Homemade Mayonnaise + 10 Flavor Variations
Mayonnaise is one of the easiest condiments to make at home — and once you try it fresh, the store-bought jars just can’t compete! With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a creamy, silky mayo in minutes, and then take it to the next level with fun flavor twists.
Whether you’re making sandwiches, burgers, fries, salads, or dips — these versions will instantly upgrade your food.
✅ Homemade Mayo (Base Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 cup neutral oil (sunflower, canola, or light olive oil)
- 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp mustard (optional but helps emulsify)
- Salt to taste
Method
1️⃣ Add egg, mustard, vinegar/lemon juice, and salt to a tall jar.
2️⃣ Place an immersion blender at the bottom, turn it on, and blend.
3️⃣ As it thickens, slowly lift the blender upwards.
4️⃣ Adjust salt and acidity if needed.
Tip: If whisking by hand, add oil very slowly while whisking continuously to help it emulsify.
Shelf life: 1 week refrigerated in an airtight container.
🍴 Flavor Variations
Each is for 1 cup of mayo — adjust to taste!
1️⃣ Garlic Aioli
- 2–3 minced garlic cloves + extra lemon
Great for: fries, seafood, grilled veggies
2️⃣ Spicy Mayo
- 1–2 tbsp sriracha or hot sauce + pinch of sugar
Perfect for: sushi, wraps, fried chicken
3️⃣ Herb Mayo
- 2 tbsp finely chopped parsley/dill/basil + lemon zest
Pair it with: sandwiches, potato salad
4️⃣ Honey Mustard Mayo
- 1 tbsp honey + 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Perfect for: chicken tenders, burgers
5️⃣ Chipotle Mayo
- 1 minced chipotle in adobo + smoked paprika
Ideal for: tacos, grilled corn, nachos
6️⃣ Avocado Mayo
- ½ ripe avocado mashed + extra lemon (reduce oil slightly)
Rich + creamy for: toast, bowls
7️⃣ Yogurt Mayo (Lighter)
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt mixed into mayo
Best for: coleslaw + salads
Store only 2–3 days
8️⃣ Tandoori Mayo 🇮🇳
- 1 tsp tandoori masala + squeeze of lime
Awesome with: kebabs, paneer tikka
9️⃣ Curry Mayo
- ½–1 tsp curry powder + pinch of sugar
Serve with: roast veggies, grilled wings
🔟 Pesto Mayo
- 1 tbsp basil pesto + cracked black pepper
A hit with: pasta salad, Caprese sandwiches
🛠️ Fixing Mayo Mistakes
| What went wrong | Quick Fix |
|---|---|
| Too runny / separated | Blend into 1 tsp warm water or another egg yolk |
| Too thick | Add a splash of water or lemon juice |
| Too salty | Add more oil or a pinch of sugar |
Why Homemade Mayo is Better
✅ No preservatives
✅ Customizable flavors
✅ Fresher taste
✅ Cheaper than store-bought
Final Tip ✨
Make the base once — split into small bowls — and flavor each one differently for meals all week!
