Making mayonnaise at home is easier than most people think—and the result is creamier, healthier, and more customizable than anything from the store. With just a few pantry ingredients, you can whip up a versatile mayo base and transform it into endless flavorful spreads, dips, and dressings.
Why Make Mayo at Home?
- No preservatives or additives
- Customize thickness, flavor, and spice level
- Budget-friendly
- Perfect for sandwiches, salads, burgers, wraps, and meal prep
Homemade Mayo (Base Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 cup neutral oil (canola, avocado, vegetable, or light olive oil)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
Method
- Add egg, lemon juice, salt, and mustard to a jar or blender.
- Pour the oil on top.
- Blend using an immersion blender for 15–20 seconds until thick and creamy.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Fixing Split Mayo: Add 1 tbsp warm water to a clean bowl and slowly whisk in the broken mayo.
12 Flavor Variations
1. Garlic Aioli
Add 2–3 minced garlic cloves + pinch of black pepper
Great for: fries, grilled veggies, burgers
2. Sriracha Mayo
Add 1–2 tbsp sriracha + pinch of sugar
Pairs with: sushi, bowls, wings
3. Chipotle Mayo
Add 1–2 tsp chipotle in adobo + squeeze lime
Best for: tacos, wraps, roasted corn
4. Honey Mustard Mayo
Add 1 tbsp honey + 1 tbsp mustard
Perfect for: chicken tenders, pretzels, salads
5. Ranch Mayo
Add ½ tsp garlic powder + ½ tsp onion powder + 1 tbsp dried dill (+ buttermilk optional)
Use for: dip, dressing, wraps
6. Herb & Lemon Mayo
Add 1 tbsp parsley/dill/chives + 1 tsp extra lemon
Ideal for: fish, vegetables, sandwiches
7. Curry Mayo
Add 1 tsp curry powder + pinch turmeric
Great for: roasted cauliflower, fries, club sandwiches
8. BBQ Mayo
Add 2 tbsp BBQ sauce + smoked paprika
Use for: burgers, pulled pork sandwiches
9. Tartar-Style Mayo
Add 1 tbsp relish + pepper + 1 tsp lemon
Classic for: fish, shrimp, crab cakes
10. Spicy Chili Mayo
Add ½–1 tsp chili flakes or hot sauce
Use for: grilled corn, loaded fries
11. Yogurt Mayo (Healthy Option)
Replace 1/2 cup with 1/2 cup yogurt
Use for: salads, coleslaw, veggie dip
Storage: 3–5 days
12. Avocado Mayo
Blend 1/2 cup avocado with base mayo
Use for: tacos, burgers, bowls
Storage: 2–3 days
Storage Guide
| Type | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Regular homemade mayo | 1 week |
| Flavored mayo | 3–5 days |
| Yogurt mayo | 3–5 days |
| Avocado mayo | 2–3 days |
| Vegan mayo | 10–14 days |
Pro Tips
- Use room-temperature ingredients for best emulsification.
- Add more oil to thicken or water/lemon to thin.
- For eggless mayo, replace egg with ½ cup aquafaba (chickpea water).
Final Thoughts
Homemade mayo isn’t just a condiment—it’s a kitchen essential that unlocks endless flavor combinations. Whether you love creamy classics, spicy kicks, or healthier options like yogurt and avocado, there’s a mayo variation here for every meal.