Homemade Mayonnaise Recipe (Easy 5-Minute Mayo)
Once you learn how to make Homemade Mayonnaise from scratch, you'll never look at store-bought mayo the same way again. This rich, creamy condiment comes together in just minutes using a handful of simple ingredients and delivers fresh flavor that far surpasses anything from a jar.
Homemade mayonnaise is the foundation for countless sauces, dressings, dips, and spreads. From ranch dressing and burger sauce to chicken salad and egg salad, this versatile recipe belongs in every home cook's collection.
What Is Mayonnaise?
Mayonnaise is a classic condiment made by emulsifying oil with egg, acid, and seasonings. The result is a thick, creamy spread that serves as the base for many popular sauces and recipes.
Homemade mayonnaise offers a richer flavor and smoother texture than most store-bought versions while allowing you to control the ingredients and seasonings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ready in just 5 minutes
Rich and creamy texture
Better than store-bought mayonnaise
Made with simple pantry ingredients
Perfect base for homemade sauces
Easy to customize
No preservatives
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: Approximately 1¼ cups
Ingredients
1 large egg, room temperature
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 cup light oil (avocado oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil)
½ teaspoon salt
Equipment Needed
Immersion blender
Tall mason jar or measuring cup
Airtight storage container
How to Make Homemade Mayonnaise
Step 1: Add the Ingredients
Add the following ingredients to a tall jar or measuring cup:
Egg
Lemon juice
Dijon mustard
Salt
Step 2: Add the Oil
Slowly pour the oil into the jar.
Allow the oil to settle on top of the other ingredients.
Step 3: Blend
Place the immersion blender at the very bottom of the jar.
Blend without moving the blender for about 15 seconds.
Once the mayonnaise begins to form, slowly lift the blender upward until the mixture becomes thick, creamy, and fully emulsified.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Taste the mayonnaise and adjust as needed.
Add additional:
Lemon juice for brightness
Salt for flavor
Blend briefly to combine.
Step 5: Store
Transfer the mayonnaise to an airtight container.
Refrigerate immediately.
The History of Mayonnaise
The exact origins of mayonnaise are debated, but many food historians believe it originated in France during the 18th century. Over time, mayonnaise became one of the world's most popular condiments and is now used in everything from sandwiches and salads to sauces and dressings.
Today, homemade mayonnaise remains a favorite among cooks who appreciate its fresh flavor and creamy texture.
Tips for the Best Homemade Mayonnaise
Use room-temperature ingredients.
Choose a neutral-flavored oil.
Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor.
Blend slowly to create a stable emulsion.
Do not overblend once the mayonnaise thickens.
Store immediately after preparing.
Ways to Use Homemade Mayonnaise
Salad Recipes
Chicken Salad
Egg Salad
Tuna Salad
Potato Salad
Pasta Salad
Sauce Recipes
Ranch Dressing
Tartar Sauce
Burger Sauce
Garlic Aioli
Fry Sauce
Sandwiches and Burgers
Cheeseburgers
Patty Melts
BLT Sandwiches
Club Sandwiches
Wraps
Variations
Garlic Aioli
Add 1 to 2 cloves of minced garlic.
Spicy Mayo
Add sriracha or hot sauce.
Lemon Herb Mayo
Mix in fresh parsley, dill, or chives.
Honey Mustard Mayo
Blend in honey and extra Dijon mustard.
Storage
Store homemade mayonnaise in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
For best quality, use within 1 week.
Always keep refrigerated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is homemade mayonnaise safe?
Yes, when prepared properly and stored in the refrigerator.
What oil works best for mayonnaise?
Neutral oils such as avocado oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil work best.
Why didn't my mayonnaise thicken?
This usually happens when the emulsion doesn't form correctly. Using room-temperature ingredients and starting the blender at the bottom of the jar helps prevent this issue.
Can I make mayonnaise without Dijon mustard?
Yes, but Dijon mustard helps stabilize the emulsion and adds flavor.
Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
Calories: 95
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 0g
Protein: 0g
Perfect Pairings
Use this homemade mayonnaise in:
Chicken Salad
Egg Salad
Tuna Salad
Homemade Coleslaw
Burger Sauce
Ranch Dressing
Potato Salad
More Sauce Recipes You'll Love
Homemade Ketchup
Yellow Mustard
Honey Mustard
Tartar Sauce
Ranch Dressing
Ed's Secret Burger Sauce
Garlic Aioli
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Mayonnaise Recipe is smooth, creamy, fresh, and incredibly easy to make. Once you experience the rich flavor and silky texture of homemade mayo, you'll find yourself reaching for this recipe whenever you need a condiment, dressing, or sauce base.