Smoky Garlic Aioli
This smoky garlic aioli comes together in about 5 minutes, but tastes like the kind of sauce you’d get at your favorite restaurant. It’s creamy, smoky, garlicky, and instantly upgrades everything from fries to burgers to veggies.
EMAIL ME THE RECIPE!
Enter your email below and we'll send this recipe to your inbox. Plus, enjoy exclusive content!
A Note from Kim
The Secret Sauce You’ll Want on Everything
Smoky garlic aioli is a simple twist on traditional aioli, which is typically made by emulsifying egg yolk, garlic, fresh lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil into a rich homemade garlic mayonnaise.
These days, most restaurants make a quicker “cheater’s aioli” by mixing garlic and other flavorings into store-bought mayo to save time. For this version, I skip the lemon juice and use smoked paprika instead to give the sauce a bold, smoky flavor that’s so good on burgers, roasted potatoes, sandwiches, and more. It actually reminds me a little of my burger sauce recipe, which blends mayo with ketchup, pickle juice, and paprika for another easy, flavor-packed spread.
With love (and lots of good eats), 
So easy to make and so yummy! I served it with fish sandwiches and fries.
— Jane
What is garlic aioli sauce made of?
This smoky garlic aioli is more of a modern-day version of classic aioli, using a few simple ingredients to keep it quick and easy while still delivering tons of flavor. Instead of the traditional emulsified garlic and olive oil base, this recipe starts with mayo and Greek yogurt, then gets a smoky twist from paprika and fresh garlic.
Measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that gives the aioli its rich, smooth texture. Use a good-quality mayo for the best flavor.
- Greek yogurt or sour cream: Adds a little tanginess and lightens up the sauce while keeping it creamy. You can substitute with additional mayo, if preferred.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives this aioli its bold, savory flavor. Grating it finely helps it blend smoothly into the sauce.
- Smoked paprika: The key ingredient for that smoky flavor that makes this version stand out from classic aioli. To give it some heat, try mixing in sriracha sauce, chipotle, or cayenne powder.
- Water: Helps thin the sauce slightly so it’s smooth and easy to drizzle or spread.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors together and enhances the smoky garlic flavor.
Kim’s Recipe Tips
- Grate the garlic finely. Use a microplane to grate the garlic instead of mincing it. This helps it blend smoothly into the aioli and gives a stronger, more even garlic flavor.
- Let the dip rest before serving. A short chill time allows the flavors to meld together and taste even better.
- Adjust the thickness. Add a splash more water if you want it thinner for drizzling, or keep it thicker for dipping.
- Taste and tweak. Depending on your preference, you can add a little extra smoked paprika for more smoky flavor or salt to balance everything out.
How to Make Aioli at Home
Just a couple of easy steps for an amazing condiment that tastes like restaurant-quality, no need for a blender or food processor!
For full printable instructions, reference the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Step 1. In a small bowl, add mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream, garlic, smoked paprika, water, and salt.
Step 2. Whisk or stir until smooth and fully combined. Serve right away, or cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
What to Serve with Garlic Mayo
- Burgers: Spread it on buns for an instant flavor upgrade to my stuffed hamburgers.
- French fries & potato wedges: Perfect for dipping anything crispy and golden. Try it with my sweet potato fries!
- Chicken or steak: A creamy, smoky finishing sauce that’s delicious with grilled chicken, air fryer chicken bites or steak bites.
- Sandwiches & wraps: Adds a bold garlic kick to lunch.
- Roasted or fresh vegetables: Especially good with potatoes, green beans, carrots, or cauliflower.
- Seafood: Delicious with shrimp, air fryer salmon bites, or a fried fish dish.
How to Store
Store the smoky garlic aioli in a tightly covered or airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to about 7 days. Give it a good stir before serving, as it may thicken or separate slightly as it sits.
More Easy Sauce Recipes to Try
If you try this garlic aioli recipe, let me know! Leave a comment and if your family loves it as much as mine does, be sure to give it a five star ⭐️ rating! Also, subscribe to our mailing list to receive more delicious recipes straight to your inbox.
Smoky Garlic Aioli
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, or sour cream
- 1 clove finely minced or grated garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste as desired
EMAIL ME THE RECIPE!
Enter your email below and we’ll send this recipe to your inbox. Plus, enjoy exclusive content!
Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 clove finely minced or grated garlic, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to combine.
- Serve right away, or cover and refrigerate until ready to use. For even better flavor, let it chill for about 15 minutes to allow everything to come together.
Notes
Store in a tightly covered or airtight container in the fridge for up to about 7 days. Stir before serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Tag @kimscravings on Instagram and be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy and delicious recipes straight to your inbox!
So easy to make and so yummy! I served it with fish sandwiches and fries.