Making Your Own Mayonnaise at Home: A Simple Guide

Mayonnaise is a versatile condiment, enhancing everything from sandwiches and salads to dips and dressings. 

While shop-bought mayonnaise is convenient, nothing beats the flavour and satisfaction of making your own at home. 

Plus, homemade mayonnaise allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a fresher, healthier product. Here’s a straightforward guide to making your own delicious mayonnaise.

Ingredients

To make approximately 250ml of mayonnaise, you will need:

1 large egg yolk

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or lemon juice

250ml light olive oil or a neutral oil like sunflower or rapeseed

Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

A mixing bowl

A whisk (or an electric hand mixer)

A clean jar or airtight container for storage

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation

Before you start, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature. This helps them blend together more smoothly, preventing the mixture from splitting.

Step 2: Mixing the Base

Combine the Egg Yolk and Mustard: In your mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and Dijon mustard until well combined. The mustard not only adds flavour but also acts as an emulsifier, helping the oil and egg yolk blend together.

Add the Acid: Add the white wine vinegar or lemon juice to the bowl and whisk again until the mixture is smooth. This acid helps to stabilise the emulsion and adds a tangy flavour.

Step 3: Adding the Oil

Drizzle Slowly: Begin adding the oil very slowly, drop by drop at first, while whisking continuously. This initial slow addition is crucial for creating a stable emulsion. If the oil is added too quickly, the mixture may split.

Increase the Flow: Once the mayonnaise starts to thicken and emulsify, you can begin adding the oil in a thin, steady stream. Continue whisking vigorously throughout this process. If you’re using an electric hand mixer, set it to a medium speed.

Consistency Check: After adding about half the oil, you’ll notice the mixture becoming thick and creamy. At this point, you can add the oil a bit more quickly. Keep whisking until all the oil is incorporated.

Step 4: Seasoning

Add Salt and Pepper: Season the mayonnaise with salt and pepper to taste. You can start with a pinch of each and adjust according to your preference.

Taste and Adjust: Give the mayonnaise a taste. If it needs more acidity, add a bit more vinegar or lemon juice. For a sweeter touch, you can add a small amount of sugar.

Step 5: Storing

Transfer to a Jar: Once you’re satisfied with the flavour and texture, transfer the mayonnaise to a clean jar or airtight container.

Refrigerate: Homemade mayonnaise should be stored in the fridge and will keep for up to one week.

Tips for Success

Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your mayonnaise depends largely on the freshness of your ingredients, especially the egg yolk.

Stabilising: If your mayonnaise starts to split, don’t panic. You can rescue it by whisking in a teaspoon of boiling water or another egg yolk.

Flavour Variations: Customise your mayonnaise by adding minced garlic for aioli, chopped herbs for a green mayo, or a touch of paprika for a smoky flavour.

Conclusion

Making your own mayonnaise at home is a simple and rewarding process. With a few basic ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a rich, creamy condiment tailored to your taste. Whether you’re looking to elevate your sandwiches, craft a perfect potato salad, or simply enjoy the freshness of homemade, this guide provides all the steps you need.