Bacon Aioli
Smoky and savory, this Bacon Aioli combines crispy bacon pieces with creamy, garlic-infused mayonnaise, creating a rich sauce perfect for elevating your favorite dishes.
Bacon Aioli
Aioli is a rich, creamy sauce made by blending garlic and olive oil into a smooth, flavorful mix. Originally from the Mediterranean, it’s traditionally made by hand — pounding garlic into a paste and slowly mixing in olive oil.
Our bacon aioli takes things up a notch by combining creamy mayonnaise with crispy, smoky bacon. The result? An irresistible sauce that’s perfect for sandwiches, burgers, or dipping — enhancing the flavor of any dish.
Try this bacon aioli with my Breakfast Tacos or Sweet Potatoes Tater Tots — it’s a match made in heaven! For more tasty ideas, check out my Bacon Tomato Jam, Bacon Pancakes, or Potato Bacon Chowder.Â
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Aioli Recipe
- Ready in minutes: This sauce comes together fast with just a few simple steps.
- Super versatile: Use it as a dip, spread, or dressing — it makes any meal even more delicious!
- Easy to make: You only need a handful of basic ingredients.
- Customizable: It’s delicious as is, but you can mix things up with mustard, fresh herbs, cayenne for heat, or pickle relish for extra texture and flavor.
How to Make Perfect Bacon Aioli
Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until golden and crispy. Remove excess grease, but keep the flavorful bits in the pan.
Add Seasonings: Stir in brown sugar, salt, and pepper until the sugar dissolves, coating the bacon in a sweet-savory glaze.
Blend: Set aside 2 tablespoons of crispy bacon for topping. Add the rest to a blender along with mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, and any other desired seasonings. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Refrigerate: Transfer the aioli to an airtight jar and refrigerate until ready to use. When serving, sprinkle the reserved bacon on top for extra crunch.
Pro Tips
- Use Quality Bacon: Thick-cut, smoked bacon delivers the best flavor. Cook until crispy to ensure the fat is fully rendered.
- Fresh Garlic is Key: Fresh cloves add a bold, robust taste that jarred or powdered garlic just can’t match.
- Chill Before Serving: Let the aioli rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Enjoy it Fresh: Bacon aioli is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Pairing Suggestions: Spread it on burgers and sandwiches, drizzle over roasted veggies, or use it as a dip for fries and crackers.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
Mayonnaise: The creamy, smooth base of the aioli. Use your favorite store-bought mayo—there are plenty of great options!
Lemon Juice: Balances the richness with a touch of acidity and brightness. Freshly squeezed is best, as bottled versions can taste slightly bitter.
Bacon: The star of the show! It brings smoky, savory goodness. Use high-quality bacon for the best flavor and texture, and add a bit of bacon grease to the aioli for an extra boost.
Garlic: A must-have for bold, deep flavor. Fresh cloves make all the difference.
Brown Sugar: A hint of sweetness to balance the smoky, salty bacon. Prefer a less sweet aioli? Just use a little less.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep the aioli from separating?
Blend thoroughly to ensure everything emulsifies properly. Also, avoid overheating the bacon, as excess grease can cause the sauce to break.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making it in advance lets the flavors meld for an even richer taste.
How should I store aioli?
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir before using, as some separation may occur. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for long periods.
Can I freeze bacon aioli?
Freezing isn’t recommended since the mayo-based sauce can separate and lose its creamy texture. For the best flavor, enjoy it fresh or refrigerate it for short-term use.
What can I serve this sauce with?
Bacon aioli is perfect for burgers, sandwiches, fries, and roasted vegetables. It also makes a delicious dip for crackers or crispy potato chips.
Bacon Aioli
Smoky and savory, this Bacon Aioli combines crispy bacon pieces with creamy, garlic-infused mayonnaise, creating a rich sauce perfect for elevating your favorite dishes.
Servings 1 Cup
Ingredients
- 8 oz Bacon cubed
- ¼ tsp Sea Salt
- ¼ tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Brown Sugar
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Garlic minced
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crispy. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Stir in the brown sugar, salt, and pepper, allowing the sugar to fully dissolve.
- Set aside 2 tablespoons of bacon for topping, then add the rest to a blender along with the remaining ingredients. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the aioli to an airtight jar and refrigerate until ready to use.
- When serving, sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon on top for extra flavor and crunch.
- Enjoy with crackers or slathered on your favorite burger!
Notes
- Use Freshly Made: Bacon aioli tastes best when fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Serve Cold: Chill the aioli before serving to enhance its flavor and consistency.
- Pairing Suggestions: This aioli pairs well with burgers, sandwiches, roasted vegetables, or as a dip for fries or crackers.
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This aioli will enhance the flavor of your dishes, but if you want to add a little heat to your taste buds, how about adding some fresh chili or chili sauce?