You know that jar of mayonnaise in your fridge? It’s more than just a condiment. Mayonnaise, a blend of oil, egg yolks, and either vinegar or lemon juice, is a culinary chameleon. It’s smooth, creamy, and surprisingly versatile.
There are a lot of types of mayonnaise available which you’ll find out in this article.
Key Takeaways:
Discover the surprising variety of types of mayonnaise, from classic to innovative flavors.
Learn how to make homemade mayonnaise and adapt it to different dietary needs.
Explore creative ways to incorporate various mayonnaise flavors into your cooking
Different Types of Mayonnaise Around the World
Classic and Modern Flavors of Mayonnaise
Let’s start with some familiar and some inventive mayonnaise flavors:
Spicy Mayo is for those who love a fiery touch in their food. This mayo is perfect for adding a spicy layer to burgers, sandwiches, and sushi rolls. The heat level can be adjusted to suit your preference, making it a versatile addition to your condiment collection.
Lime Mayo brings a refreshing, zesty twist to the creamy texture of mayonnaise. It’s an excellent choice for seafood dishes, providing a citrusy lift that complements the flavors of fish and shrimp. Try it in fish tacos for a delightful tang.
Lime and Wasabi Mayo is an adventurous blend that combines the sharpness of wasabi with the freshness of lime. This mayo is a must-try for fans of Japanese cuisine, adding a unique kick to sushi, sashimi, or even a roast beef sandwich.
Smoked Lemon Mayo offers a smoky depth with a hint of citrus. This mayo is ideal for enhancing grilled meats or smoked fish, providing a complex flavor profile that’s both sophisticated and satisfying.
Citrus and Honey Mayo marries the sweetness of honey with the tang of citrus, creating a balance that can elevate a variety of dishes. It’s a perfect match for crispy chicken, adding a sweet and sour element that’s utterly irresistible.
BBQ Mayo combines the smokiness of barbecue sauce with the creamy texture of mayonnaise. This bold, flavorful mayo is a game-changer for grilled meats and vegetables, adding a rich, smoky layer of flavor that’s hard to beat.
Ouzo Mayo infuses the anise-flavored Greek spirit into mayonnaise, offering a unique flavor that’s great with Mediterranean dishes. It’s particularly delightful in fish and seafood recipes, where it adds an exotic twist.
Chimichurri Mayo is a herbaceous, zesty mayo that brings the flavors of Argentina to your table. This mayo is perfect for steak sandwiches or as a dip for grilled vegetables, offering a fresh, vibrant taste that’s both bold and refreshing.
Chipotle Mayo is a smoky, spicy condiment that’s become increasingly popular. It adds a robust flavor to wraps, tacos, and sandwiches, and can even be used as a marinade for grilling.
Sesame Mayo introduces a nutty, Asian-inspired flavor to the creamy base of mayonnaise. It’s an excellent choice for cold noodle salads, slaws, or as a dip for dumplings and tempura.
Harissa Mayo combines the spicy, smoky flavors of North African harissa paste with creamy mayonnaise. It’s fantastic in lamb or chicken sandwiches, and can add a warm, spicy note to roasted vegetables.
Korean Mayo mixes traditional mayonnaise with flavors like kimchi juice or gochujang (Korean chili paste), offering a spicy, tangy addition to burgers, fried chicken, or Korean-style tacos.
Wattle Seed Mayo incorporates the unique, nutty flavor of Australian wattle seeds. It’s a distinctive choice for sandwiches or as a dip, adding a crunchy texture and a taste reminiscent of hazelnut and chocolate.
Sriracha Mayo is a trendy favorite, blending the heat of Sriracha sauce with creamy mayo. It’s a great way to spice up burgers, fries, or sushi rolls, adding a fiery kick that’s both flavorful and addictive.
Celeriac Slaw is a refreshing alternative to traditional coleslaw, with a rich, tangy mayo dressing that complements the earthy taste of celeriac. It’s a perfect side dish for barbecues and picnics.
Herbed Mayo is a versatile, flavorful spread that’s enhanced with a variety of fresh herbs. It’s ideal for sandwiches, as a dressing for potato or pasta salads, or even as a dip for fresh vegetables.
Curried Mayo: A fusion of mayonnaise with curry powder, adding an Indian-inspired taste.
Saffron Aioli: Infused with saffron for a luxurious, aromatic flavor.
Pecan Mayo: Combining the nutty flavor of pecans with mayonnaise for a unique taste and texture.
Roasted Garlic Aioli: A robust version of mayonnaise with the deep, rich flavor of roasted garlic.
Green Curry Mayo: Blending the spicy and herby notes of green curry with mayonnaise.
Kimchi Mayo: Incorporating the spicy, tangy flavor of kimchi for a Korean twist.
Roasted Jalapeno Mayo: A spicy and smoky mayonnaise featuring roasted jalapeños.
Black Pepper Mayo: Simple yet impactful, with a pronounced black pepper flavor.
Creole Mayonnaise (Cajun Mayo): Infused with Creole seasonings for a Southern twist.
Green Peppercorn Mayonnaise: Highlighting the fresh and piquant taste of green peppercorns.
Red Eye Mayo (Coffee Mayonnaise): A unique blend that includes coffee for an unexpected flavor.
Za’atar Aioli: Mixing Middle Eastern za’atar spice blend with mayonnaise.
Smoked Cheddar Mayonnaise: A creamy mayo with the rich taste of smoked cheddar cheese.
Teriyaki Mayonnaise: A sweet and savory blend with the distinct flavor of teriyaki sauce.
Mango Chutney Mayo: Sweet and fruity, incorporating the flavors of mango chutney.
Caramelized Apple Mayonnaise: Featuring the sweet, rich taste of caramelized apples.
Pomegranate Mayonnaise: A unique combination of mayonnaise with the sweet and tart flavor of pomegranate.
Raspberry Mayonnaise: Blending mayonnaise with raspberry preserves for a sweet, fruity twist.
Mayonnaise Varieties from Different Brands
Brand variations offer their unique takes on mayonnaise:
Hellmann’s and Best Foods are known for their rich, creamy texture, ideal for a variety of dishes.
Kewpie, a Japanese favorite, is a bit sweeter and thinner, perfect for sushi and salads.
Kielecki Mayonnaise, a Polish brand, offers a distinct European flavor.
Kraft Mayo is a classic choice that’s both versatile and familiar.
Blue Plate Mayonnaise has a cult following for its slightly tangy, rich flavor.
Duke’s Mayonnaise is beloved in the South for its unique, tangy taste.
Baconnaise adds a bacon flavor, a favorite for meat lovers.
Just Mayo offers a vegan alternative without compromising on taste.
Mayonnaise-based Sauces
Mayonnaise forms the base for several popular sauces:
Fry Sauce is a simple mix of ketchup and mayonnaise, perfect for dipping.
Honey Dill Sauce combines sweet and herby flavors, excellent with poultry.
Joppiesaus, a Dutch favorite, is a curried mayo-based sauce.
Louis Dressing and Remoulade add complexity to seafood dishes.
Marie Rose Sauce is a British classic, often used in shrimp cocktails.
Russian Dressing and Thousand Island Dressing are staples in salads and sandwiches.
Salsa Golf is a Latin American mix of mayo and ketchup, great with snacks.
Tartar Sauce is a must-have for fish, with its pickled flavor.
Homemade vs Store-Bought Mayonnaise
Can you whip up mayonnaise in your own kitchen? Absolutely! Simply combine the following:
Raw egg yolks,
Quality oil, and
A dash of lemon juice or vinegar
This creates a fresh, rich flavor.
However, remember that homemade mayonnaise can pose a risk due to raw eggs. For safety, consider using pasteurized eggs or a reliable store-bought brand.
You can definitely take plain mayo and make some exciting new flavors.
How to Make: Stir together mayonnaise, wasabi paste, and lime juice to taste. The sharpness of wasabi and the zestiness of lime create a thrilling blend, ideal for adding a unique zing to sushi, sashimi, or as an adventurous condiment for sandwiches.
How to Make:
Mix mayonnaise with your choice of hot sauce (like Sriracha or Tabasco) and a splash of lemon juice. Adjust the quantity of hot sauce to suit your spice preference.
How to Make: Whisk together mayonnaise, honey, and a mix of citrus juices (like lemon and orange). This sweet and tangy mayo is perfect for balancing the flavors in crispy chicken dishes or as a unique dressing for fruit-based salads.
How to Make: Blend mayonnaise with your favorite BBQ sauce. This rich and smoky mayo adds a depth of flavor to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and is a delicious twist for barbecue-themed sandwiches or burgers.
How to Make: Combine mayonnaise with Sriracha sauce to your preferred heat level.
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Celeriac Slaw Mayo
How to Make: Make a dressing of mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, and a hint of honey. Toss with shredded celeriac and a mix of fresh herbs.
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Curried Mayo
How to Make: Mix mayonnaise with curry powder and a touch of turmeric. Adjust the spices to your preference. This mayo is perfect for adding an Indian flair to sandwiches or as a unique dip.
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Saffron Aioli
How to Make: Infuse warm water with saffron threads, then blend this into mayonnaise along with minced garlic. This luxurious aioli pairs well with seafood and Mediterranean dishes.
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Pecan Mayo
How to Make: Toast pecans, finely chop or grind them, and mix into mayonnaise. This nutty mayo is delightful in chicken or turkey sandwiches and adds a unique texture to classic spreads.
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Roasted Garlic Aioli
How to Make: Roast garlic cloves until soft, then mash and blend into mayonnaise. This rich and flavorful aioli is excellent with grilled vegetables, meats, or as a spread for artisan bread.
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Green Curry Mayo
How to Make: Stir green curry paste into mayonnaise, adding lime juice for a zesty kick. This Thai-inspired mayo is great for sandwiches, wraps, or as a dip for appetizers.
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Kimchi Mayo
How to Make: Finely chop kimchi and mix it into mayonnaise, adding a bit of kimchi juice for extra flavor. This spicy, tangy mayo is perfect for Korean-style dishes or as a unique burger topping.
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Roasted Jalapeno Mayo
How to Make: Roast jalapeños, then finely chop and blend into mayonnaise with a squeeze of lime juice. This spicy mayo is ideal for adding heat to tacos, burgers, or grilled foods.
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Black Pepper Mayo
How to Make: Generously season mayonnaise with freshly cracked black pepper. This simple but flavorful mayo enhances the taste of steaks, roast beef sandwiches, or can be used as a dip.
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Creole Mayonnaise (Cajun Mayo)
How to Make: Blend mayonnaise with Cajun seasoning, a dash of paprika, and a bit of garlic powder. This zesty mayo brings a New Orleans twist to your dishes.
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Green Peppercorn Mayonnaise
How to Make: Mix in drained and lightly crushed green peppercorns into mayonnaise. This mayo adds a fresh, peppery taste to steak sandwiches or as a unique salad dressing.
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Red Eye Mayo (Coffee Mayonnaise)
How to Make: Dissolve instant coffee in a small amount of hot water and mix into mayonnaise, adding a splash of hot sauce. This unconventional mayo is intriguing on breakfast sandwiches or burgers.
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Za’atar Aioli
How to Make: Blend za’atar spice mix and crushed garlic into mayonnaise, adding lemon juice to enhance the flavors. This Middle Eastern-inspired aioli is great with grilled meats or as a dip for pita bread.
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Smoked Cheddar Mayonnaise
How to Make: Finely grate smoked cheddar cheese and blend into mayonnaise. This rich, smoky mayo is perfect for gourmet sandwiches, burgers, or as a decadent topping for baked potatoes.
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Teriyaki Mayonnaise
How to Make: Mix mayonnaise with teriyaki sauce, adding a bit of ginger for an extra kick. This sweet and savory mayo is excellent in Asian-style wraps, salads, or as a dipping sauce.
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Mango Chutney Mayo
How to Make: Blend mango chutney into mayonnaise, adding a bit of curry powder for spice. This fruity, slightly spicy mayo is wonderful in chicken salads or as a unique spread.
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Caramelized Apple Mayonnaise
How to Make: Caramelize apples with a bit of sugar and cinnamon, then finely chop and mix into mayonnaise. This sweet and rich mayo is delightful in autumn sandwiches or as a dip for pork dishes.
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Pomegranate Mayonnaise
How to Make: Whisk pomegranate molasses into mayonnaise, adding a touch of honey for sweetness. This tart and slightly sweet mayo pairs well with game meats or as a dressing for fruit salads.
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Raspberry Mayonnaise
How to Make: Blend raspberry preserves into mayonnaise, adding a bit of lemon juice and zest. This sweet and fruity mayo is excellent on desserts or as a unique dressing for summer salads.
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Fry Sauce
How to Make: Combine equal parts of ketchup and mayonnaise. You can adjust the proportions to suit your taste. Add a dash of paprika or cayenne pepper for a bit of spice.
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Honey Dill Sauce
How to Make: Mix mayonnaise with honey and finely chopped fresh dill. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bit of acidity.
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Joppiesaus
How to Make: Blend mayonnaise with curry powder, finely chopped onions, and a pinch of garlic powder.
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Louis Dressing
How to Make: Mix mayonnaise with chili sauce, minced green onions, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Add finely chopped bell pepper and a splash of lemon juice.
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Remoulade
How to Make: Start with mayonnaise, add mustard (Dijon or whole grain), chopped capers, pickles, and a mix of herbs like parsley and tarragon. Season with lemon juice and a hint of anchovy paste for an authentic flavor.
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Marie Rose Sauce
How to Make: Combine mayonnaise with ketchup, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, and a little lemon juice. Season with a pinch of cayenne pepper.
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Russian Dressing
How to Make: Mix mayonnaise with ketchup, finely chopped onions, horseradish, and a sprinkle of paprika. Add a splash of vinegar for a slight tang.
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Thousand Island Dressing
How to Make: Combine mayonnaise with ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and a bit of finely chopped onion. Season with a dash of vinegar and a sprinkle of sugar.
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Salsa Golf
How to Make: Simply mix mayonnaise with ketchup and a splash of lemon juice.
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Tartar Sauce
How to Make: Blend mayonnaise with finely chopped pickles (or relish), capers, and a small amount of finely chopped shallots or onions. Add lemon juice and a pinch of dill.
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Making Mayonnaise Work for You
Adapting mayonnaise to suit dietary preferences is easier than you think. Vegan and gluten-free options are readily available, allowing everyone to enjoy its versatility.
Creating flavored mayonnaise at home is simple. Mix in herbs, spices, or citrus zest into your base mayonnaise for a quick flavor upgrade.
Conclusion: The Versatility of Mayonnaise in Cooking
Mayonnaise is more than a sandwich spread; it’s a culinary tool. Whether adding a tangy kick to a salad or enriching a sauce, mayonnaise can transform ordinary dishes into something extraordinary. So next time, think beyond the jar and experiment with the myriad of flavors mayonnaise offers.
