If you have ever hesitated to make your own condiments at home, this Easy Homemade Mayonnaise Recipe will completely change your mind. There is something truly satisfying about whipping up a creamy, luscious mayonnaise right in your kitchen—it tastes so fresh and bright compared to store-bought versions. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a velvety, rich spread that elevates sandwiches, dips, and salads to a whole new level. Once you try this Easy Homemade Mayonnaise Recipe, you might never go back to the jarred stuff again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully basic yet crucial, each bringing a unique element to the final flavor and texture of your mayonnaise. They are easy to find, and their quality truly shines through in this simple recipe.
- 2 large egg yolks: The base of your mayonnaise, providing richness and acting as a natural emulsifier.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a slight tang and depth, while also helping the emulsion form smoothly.
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar or fresh lemon juice: Brings brightness and acidity to balance the creaminess.
- 1 cup light olive oil or vegetable oil: Provides the luscious body and silky texture without overpowering flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and rounds everything out perfectly.
How to Make Easy Homemade Mayonnaise Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Tools and Ingredients
The key to success with this Easy Homemade Mayonnaise Recipe starts with having everything ready: an immersion blender or regular blender, a mixing bowl, and your fresh ingredients. Proper preparation makes the process smooth and ensures a perfect emulsion every time.
Step 2: Combine Egg Yolks and Dijon Mustard
Begin by whisking the egg yolks and Dijon mustard together until they are thoroughly blended. This mixture forms the creamy foundation and starts the thickening process, so make sure they are smooth and consistent before moving on.
Step 3: Add Vinegar or Lemon Juice Gradually
Slowly pour in your white vinegar or fresh lemon juice while continuously whisking. This step adds the essential tang that brightens the mayonnaise and supports the emulsification, so take your time to incorporate it evenly.
Step 4: Emulsify with Oil
Now the magic happens. Slowly drizzle in the oil as you whisk vigorously. This gradual addition allows the oil to blend perfectly with the egg and acid mixture, transforming it into a silky and creamy sauce. It usually takes about 2 minutes of steady whisking or blending to reach that luscious consistency.
Step 5: Season with Salt
Once the mayonnaise has thickened beautifully, sprinkle in your salt and blend briefly to mix it through. This step lifts all the flavors and brings harmony to your creation.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Don’t be shy—taste your mayonnaise and tweak the seasoning if needed. A little extra salt, lemon juice, or mustard can add that personal touch that turns this into your signature dressing.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Mayonnaise Recipe
Garnishes
Though mayonnaise is delicious on its own, adding fresh herbs like dill or chives can give it a refreshing lift. A sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of black pepper can add a subtle kick that elevates simple dishes effortlessly.
Side Dishes
This mayonnaise shines alongside crispy fries, roasted vegetables, or as a creamy companion to grilled chicken and seafood. It’s a universal friend at the table, bringing richness and moisture wherever it’s applied.
Creative Ways to Present
Try swirling the Easy Homemade Mayonnaise Recipe into aioli by adding garlic, or mix in sriracha for a spicy surprise. You can even create dips by folding in chopped pickles or capers. The mayonnaise is a fantastic canvas for all kinds of flavorful experiments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Homemade mayonnaise keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Always use a clean spoon to scoop out servings, and make sure it’s stored cold to maintain freshness.
Freezing
Freezing mayonnaise is generally not recommended because it can cause the emulsion to break and separate, resulting in a watery texture once thawed. It’s best to make small batches you can enjoy fresh.
Reheating
This mayonnaise is best served cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not advised as heat will alter the creamy texture and can cause it to split.
FAQs
Can I use whole eggs instead of just yolks?
Using whole eggs in mayonnaise is possible, but traditionally, only yolks are used to achieve that rich, creamy texture. Whole eggs can make the sauce thinner and may affect the emulsion stability.
Is it safe to eat raw egg mayonnaise?
When using fresh, high-quality eggs and handling them properly, homemade mayonnaise is safe to eat. However, if you have concerns, use pasteurized eggs to reduce any risk.
Can I substitute the oil with other types?
Yes, you can experiment with oils like avocado or light sunflower oil, but avoid strongly flavored oils as they can overpower the delicate balance of flavors in this Easy Homemade Mayonnaise Recipe.
How do I fix mayonnaise if it breaks?
If your mayonnaise splits or “breaks,” start with a fresh egg yolk in a clean bowl and slowly whisk the broken mayonnaise into it. This often helps to rescue the emulsion.
Can I add flavors to the mayonnaise?
Absolutely! Adding minced garlic, herbs, spices, or even a touch of honey can create delicious variations tailored to your tastes.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of making your own condiments, and this Easy Homemade Mayonnaise Recipe is both incredibly simple and endlessly versatile. I encourage you to try this at home—you will be amazed at how fresh and flavorful it tastes, and once you do, it could become your new kitchen staple for decades to come.
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Easy Homemade Mayonnaise Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings (approx. 1 cup)
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy homemade mayonnaise recipe yields a creamy, rich, and flavorful condiment made from simple ingredients like egg yolks, Dijon mustard, vinegar or lemon juice, and oil. Perfect for sandwiches, dressings, and dips, this straightforward method uses an immersion blender or regular blender to quickly emulsify the ingredients into a smooth mayonnaise.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar or fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup light olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Gather Equipment and Ingredients: Gather an immersion blender or a regular blender, a mixing bowl, and all the required ingredients to prepare your mayonnaise.
- Combine Egg Yolks and Mustard: In the mixing bowl, whisk the two large egg yolks together with one tablespoon of Dijon mustard until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Add Acid: Gradually add one tablespoon of white vinegar or fresh lemon juice to the bowl while whisking continuously to begin the emulsification process.
- Incorporate Oil Slowly: Slowly drizzle in one cup of light olive oil or vegetable oil while whisking vigorously or blending, continuing until the mixture emulsifies and thickens into a creamy consistency, which usually takes about 2 minutes.
- Season to Taste: Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to season the mayonnaise, then blend briefly again to fully incorporate the salt.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mayonnaise and adjust the seasoning as desired to ensure balanced flavor before storing or serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for best emulsification results.
- Slowly adding oil is key to preventing the mayonnaise from breaking.
- You can substitute lemon juice for white vinegar for a citrusy tang.
- Store homemade mayonnaise in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- If the mayonnaise breaks, try slowly whisking in a teaspoon of warm water to bring it back together.
