Roasted Garlic Aioli with Focaccia

Name: Roasted Garlic Aioli with Focaccia
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 whole garlic bulb; 1 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup warm water; 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon sugar

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I love crafting the perfect dip for gatherings, and this Roasted Garlic Aioli is a clear favorite. Its creamy texture combined with the mellow sweetness of roasted garlic creates a flavor that’s truly irresistible. Pairing it with a warm slice of homemade focaccia adds a delightful twist that elevates any appetizer platter. The contrast between the fluffy bread and rich aioli excites the palate, making it a perfect addition to any occasion, from casual get-togethers to elegant dinners.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-20T12:50:28.639Z

Every time I make this roasted garlic aioli, I find myself reminiscing about the great culinary nights spent with friends. The rich garlic flavor that fills the kitchen is intoxicating, and I can't help but sneak a spoonful before serving. I discovered that roasting the garlic, rather than using it raw, creates a sweet and buttery essence that transforms the aioli experience.

As I dive deeper into the flavors, I also learned that the key to a smooth aioli is the gradual incorporation of oil while whisking vigorously. This method ensures that the garlic and lemon meld perfectly into the mayonnaise base, resulting in a velvety texture that enhances every bite of focaccia. Trust me, once you taste this combination, you won't want to go back!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy and flavorful aioli that elevates any dish
Easy to make at home with simple ingredients
Perfectly pairs with warm, soft focaccia

      

The Art of Roasting Garlic

Roasting garlic transforms its pungent raw flavor into a mellow, sweet essence that enhances any dish. When you roast the garlic, the cloves become buttery soft and can easily be squeezed out of their skins. If you notice that the tops are browning too quickly, try covering them loosely with foil after the first 20 minutes to prevent burning. The garlic should be golden and fragrant when ready, making it the star flavor of your aioli.

For the best results, select a whole garlic bulb that feels firm with no soft spots. If you're short on time, you can roast multiple bulbs at once; they store well in the fridge. Roasted garlic can be used in various dishes, so it's worth preparing extra to enjoy in soups, spreads, or even mashed potatoes!

Making Creamy Aioli

When blending the aioli, it's crucial to use quality mayonnaise as your base, as this will determine the creaminess of your final product. I recommend opting for a mayonnaise that’s made with simple ingredients without additives to maintain the purity of flavors. Ensure all ingredients are well integrated until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy—this could take a minute or two of vigorous mixing.

Adjust the seasoning to your taste; the balance between the tartness of lemon juice and the richness of roasted garlic is key. For a more intense garlic flavor, try doubling the amount of roasted garlic, keeping in mind that this will also increase the sweetness. If you prefer a lighter version, consider substituting some of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangy, healthier twist.

Perfecting Your Focaccia

Focaccia is notably forgiving, making it ideal for beginner bakers. When kneading the dough, aim for a smooth and elastic texture which indicates that the gluten has developed properly. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little extra flour, but be cautious not to overdo it; too much flour can make the focaccia dense instead of airy and fluffy.

After shaping the focaccia on a baking sheet, let it rise again for optimal texture. As the dough rises, you can experiment by adding toppings; fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme infused in olive oil can enhance flavor immeasurably. Just remember to sprinkle a bit of coarse sea salt on top before baking for that signature crust.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients for a smooth and savory aioli, perfect for dipping!

For the Roasted Garlic Aioli

1 whole garlic bulb
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Focaccia

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup warm water
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar

Once you have everything ready, let's move on to the cooking process!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your exquisite roasted garlic aioli and focaccia.

Roast the Garlic

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut off the top of the garlic bulb, drizzle it with olive oil, wrap it in foil, and roast for 30 minutes until soft.

Prepare the Aioli

Allow the garlic to cool, then squeeze the cloves into a bowl. Add mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Make the Focaccia Dough

In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. Combine with flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead until smooth.

Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Bake the Focaccia

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down the risen dough, spread it onto a baking sheet, and use your fingers to create dimples. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Enjoy your aioli with freshly baked focaccia for a delightful treat!

Pro Tips

Roast extra garlic to use in other dishes, or mix in herbs for an added layer of flavor in your aioli.

Serving Suggestions

This roasted garlic aioli pairs wonderfully not just with focaccia but also with an array of appetizers. Consider serving it alongside crudité platters or crispy roasted vegetables for a fresh and vibrant touch. It complements grilled meats beautifully too, adding a rich flavor that can transform a simple dish into something spectacular.

When presenting your focaccia, cut it into bite-sized squares for easy dipping. Arranging it on a wooden board with a small bowl of aioli in the center makes for an inviting display. I often garnish with a sprig of rosemary for a touch of color and an aromatic flair, making it as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Both the aioli and focaccia can be made ahead of time to streamline your gathering prep. The aioli can be refrigerated for up to a week; just give it a quick stir before serving as the ingredients might settle. For best flavor, prepare it at least 1-2 hours before your event to allow the garlic to truly infuse the mayonnaise.

As for the focaccia, it can be baked up to two days in advance. Store it wrapped in foil or in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to revive its crusty exterior before serving. If you have leftovers, cut them up and use them for sandwiches or croutons for salads.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your focaccia dough does not rise adequately, this may indicate that your yeast is no longer active. Always check expiration dates, and remember that yeast thrives in warm, not hot, water. Aim for a temperature around 110°F (43°C) to help activate the yeast without compromising its integrity.

For the aioli, if the mixture seems too thick, simply whisk in a teaspoon of water or additional lemon juice to achieve your desired consistency. If you find the aioli overly garlicky, balance it out with a bit more mayonnaise to mellow the flavor. Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasonings as you see fit to make it unique to your taste!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought mayonnaise?

Absolutely! Store-bought mayonnaise saves time and still yields a delicious aioli.

→ How long can I store the aioli?

You can store the aioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Is focaccia gluten-free?

Traditional focaccia is made with wheat flour, but you can substitute it with gluten-free flour to make a gluten-free version.

→ Can I add herbs to the aioli?

Yes! Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or dill can add great flavor to your aioli.