Learn how to make mayonnaise from scratch, start to finish – in less than 10 minutes! It’s quick, easy and so flavorful! You will never have to worry about running out of mayo again.

Homemade mayonnaise has an amazing creamy texture and a fresh, natural flavor.

If you’ve heard rumors that mayo is difficult and finicky to make, you can rest assured that it is actually quite easy, and the taste is just incomparable!

A small glass jar of mayonnaise for a tutorial on how to make mayo, it's resting on a marble countertop.
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It can be used just as it is, or altered to suit your taste and the occasion. Spread it on sandwiches, mix it in salads, bake it in creamy dips, and turn it into a flavorful aioli.

You’ll find so many ways to use this versatile homemade condiment. It will definitely take your recipes up a notch!

Making your own mayo should be on everyone’s kitchen bucket list for a couple of reasons. First, the flavor and consistency is so wonderful.

Second, the process of emulsifying liquid ingredients into a semisolid is a fascinating kitchen science experiment you need to do at least once.

Chances are when you taste your first batch of mayo, you’re going to love it so much you’ll wonder why you’ve ever purchased it! Even if you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, this homemade version will wow you.

A small glass container of homemade mayonnaise with a gold spoon, resting on a marble countertop.

Why You’ll Love Homemade Mayonnaise

  • Fresh
  • Quick and Easy
  • Made from Staple Ingredients
  • Make it on a Whim
A small glass jar of mayonnaise for a tutorial on how to make mayo, it's resting on a marble countertop.

Ingredients and Substitutions

  • Eggs – Raw or pasteurized.
  • Dijon Mustard – Adds a hint of flavor and helps the mixture emulsify.
  • White Wine Vinegar – Vinegar keeps the mixture stable and adds flavor. I prefer white wine vinegar, but the options are endless. You can use the vinegar of your choice to customize the flavor profile.
  • Salt – Just a hint for flavor.
  • Oil – Use neutral oils like canola, grape seed, avocado or safflower for traditional flavor. Any oil can be used. Olive oil is among my favorites for a touch of additional flavor.
  • Lemon Juice – Adds a nice burst of flavor. Use fresh squeezed or 100% real lemon juice.
Ingredients for mayonnaise on a marble surface.

Variations

A small glass jar of mayonnaise for a tutorial on how to make mayo, it's resting on a marble countertop.

How to Make Mayonnaise

  1. Mix the egg in a food processor 20 seconds.
  2. Add Flavors and Stabilizers – Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar and salt. Mix everything together. Homemade mayonnaise in a small food processor.
  3. Add Oil – Add a tablespoon of oil, pouring in a steady, slow stream. Process. Repeat this 4 times. It should be thickening at this point. Add more oil, in larger amounts than a tablespoon, making sure to pulse the processor in between each addition. Homemade mayonnaise in a small food processor.
  4. Add Lemon Juice – When all the oil has been added and the mayonnaise is fully emulsified, add the lemon juice and pulse until blended.Homemade mayonnaise in a small food processor.
A hand stirring homemade mayonnaise in a tutorial for how to make mayonnaise.

Tips

  • Add the oil slowly. Don’t be impatient and try to add it all at once, because it won’t set correctly. Remember, the whole process won’t take more than 10 minutes, so don’t rush this imporatnt step.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to help with emulsifying.
  • Experiment with different types of oil and see which flavors you like the best.

Make More (or Less!)

Scaling up, down or substituting? You’ll love this printable Measurement Conversion Chart!

A small glass jar of mayonnaise for a tutorial on how to make mayo, it's resting on a marble countertop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is homemade mayonnaise safe?

Yes, it is safe. The risks associated with raw eggs are low, but if you feel safer using pasteurized eggs, then do that.

What do I do if my homemade mayonnaise is too thin?

Put a warmed egg yolk into your processor. Mix the egg until blended, then slowly add your thin mayonnaise into the yolk, processing while you add it. Your mayonnaise should thicken up.

How is homemade mayo different than store bought?

Homemade mayonnaise uses just a few ingredients, while store bought mayonnaise has a few extra ingredients, including sugar. Store bought mayo is usually thick and fluffy, while homemade mayo is thinner and creamy. Homemade mayonnaise won’t last as long as store bought mayonnaise. They can be used interchangeably in recipes.

A small glass container of homemade mayonnaise with a gold spoon, resting on a marble countertop.

Broken mayonnaise occurs when the ingredients didn’t emulsify correctly, causing the bonds between the ingredients to break. It leaves a curdled-looking mixture that certainly doesn’t look like mayonnaise. The good news is that it is fixable by using one of these methods:

  • In another bowl, measure 1 teaspoon of mustard. Manually whisk the broken mayonnaise, a little at a time, into the mustard.
  • Put just the yolk of another egg into a bowl and slowly whisk your broken mixture into the yolk.
  • Add 2 teaspoons of hot water to the broken mayonnaise and whisk. This method will create a thin mayonnaise.
A hand stirring homemade mayonnaise in a tutorial for how to make mayonnaise.
A small glass container of homemade mayonnaise with a gold spoon, resting on a marble countertop.

What to Do with Leftovers

  • Store your leftover mayonnaise in a sealed, airtight container in the fridge.
  • Use it in tuna or egg salad sandwiches.
  • Use it in your favorite dip that calls for mayonnaise. See recipe links above.

How to Store

  • At Room Temperature – Mayonnaise shouldn’t be left at room temperature for longer than two hours.
  • Refrigerate – Homemade mayonnaise will usually stay fresh for up to a week in your refrigerator in a covered container. Or, check the expiration date on your eggs; mayo should last as long as the egg would have been good.
  • Freeze – Mayonnaise does not freeze well. The process of freezing and thawing will likely break down the emulsified ingredients. If you plan on using the mayonnaise in your cooking once it has thawed, freezing will be fine. Otherwise it is best to use it quickly and then make a new batch when you need it.

Dietary Considerations

  • Gluten Free
  • Dairy Free
  • Nut Free
A small glass container of homemade mayonnaise with a gold spoon, resting on a marble countertop.

More Dips and Sauces

A small glass jar of mayonnaise for a tutorial on how to make mayo, it's resting on a marble countertop.
5 from 3 votes
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Mayonnaise

You can make mayonnaise from scratch, start to finish – in less than 10 minutes! It's quick, easy and so flavorful! You will never have to worry about running out of mayo again.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 0 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Servings: 16
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Ingredients  

  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup oil canola, grapeseed, safflower or olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions 

  • In a small food processor, add egg and pulse 20 seconds.
  • Add dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, and salt. Pulse 20 seconds.
  • Evenly add a stream of oil, a tablespoon at a time, processing for a few seconds in between for a total of 4 tablespoons or ¼ cup. The mixture will begin to thicken.
  • Once the mixture has emulsified, you can add a little more oil each time, pulsing in between until oil is consumed and mayonnaise has become thick.
  • Scrape the bowl down if needed and add lemon juice. Process 15 seconds.

Julie’s Tips

  • If mayonnaise feels to thin, stream a tablespoon of oil in at a time processing until thick.
  • Homemade mayonnaise will usually stay fresh for up to a week in your refrigerator in a covered container. Or, check the expiration date on your eggs; mayo should last as long as the egg would have been good.

Video

Calories: 129kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 84mg | Potassium: 4mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 17IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 1mg

Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.

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2 Comments

    1. Hi Mary,
      I’ve never made homemade Miracle Whip, but I do use it for deviled eggs! Try adding a 3-4 teaspoons of white sugar to this recipe and see if that helps capture the flavor for you!
      Good luck,
      Julie