There's something about dipping a crispy fry into a creamy, luxurious sauce that just hits differently. Truffle aioli has quickly risen to fame as one of those gourmet condiments that can instantly transform simple dishes into something restaurant-worthy. Whether you're slathering it on a juicy burger or serving it as a decadent dip for fries, this truffle aioli recipe will bring bold, savory flavors with just the right touch of elegance. Rich, garlicky, and kissed with that unmistakable aroma of truffle, it’s the kind of mayo sauce you'll want to spread on everything.
What’s great about this recipe is how flexible it can be. You can make it from scratch or shortcut it with good-quality store-bought mayo. It’s versatile enough to riff on – think spicy garlic aioli with a truffle twist, or even combining it with basil aioli or pesto aioli elements if you’re feeling creative.
Let’s dive into how to make your own batch of truffle aioli that will blow your taste buds away.
The Ultimate Truffle Aioli
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Condiment
Cuisine French
Servings 1.25 Cups (enough for 4-6 people as a dip or spread)
Mixing bowl A medium-sized bowl is perfect for whisking everything together.
Whisk A good whisk ensures the ingredients emulsify properly, especially if using raw egg yolks for a from-scratch aioli.
Microplane or garlic press Essential for breaking down the garlic into a smooth paste so it blends evenly.
Measuring Spoons For accurate proportions of truffle oil and lemon juice.
Rubber spatula Great for transferring the aioli into serving containers or jars.
Glass jar or airtight container For storing the aioli if you're making it ahead.
For the Truffle Aioli
- 1 cup mayonnaise preferably full-fat; you can use homemade or store-bought
- 2 teaspoons truffle oil black or white truffle oil, depending on your flavor preference
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed for brightness
- 2 garlic cloves finely grated or mashed into a paste
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard for a bit of tang and depth
- Salt to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins (for flavor variations)
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped basil for a basil aioli twist
- 1 tablespoon roasted garlic paste for a deeper, sweeter garlic flavor
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a spicy aioli sauce or chipotle aioli sauce feel
- 1 teaspoon pesto to add herbaceous richness
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or hot sauce for heat lovers wanting a spicy garlic aioli variation
Prep the garlic
Start by finely grating or mincing the garlic. If you prefer a more mellow garlic flavor, roast the garlic first until golden and mash it into a paste. This turns your sauce into more of a roasted garlic aioli and adds depth.
Combine the base ingredients
In your mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, truffle oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Dijon mustard. Whisk everything together until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy. Taste and adjust with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Add optional flavor twists (if desired)
If you’re going for a spicy kick, now’s the time to add a little chipotle powder, sriracha, or hot sauce for that spicy aioli sauce edge. For a chipotle aioli recipe vibe, add some finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo. Want a pesto aioli version? Stir in a teaspoon of basil pesto for a herby, aromatic spin.
Let it sit (if you can)
While you can serve the aioli immediately, letting it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes enhances the flavor. It allows the garlic and truffle to marry beautifully into the mayo sauce.
Serve and enjoy
Serve chilled as a dip, spread, or drizzle. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Pairings
1. Fries
This truffle aioli is a natural partner for all kinds of fries. Think thick-cut steak fries, crispy shoestrings, sweet potato fries, or even parmesan truffle fries for double the decadence.
2. Burgers
Swap out regular mayo or ketchup for a smear of this rich aioli on your burger buns. It pairs exceptionally well with beef burgers, mushroom burgers, and chicken sandwiches. A chipotle aioli sauce variation with truffle complements smoky grilled meats especially well.
3. Grilled Vegetables
Truffle aioli adds a creamy contrast to charred vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or roasted carrots. A drizzle over roasted Brussels sprouts can make even veggie skeptics fall in love.
4. Seafood
Serve it with seared scallops, crispy fish sandwiches, or even calamari. The earthy truffle flavor balances beautifully with light, briny seafood.
5. Chicken Tenders or Wings
Yes, really. Truffle aioli works wonders as a dip for crispy chicken. Add a bit of heat for a spicy garlic aioli feel, and it can rival your favorite wing sauces.
FAQs
1. Can I make truffle aioli without mayonnaise?
Yes! You can make a more traditional aioli recipe (or aioli recette, as the French call it) by emulsifying egg yolks with olive oil and lemon juice. However, using mayonnaise makes it faster and more foolproof.
2. What kind of garlic should I use—raw or roasted?
It depends on your flavor preference. Raw garlic gives a sharp kick, perfect for garlic aioli sauce lovers. Roasted garlic creates a sweeter, milder profile, ideal if you're after a roasted garlic aioli style sauce.
3. Can I use both truffle oil and chipotle for a smoky-spicy version?
Absolutely. A chipotle aioli recipe base combined with truffle oil gives a luxurious and smoky twist. Use chipotle powder or chopped chipotle in adobo to get that earthy heat.
4. What’s the best mayo to use?
Use a high-quality full-fat mayonnaise, as it forms the backbone of the sauce. Homemade is great, but store-bought works perfectly—just choose one without too many preservatives or artificial flavors.
5. Can I use this truffle aioli as a salad dressing or sandwich spread?
Yes, and yes. Thin it out slightly with lemon juice or a splash of water for a salad dressing. As a spread, it’s heavenly on grilled cheese, wraps, and paninis.
