Classic Mayonnaise (2024)

Preparing your own mayonnaise when ready-made iterations abound may seem fussy, buthomemade mayo is so worth the effort. And once you learnhow to make mayonnaise from scratch, you’ll never look atstore-bought mayo the same way again.

Acold egg won’t properlyemulsify into the other ingredients, so start byseparating the yolk from onewhole egg and let it come toroom temperature. (Save the leftover egg white for another purpose.) Adding a littleDijon to the mix gives the mayo a sharp backbone, cutting its richness. We also like white pepper for heat, but you can leave it out or sub in black pepper if you don’t mind the specks.

The success of anyhomemade mayonnaise recipe rides on theemulsion of egg and oil, and it’s best not to rush it.Neutral-flavored oil is traditional (any combination ofcanola oil,grapeseed oil,avocado oil,safflower oil, orsunflower oil works), but it’s yourmayo recipe and your rules.You can substituteextra-virgin olive oil for some or all of thevegetable oil in your mayonnaise recipe, though it may impart a bitter flavor. Whatever you choose, whisk it in gradually. Once the saucebegins to thicken, add lemon juice and vinegar, then whisk in the remaining oil in asteady stream. The best results come from old-fashioned elbow grease, but if you find you have trouble whisking for that long, place the ingredients in a tall jar and use yourimmersion blender to whip them together.

Homemade mayonnaise is an excellent sandwichcondiment, of course, and perfect foregg salad,chicken salad, orpotato salad. You can also shake it intosalad dressing, add some mashed garlic à laaioli, or spike it withchipotle or shoyu and use it as adairy-free dip for crudités.

Ingredients

Makes about 1 cup

1 large egg yolk, at room temperature 30 minutes*

½ tsp. Dijon mustard

¼ tsp. kosher salt plus more

¾ cup olive or vegetable oil (or a combination), divided

1 tsp. white-wine vinegar or cider vinegar

1½ tsp. fresh lemon juice

¼ tsp. white pepper (optional)

Classic Mayonnaise (2024)

FAQs

What is traditional mayonnaise made of? ›

Mayonnaise is an emulsion of oil, egg yolk, and an acid, either vinegar or lemon juice; there are many variants using additional flavorings. The color varies from near-white to pale yellow, and its texture from a light cream to a thick gel.

What's the difference between real and classic mayonnaise? ›

It may contain spices and natural seasonings except turmeric and saffron, as yellow color might suggest added egg yolk. No emulsifying agents other than eggs are allowed, so real mayonnaise does not contain any starches or gums.

What is the original mayo? ›

The Origin of Mayonnaise

According to culinary historians, mayonnaise was first prepared by a French chef in 1756 as a part of a victory feast for capturing the Port Mahon located on the island of Minorca, Spain. In those days, sauces were prepared by combining cream and eggs.

What is Hellmann's real mayonnaise made of? ›

NUTRITION. Canola oil, water, liquid whole egg, vinegar, liquid yolk, salt, sugar, spices, concentrated lemon juice and calcium disodium edta (maintains flavour).

Is mayonnaise traditionally made from oil and vinegar? ›

mayonnaise, cold sauce originating in French cuisine, an emulsion of raw egg yolks and vegetable oil. As the yolks are continuously beaten, oil is added little by little until a thick cream results. Plain mayonnaise is flavoured with lemon juice, mustard, or vinegar.

What mayonnaise do chefs prefer? ›

The Best Store-Bought Mayonnaise, According to Chefs

Earning top ranks for its luscious texture, desirable tangy flavor, and versatility, “All I buy is Duke's Mayo, and I always look for the squeeze bottle because I don't like to dirty up a knife and have to wash it,” Surti says.

Why did just stop making mayo? ›

JUST Mayo's bumpy ride

After consumer backlash, Unilever dropped the lawsuit. JUST Mayo gained popularity and its product line grew to include flavors like wasabi, truffle, and sriracha. In 2019, however, the spread was discontinued when the company shifted its focus to JUST Egg and GOOD Meat.

What is the oldest brand of mayonnaise? ›

Schlorer's Mayonnaise is credited as being the first mayonnaise put in jars and sold commercially, in 1907. The first products trademarked by the Schlorer Delicatessen Company were Mrs. Schlorer's Mayonnaise and Mrs. Schlorer's Olivenaise in 1917.

Why is mayonnaise unhealthy? ›

There's no doubt that mayonnaise is brimming with fat. One cup contains 1440 calories, 160 grams of fat and 24 grams of saturated fat. It's an excellent source of vitamins E and K, but it also contains almost 50 percent of your daily recommended amount of sodium.

What makes restaurant mayo different? ›

They make their own mayo, usually with a higher concentration of egg yolks and mustard seed than commercial varieties. Commercial varieties also use canola, whereas restaurants may use higher quality oils like grapeseed or olive.

Why is homemade mayo not advisable? ›

Homemade mayonnaise is made with raw eggs that will not be cooked. The United States Department of Agriculture does not recommend eating raw shell eggs that are not cooked or undercooked due to the possibility that Salmonella bacteria may be present.

What's the difference between real mayonnaise and fake mayonnaise? ›

According to the FDA, mayonnaise must contain at least 65 percent oil to qualify. The reason Miracle Whip isn't mayo is because it doesn't have enough oil. (It has added starch as a thickener.)

What is the difference between American mayonnaise and French mayonnaise? ›

American-style mayo, like Hellman's, uses whole eggs, lemon juice, and oil and is seasoned with salt and sometimes a bit of sugar. French-style mayonnaise uses egg yolks as well as mustard in addition to lemon juice and oil and is seasoned simply with salt.

What is the composition of mayonnaise? ›

In the case of mayonnaise it consists of oil, water, egg yolk, salt, sugar, sweetener, and other optional ingredients. Each of these ingredients, depending on their level and quality, determine the quality characteristics of emulsion.

What are the raw materials of mayonnaise? ›

Mayonnaise is made from Edible vegetable oil, water, edible common salt, Milk solid, permitted emulsifying & stabilizing agents, permitted acids & permitted antioxidant. Mayonnaise is used commonly around the world, and is also a base for many other chilled sauces and salad dressings.

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