Homemade Mayonnaise Recipe That’s Fresh and Tangy
It’s surprising how easy it is to whip up a silky Homemade Mayonnaise Recipe with just a few pantry staples and a whisk. I didn’t expect much. I figured store-bought was easy. But the first spoonful of freshly whipped mayo completely changed my mind. It was lighter, tangier, and so much fresher than anything in a jar. I’ll admit, my first attempt failed because I rushed and dumped the oil too quickly, causing it to split. That mistake taught me the golden rule of mayo: patience and steady whisking make all the difference.This recipe is for anyone who wants a creamy, versatile condiment made with simple ingredients perfect for sandwiches, salads, dips, or as the base for countless sauces.Difficulty: Easy (technique-driven).
Ingredients
Method
- Start with the base. In a medium bowl, whisk together egg yolks, mustard, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Add oil slowly. Begin whisking constantly while adding oil drop by drop. Once it starts to thicken, drizzle the oil in a thin, steady stream.
- Season. When all the oil is incorporated, whisk in salt and pepper. Adjust the lemon juice to taste.
- Finish. Use immediately or transfer to a jar and refrigerate.
Video
Notes
Lesson learned: Pouring oil too fast breaks the emulsion. Always go slow at the start.
Egg safety: Use pasteurized eggs if you’re concerned about the raw yolks.
Storage: Homemade mayo lasts up to 1 week refrigerated.
Flavor add-ins: Garlic (for aioli), herbs, or a touch of hot sauce make for fun variations.
Tips & Tricks
- Consistency fix: If the mayonnaise breaks, whisk 1 tsp of warm water into a new egg yolk, then slowly whisk in the broken mayonnaise to rescue it.
- Thicker mayo: Use only ¾ cup of oil. For thinner mayo, add a few drops of water at the end.
- Oil choice matters: Light olive oil works well, but extra virgin is too strong and bitter.
- Quick blender version: Use an immersion blender in a tall jar for faster results.
- Make ahead: Prepare it fresh for a party. It tastes best the day it’s made.
Serving Suggestions
- Sandwich spread: Elevates BLTs, turkey sandwiches, or wraps.
- Salad base: Perfect for potato salad, coleslaw, or chicken salad.
- Dip base: Mix with garlic and herbs for a quick veggie dip.
- Burger topper: Use instead of bottled condiments for a richer flavor.
- Sauce starter: Add sriracha, chipotle, or wasabi for instant flavored mayo.
Nutrition (per tablespoon)
- Calories: ~95
- Protein: 0g
- Carbs: 0 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Fiber: 0 g
