This chipotle aioli recipe kicks your creamy, craveable aioli up a few notches with the spicy zest of chipotle peppers. You’ll want to slather this chipotle mayo on everything!
Chipotle aioli is the ultimate savory, spicy way to top pretty much anything you can imagine. It’s perfect for dipping, too! Customize the heat level and enjoy it on all your favorite foods.
We love a fresh, tasty aioli for dipping our truffle fries and slathering on burgers. Don’t miss my Truffle Aioli, Garlic Aioli, Sriracha Mayo and Pesto Aioli for more incredible flavor – once you’ve created your own aioli, it’s hard to go back to plain old mayo!
This chipotle mayo recipe has minimal ingredients but maximum impact. There’s no need to make your mayo from scratch, so it’s a bit of a “cheater” aioli… but just as delicious!
Customize the heat to your preference and enjoy!
Table of Contents
What is Aioli?
Aioli is basically synonymous with mayo… or at least most people view it that way. It’s simply a mayo that is flavored with delicious additions.
When made from scratch, aioli and mayo are very similar, and they’re both emulsions. Nowadays, aioli simply tends to reference a kicked-up, flavorful version of mayo with a much fancier name!
Chipotle aioli tastes a little like combining the creamy flavor of mayo with your favorite salsa. It’s zesty, a touch spicy, and velvety smooth!
Why You’ll Love this Chipotle Mayo
- So fast to make- you’ll be done in under five minutes.
- Just four ingredients, five if you add the cilantro.
- It seriously adds flavor to everything… burgers, sandwiches, wraps, chicken, fish, steak… and don’t forget to dip! Pretty much anything can be dipped in this chipotle mayo and your life will be better for it.
What’s in this Chipotle Aioli Recipe
- Mayonnaise – I tend to use an olive oil mayo because that’s our favorite, but you can use whatever you have on hand – light mayo or vegan mayo will work, too. You can also make your own mayonnaise, as outlined below.
- Pepper – Ground black pepper works best here because you want a smooth, creamy aioli.
- Lime Juice – Fresh squeezed is always best for flavor but you can substitute with store bought lime juice as well.
- Chipotle chiles in adobo sauce – Finely minced. You can also substitute with chipotle chili powder or chipotle hot sauce.
- Cilantro – chopped, optional!
Variations
- Sub sriracha for your chipotle chiles in adobo.
- You can also sub for jalapeño for an even spicier kick!
How to Make Chipotle Aioli
- Combine – Using a food processor, combine ingredients until smooth.
- Serve – Enjoy on your favorite sandwiches, vegetables, side dishes and more!
Serving Suggestions
- On Gourmet Grilled Cheese
- On a Gourmet Burger
- Add to a Burger Bar
- On a Chicken Wrap
- On Baked Chicken Breast
- On Fish / Seafood
- On Spanish Croquettes
- On BLT’s
- Drizzled on Baked Artichoke or served as a dipping sauce
- With Crispy Brussel Sprouts
- Drizzled on Asparagus
- As a dipping sauce for Sweet Potato Fries
- On Loaded Smashed Red Potatoes
- With Tater Tots
- With Onion Rings
- On Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- On Taco Pizza
- On Nachos
Tips
- Marinate – Make this chipotle aioli recipe a day in advance and keep covered in the fridge so flavors can marinate.
How to Make Mayo
If you want to make Chipotle Mayo from scratch simply add the following items to this recipe in lieu of store-bought mayo.
- 2 egg yolks
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- Pulse to combine above ingredients along with ingredients listed in the printable recipe below.
- Turn processor on and slowly pour olive oil and vegetable oil. Process until aioli forms, about a minute. Turn processor off, scrap sides, process again until well combined.
Shortcuts
- Use store-bought mayonnaise.
- Use store bought lime juice.
Olive oil mayonnaise is the general consensus for delicious flavor around here, and it works beautifully for chipotle aioli.
If you use a vegan-friendly mayonnaise, yes! Or create your own vegan mayonnaise from cashews.
How to Store
- Refrigerate – Store Chipotle Aioli refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days.
Dietary Considerations
- Gluten Free
- Dairy Free
- Nut Free
- Vegetarian
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Chipotle Aioli Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon pepper ground, black
- 2 teaspoons lime juice fresh squeezed
- 6 chipotle chiles in adobo sauce canned
- 1 tablespoon cilantro chopped, optional
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in food processor.
- Turn processor on and blend until smooth aioli forms, about a minute. Turn processor off, scrape sides, process again until well combined.
Notes
Substitutions and Tips
- Substitute chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with one teaspoon chipotle chili powder or chipotle hot sauce.
- Marinate – Make aioli a day in advance and keep covered in the fridge so flavors can marinate.
To Store
- Refrigerate – Store Chipotle Aioli refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days.
How To Make Mayo from Scratch
- 2 egg yolks
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- Pulse to combine above ingredients along with ingredients listed in the printable recipe below.
- Turn processor on and slowly pour olive oil and vegetable oil. Process until aioli forms, about a minute. Turn processor off, scrap sides, process again until well combined.
