flavor will infuse into the mayonnaise.
• Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is essential for any true aioli. It provides a bright, acidic counterpoint to the richness of the mayonnaise and the sharpness of the garlic, balancing the flavors beautifully. Always opt for fresh lemon juice over bottled for a superior taste.

How to Make Easy Homemade Garlic Mayonnaise (Aioli):

1. Into a small bowl, add your base mayonnaise, the squeezed or finely minced garlic cloves, and fresh lemon juice.
2. Stir all ingredients thoroughly until well combined and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to achieve your desired flavor profile. Let it rest for a few minutes to allow the garlic flavor to fully develop.

3. Aromatic Pesto Mayonnaise

Infused with the vibrant flavors of basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, Pesto Mayonnaise brings a delightful Mediterranean flair to your table. This richly herbaceous and slightly sweet condiment is fantastic on chicken sandwiches, pasta salads, grilled vegetables, or as a dip for crusty bread.

• Pesto: The foundation of this flavor, pesto, can be homemade or a good quality store-bought version. Homemade pesto offers the freshest, most intense basil flavor, but a high-quality jarred pesto works wonderfully in a pinch. The pesto not only imparts its characteristic sweet and savory basil notes but also adds a beautiful green hue and a slight texture from the nuts and cheese.

How to Make Easy Homemade Pesto Mayonnaise:

1. Add your chosen pesto and the base mayonnaise to a bowl.
2. Stir and combine the two ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and uniformly green. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. This mayonnaise can be served immediately, but its flavors will deepen with a short chill time.

4. Luxurious Saffron Mayonnaise

For a touch of luxury and exotic flavor, Saffron Mayonnaise is an absolute showstopper. Saffron, known as the world’s most expensive spice, imparts a unique sweet, grassy, and floral flavor, along with a beautiful golden-yellow hue. This elegant mayonnaise is perfect for seafood, paella, or as a sophisticated dip for crudités.

• Saffron: The star ingredient, saffron threads, should be lightly ground between your fingers or steeped in a tiny bit of warm water for a few minutes before adding to help release their full flavor and vibrant color. Its distinct sweet, grassy, and floral notes are a hallmark of Persian, Indian, European, and Arab cuisines, used in both sweet and savory applications. While expensive, a small amount goes a long way to create a truly special condiment.
• Sour Cream: Similar to the wasabi mayonnaise, sour cream plays a vital role here. Its thick, tangy profile (10-20% milk fats) helps to temper the intensity of the saffron, adding a smooth, velvety texture that makes this mayonnaise particularly rich and luxurious. It’s best incorporated into cold sauces.

How to Make Easy Homemade Saffron Mayonnaise:

1. In a small bowl, combine your base mayonnaise, the lightly ground saffron (or saffron steeped in a tiny bit of warm water), and sour cream.
2. Stir all the ingredients until fully incorporated and the mayonnaise has taken on a lovely golden tint. Season with salt and pepper to taste. It is crucial to let this mayonnaise marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (and preferably longer) to allow the complex saffron flavors to fully develop and infuse.

5. Light and Refreshing Yogurt Mayonnaise Sauce

For a lighter, yet still creamy and flavorful option, Yogurt Mayonnaise Sauce is an excellent choice. It combines the richness of mayonnaise with the refreshing tang of yogurt, creating a condiment that feels indulgent without being heavy. This sauce is fantastic with grilled chicken, fresh salads, or as a vibrant dip for vegetables.

• Yogurt: The key to achieving the desired texture and tang is to use Greek Yogurt for this sauce. Its naturally creamy and thick consistency is exactly what you want, ensuring the final product isn’t too runny. The yogurt also adds a pleasant, refreshing sour note.
• Olive Oil: A drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil not only enriches the sauce but also adds a fruity, slightly peppery flavor and a silky mouthfeel. It helps to bring all the ingredients together and enhances the overall Mediterranean character of the sauce.

How to Make Easy Homemade Yogurt Mayonnaise Sauce:

1. In a bowl, combine your base mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and extra virgin olive oil.
2. Whisk all the ingredients together until completely smooth and well-emulsified. Taste and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately or chill for a more refreshing experience.

Can I use low-fat mayonnaise as a base?

Yes, you can use low-fat mayonnaise, but be aware that it might slightly alter the texture and richness of the final product. Full-fat mayonnaise generally provides a creamier, more luxurious base that holds flavors better.

How far in advance can I make flavored mayonnaise?

Most flavored mayonnaise recipes are best made a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld, especially those with herbs or spices. However, for optimum freshness, they should be consumed within 3-5 days of preparation.

Can I freeze flavored mayonnaise?

No, mayonnaise (whether plain or flavored) does not freeze well. The emulsion will break, resulting in a separated, oily, and unappetizing texture once thawed.

What kind of oil should I use for homemade mayonnaise?

For homemade mayonnaise, a neutral-flavored oil like canola oil, grapeseed oil, or sunflower oil is best. Extra virgin olive oil can be used, but it has a stronger flavor that might compete with your added flavorings. If using olive oil, use a light, fruity one.

My flavored mayonnaise is too thin. How can I thicken it?

If your base mayonnaise was already quite thick, and your additions made it too thin, you can try adding a very small amount of xanthan gum (start with ¼ teaspoon) and whisking it in, or slowly whisking in a bit more neutral oil if you’re comfortable with adjusting the emulsion.

Did you make any of these delicious flavored mayonnaise recipes? Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I love to see what your creation looks like and regularly share the most beautiful photos from you! Did you like this recipe? Then leave a rating on the recipe card! Your feedback helps other home cooks and me enormously.

Need more inspiration?

• You can find video recipes on my YouTube channel.
• And don’t forget to save the recipes on Pinterest, so you can easily find them again next time!

Wasabi Mayonnaise

Andréa

Garlic Mayonnaise (Spanish Aioli)

Andréa

Pesto Mayonnaise

Andréa