The BEST Homemade Mayonnaise Recipe (Plus Two Must-Try Variations!)

You’ll never want store-bought mayo again after you try this amazing homemade mayonnaise recipe. It’s super frugal to make, and costs a fraction of what you’d spend on mayonnaise at the grocery store. Spread it on sandwiches (it’s killer on a BLT), use it as a dip for veggies or chips, use it in egg salad or tuna salad, the possibilities are endless. Try our garlic mayo and spicy mayonnaise versions too!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.

Simple Homemade Mayonnaise Recipe

This is the best homemade mayonnaise I’ve ever tried – I have actually eaten it off a spoon before (it’s that good).

Only five simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, and less than five minutes later you’ll have the creamiest, yummiest mayo.

It would be really good on a slice of sourdough bread, or even this pumpkin bagel recipe if you’re feeling Fall.

Let’s chat about the ingredients!

Homemade Mayonnaise Ingredients

It only takes five ingredients to make the best mayonnaise at home:

an egg

a neutral oil

lemon juice or white vinegar

Dijon mustard

salt (I like sea salt or especially this pink Himalayan salt, but use whatever is your favorite)

How to Make the Best Homemade Mayo

You want to choose a neutral oil when making your mayo.

If you pick a strong-tasting oil like a dark extra virgin olive oil, that’s what you will taste in your homemade mayonnaise. It can overpower the overall flavor of the mayo.

If you want to make mayonnaise without mustard, or you don’t have Dijon on you, you can just omit it from this recipe and use the other four ingredients.

The mustard does provide depth though, so I do think it’s tastier with it.

Don’t replace the Dijon mustard with crappy yellow mustard though. Then you’ll just get crappy yellow mayo.

I prefer using fresh squeezed lemon juice, but you can use lemon juice in a bottle or white vinegar.

You can use a whisk, but it is so much easier to use an immersion blender. I have this one (mine is just gray though, not that lovely cranberry color) and use it all the time to make soups, guacamole and other dips, and more.

Pay attention to the recipe where it says not to stir the oil in – you need the egg blended first. Order is important here to get the creamiest mayonnaise.

Related post: 6 Orzo Side Dishes You’ll Be Obsessed With

Two Delicious Variations of Homemade Mayonnaise

Try the garlic mayonnaise, or spicy mayo variation, or both!

Both are great for sandwiches, burgers, dipping, or even as a salad dressing base!

Garlic Mayonnaise (Aioli Style)

Ingredients:

• 1 egg (room temperature)
• 1 cup neutral oil (avocado, vegetable, or light olive oil)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1–2 cloves garlic, minced or grated

Instructions:

1. Follow the same blending process as the basic homemade mayo recipe.
2. Add the minced garlic before blending, or stir in roasted garlic at the end for a milder flavor.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Spicy Mayonnaise

Ingredients:

• 1 egg (room temperature)
• 1 cup neutral oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (like Sriracha or Tabasco)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions:

1. Blend the mayo as usual.
2. Stir in the hot sauce and paprika/cayenne after blending, or add them at the start for a fully infused flavor.
3. Taste and adjust spice levels to your preference.

Is Mayonnaise Keto-Friendly?

Yes! Mayonnaise is keto-friendly because it’s high in fat and low in carbs.

As long as you use keto-approved ingredients like avocado oil, olive oil, or other healthy fats, it fits perfectly into a ketogenic diet.

Keto-Friendly Mayo Tips:

• Avoid added sugars – Some store-bought mayonnaise brands sneak in sugar, so check the label
• Use healthy oils – Avocado oil and olive oil are the best choices for keto, while vegetable or seed oils are less ideal
• Make it at home – A homemade mayonnaise recipe (like this one!) ensures it’s 100% keto and clean

How Long Will Homemade Mayonnaise Last?

This mayo will last for up to a week in the fridge. Keep it sealed up so it stays fresh.

Okay, let’s get to this homemade mayonnaise!

This homemade mayonnaise would be delicious in these easy chicken recipes, and using this olive bread as sandwich bread for grilled cheese or BLTs!