When summer rolled around at my house, there was one thing we never skipped: a jar of fresh, rich homemade mayonnaise sauce sitting proudly on the picnic table. It’s a memory that always makes me smile. I remember learning how to whisk it from scratch with my Nonna — even though she loved her Italian roots, she couldn’t resist a good American-style homemade mayonnaise sauce slathered on burgers and fries.
Today, I’m sharing with you the simplest, most foolproof recipe for a creamy, dreamy homemade mayonnaise sauce that beats anything from a store shelf. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 cup (240ml) neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar (for a slightly sweeter homemade mayonnaise sauce)
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Tools
Start by gathering your mixing bowl, a clean whisk or a handheld electric mixer. A clean setup ensures the perfect emulsion for your homemade mayonnaise sauce.
2. Start the Base
Whisk together the egg yolk, mustard, and vinegar until the mixture becomes thick and slightly frothy — this is the foundation of your recipe homemade mayonnaise sauce.
3. Slowly Add the Oil
Here’s the trick: go slow! Start adding the oil a few drops at a time while constantly whisking. Once the mixture starts thickening, you can drizzle the oil in a very thin stream.
4. Keep Whisking
Continue whisking vigorously while adding the oil steadily. You’ll see it turning into a thick, creamy sauce right before your eyes!
5. Season and Adjust
Once all the oil is incorporated, season your mayonnaise with salt and pepper. If you prefer a hint of sweetness, stir in the sugar at this point. Taste and adjust the acidity with a little more vinegar or lemon juice if needed.
Tips for the Perfect Homemade Mayonnaise Sauce
- Room temperature ingredients are key.
- Use a neutral oil for classic flavor, but try light olive oil for a richer taste.
- If it breaks (looks curdled), start fresh with a new yolk and slowly whisk in the broken mixture.
Variations to Try
- Garlic Aioli: Add 1 crushed garlic clove.
- Herbed Mayonnaise: Mix in chopped fresh dill, parsley, or chives.
- Spicy Mayo: Stir in a teaspoon of sriracha or hot sauce.
Homemade mayonnaise sauce isn’t just for sandwiches — try it as a dip for fries, a base for salad dressings, or a spread on grilled burgers!
Storing Your Homemade Mayonnaise
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Homemade mayonnaise lasts about 3–5 days. Always use clean utensils to avoid contamination.
Quick Tip: Homemade mayo doesn’t contain preservatives, so it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Why Make Mayonnaise at Home?
In a world of store-bought options, why take the time to whisk your own?
- You control the ingredients: no additives, no hidden sugars.
- It’s customizable to your taste (hello, endless flavor possibilities!).
- Honestly, there’s something deeply satisfying about creating such a kitchen essential from scratch.
Homemade mayonnaise sauce truly elevates anything it touches — a little reminder that simple things made with love taste so much better.