This garlic Bacon Aioli recipe is bursting with smokey bacon flavor! It is perfect for dipping fries, spreading on sandwiches or burgers, or using as a topping for steak or chicken. It's simple to make and can be whipped up in just a few minutes!
You're going to love this easy, smokey, creamy, garlicky Bacon Aioli. It's ready in minutes and so versatile!
Spread it on burgers or sandwiches, and use it as a dip for fries or wedges. We also love it drizzled over grilled steaks or slathered on chicken breasts.
It's also an awesome dip for wings (try it on Louisiana Rub Wings or Cajun Chicken Wings.
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Aioli is a type of garlic mayonnaise that is made with olive oil, egg yolks, lemon juice, and garlic. It's a flavorful twist on mayonnaise where garlic is a constant. However, you can flavor aioli in many different ways.
But, I have a handy tip to make it even easier! Since the base of aioli is oil and egg, you can simply use mayonnaise. Then add garlic and lemon juice and voila - aioli. It's then ready to add flavor add-ins (like Truffle Aioli or Dill Aioli).
For this recipe, we use cooked bacon to make an aioli that is salty, smoky, and delicious. The bacon flavor pairs perfectly with garlic and lemon, making it a great option for flavoring all sorts of dishes.
Use bacon aioli on sandwiches, burgers, chicken, fish, or any other dish that you want to add a bit of flavor. It's also great for dipping fries, onion rings, and other appetizers.
Give this simple bacon aioli recipe a try the next time you're looking for something new to add some smoky and salty zing to your meal!
Why Make This Recipe
- Bacon Aioli is a great way to use up any leftover bacon you need to cook up.
- The salty and smoky flavor is a great combination for many foods.
- This aioli is made with clean and simple ingredients.
- Whip it up in just 5 minutes or less.
- Use it on many dishes.
Ingredients
- Mayonnaise - Mayo makes up the creamy main base of this sauce by blending all of the flavors together. It's my cheat way of making aioli quickly.
- Garlic Cloves - Adds a rich garlic flavor that is a classic ingredient in any aioli recipe.
- Smoked Paprika - Adds a layer of smoky flavor to the spread that complements the flavor of the bacon.
- Sea Salt and Black Pepper - Enriches the flavor of the aioli. Use to taste.
- Cooked Bacon - Adds salty and smoky bacon flavor along with texture. Save some for garnishing the top.
Optional add-in: to make it a little sweeter, add a tablespoon of maple syrup for a maple bacon aioli.
Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full quantities.
Instructions
Wondering how to make this Bacon Aioli recipe? It's easy!
Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then, scroll down for the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.
Cook the bacon: Place the rashers into a cold non-stick frying pan over low heat. After a few minutes, when some fat starts to run out of the bacon, turn the heat up to medium and cook for about 2 minutes on each side. Remove from the pan and allow them to cool and drain on paper towel on a plate.
Meanwhile, add the mayonnaise to a bowl and stir in the garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt and pepper.
When the bacon is cool, chop it finely. Reserve 1 teaspoon for garnish and stir the rest into the garlic aioli.
Sprinkle the reserved bacon onto the bacon aioli and serve chilled or at room temperature. Store, covered, in the refrigerator.
Chill and garnish: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Topped with the remaining bacon and a dusting of smoked paprika for garnish.
Cook's Tips
Crispy bacon is best for this recipe as it adds a better texture and flavor than bacon that is partially cooked or undercooked.
If you don't have smoked paprika, regular paprika can be substituted.
The aioli needs to chill in the fridge in order for the flavors to develop and to make sure it firms up to a spreadable texture.
Use a sanitized jar or airtight container to prevent the spread of any possible bacteria.
Try it on Grilled Steak, Air Fryer Chicken Legs (Drumsticks), or Air Fryer Kielbasa.
Variations
Make it spicy by stirring some crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the ingredients.
Add a tablespoon of maple syrup to make it a maple bacon aioli.
Add in some fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, or chives for a boost of fresh herb flavor.
Swap out the bacon for diced ham or cooked crumbled sausage for a meaty spread.
Add a tablespoon of relish or diced pickles to add sweetness and an additional layer of flavor.
Add smoky flavor without the paprika by using a drop of liquid smoke.
Storage & Freezing
Homemade bacon aioli can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. It cannot be frozen because the mayonnaise in the aioli will not stay emulsified when thawing. Therefore, freezing is not recommended.
FAQs
Aioli is a sauce that is typically made with garlic. However, there are variations of the recipe that do not include it. Simply leave it out of this bacon aioli recipe if you don't like garlic.
Bacon aioli is made of bacon, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, and smoked paprika for this recipe though other variations of the ingredients will also work.
Absolutely! Homemade mayo is a great option for this recipe as it contains clean ingredients along with a smooth taste and texture.
More sauce recipes
We hope that you love this tasty bacon aioli recipe! Be sure to also check out these other condiment recipes too!
Aioli Recipes
You'll also love these other aioli recipes!
Horseradish Aioli
Truffle Aioli
Dill Aioli
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📖 Recipe
Bacon Aioli
Equipment
- Skillet
- Small bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 4 slices bacon cooked and finely diced, some reserved for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the bacon - Place the rashers into a cold non-stick frying pan over a low heat. After a few minutes, when some fat starts to run out of the bacon, turn the heat up to medium and cook for about 2 minutes on each side. Remove from the pan and allow them to cool and drain on paper towel on a plate
- Meanwhile, add the mayonnaise to a bowl and stir in the garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt and pepper. Whisk together until completely combined.
- When the bacon is cooled, chop it finely. Reserve 1 teaspoon for garnish, and stir the rest into the garlic aioli.
- Sprinkle the reserved bacon onto the bacon aioli.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Store, covered, in the refrigerator and use within 5 days.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Louise
So yummy and perfect for smearing on burgers!
Gina
This is the most delicious sauce paired with chicken. Instantly elevates an easy dinner!
Carrie Robinson
Oh yum! I had leftover bacon to use up and found this recipe on pinterest. It was perfect on grilled chicken sandwiches for lunch!
Natalie
I used smoked bacon and it was so good. It makes a lot so we had it with blt sandwiches and it will also go on our burgers for dinner. Thanks!
Danielle
We are HUGE bacon fans in this house, so I just had to try it. i used your tip and added maple syrup. It was soooo good with chicken tenders and fries.