Savory and Smoky Roasted Garlic Aioli
I am reintroducing the roasted garlic aioli, a staple recipe for the Serious Eats pantry. The best version of this recipe has garlic roasted in olive oil and blended with more olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, smoked paprika, and salt. It's rich, garlicky, and perfect for everything from dipping bread to spreading on sandwiches.
I first encountered roasted garlic aioli in the early 2000s, at a tapas bar in Barcelona. The aioli was served with patatas bravas, and I was instantly smitten. The aioli was rich, garlicky, and smoky, and it perfectly complemented the crispy potatoes. I asked the chef for the recipe, and he was kind enough to share it with me. I've been making roasted garlic aioli ever since, and it's become one of my favorite recipes. I've tweaked the recipe over the years, and I've finally settled on the version that I'm sharing with you today. This is the best roasted garlic aioli I've ever had, and I'm confident that you'll love it too.
Savory and Smoky Roasted Garlic Aioli Savory and Smoky Roasted Garlic Aioli Savory and Smoky Roasted Garlic Aioli Savory and Smoky Roasted Garlic Aioli
Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 45 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 head of garlic
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  2. Cut the top off the head of garlic, exposing the cloves.
  3. Drizzle the garlic with olive oil and wrap it in foil.
  4. Roast the garlic in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown.
  5. Let the garlic cool slightly, then squeeze the cloves out of their skins.
  6. In a food processor or blender, combine the roasted garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, chives, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  7. Process until smooth and creamy.
  8. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
Why It Works
  • Roasting the garlic in olive oil mellows its flavor and makes it sweeter.
  • Blending the roasted garlic with more olive oil creates a smooth and creamy sauce.
  • Lemon juice adds brightness and acidity to the aioli.
  • Herbs, such as parsley and chives, add freshness and flavor.
  • Smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness to the aioli.