Garlic Aioli: The Perfect Cheese Pairing

Garlic aioli is a creamy, dairy-free condiment that can be used to enhance the flavour of a variety of dishes, from fresh vegetables and soups to sandwiches and seafood. It is similar to mayonnaise but with a generous amount of fresh garlic.

When it comes to cheese, garlic aioli is a versatile sauce that can be paired with a variety of cheeses. Some popular combinations include:

- Grilled cheese sandwich with garlic aioli: The garlic aioli can be used as a spread on the bread, adding a garlicky kick to the grilled cheese.

- Pepper jack cheese: As mentioned in a comment on Reddit, using pepper jack cheese with garlic aioli can take a grilled cheese sandwich to the next level.

- Parmesan: A roasted garlic parmesan aioli can be made by roasting garlic and blending it with parmesan, lemon, and other seasonings. This aioli can be used as a dip or spread.

- Gruyere: A combination of gruyere cheese and garlic aioli can elevate a grilled cheese sandwich or be used in other melted cheese dishes.

Aioli as a spread for grilled cheese sandwiches

Aioli is a versatile condiment that can be used to elevate the humble grilled cheese sandwich. By spreading aioli on the outside of the sandwich instead of butter before grilling, you'll achieve a crisp, golden exterior with a punch of garlicky flavour.

Aioli is a creamy, dairy-free sauce that is similar to mayonnaise but with a more intense garlic flavour. It is traditionally made with olive oil, garlic, egg yolk, and lemon juice, though some variations include whole eggs or other ingredients such as Dijon mustard or black pepper.

When making a grilled cheese sandwich with aioli, you can use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, Gruyère, or pepper jack. The sharp, pungent flavour of aioli pairs well with a range of cheeses, so feel free to experiment with different combinations.

To assemble the sandwich, spread the aioli on the outside of each slice of bread. The egg in the aioli will help to crisp up the bread and create a delicious, golden crust. Place your chosen cheese between the slices, and grill the sandwich until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.

For an extra flavour boost, consider adding some sliced or grilled vegetables to your sandwich. Aioli goes well with a variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers, artichokes, or roasted garlic. You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as honey wheat or Texas toast.

With its creamy texture and bold flavour, aioli is the perfect secret ingredient to take your grilled cheese sandwiches to the next level. The combination of melted cheese and crispy, garlicky bread is sure to be a mouthwatering treat.

Aioli as a dip for artichokes

Aioli is a creamy, dairy-free condiment with a generous amount of fresh garlic. It is similar to mayonnaise but has a sharper taste. Aioli is a versatile sauce that can be used as a dip, spread, or side and pairs well with anything from crab cakes to crispy French fries.

Artichokes are a fantastic pairing with aioli. The process of eating an artichoke is a leisurely one, where one picks off the leaves one by one, dipping each in butter or aioli, and savouring the small bites of nutty flesh. Grilled artichokes, in particular, are a delicious treat, with their smoky charred flavours and golden caramelized bits.

To make grilled artichokes, you will need fresh globe artichokes, lemons, olive oil, salt, and pepper. First, trim the artichokes by cutting off the thorny tips of each leaf and removing the tough outer skin of the stem. Then, slice the artichokes in half, remove the chokes, and steam or boil them until tender. Finally, brush the artichokes with olive oil and grill them for a few minutes on each side.

For the aioli, you will need mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, and optionally, Greek yogurt, herbs, or spices. Simply combine all the ingredients and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Grilled artichokes with garlic aioli is a delicious and healthy dish, perfect for summer entertaining or a leisurely meal with friends and family. It is a dish that requires some preparation and effort, but the payoff is well worth it!

Aioli as a sauce for seafood

Aioli is a versatile sauce that pairs well with seafood. It is a creamy, dairy-free condiment with a bracing amount of fresh garlic. It is similar to mayonnaise, but with garlic. Aioli is typically served with platters of vegetables, spooned over fish, or swirled into bouillabaisse (fish soup). It can also be used as a dip for crab cakes, French fries, and sandwiches.

Aioli is an emulsion, which means that it is a mixture of two liquids that do not usually mix, in this case, oil and water. To make aioli, oil is slowly whisked into an egg yolk mixed with lemon juice or a small amount of liquid. The key is to go slowly, adding just a few drops of oil at a time, and then gradually increasing the amount as the emulsion begins to come together.

The amount of garlic used in aioli is up to the chef, but it is important to remember that raw garlic can be powerful. One way to add garlic to aioli is to mash it into a smooth puree with coarse salt, which helps break down the garlic and also seasons the sauce. This can be done using a mortar and pestle or by scraping chopped garlic across a cutting board with the flat of a large knife. For a sweeter, milder aioli, roasted garlic can be used instead.

Traditional aioli is made with 100% olive oil, but if the olive oil is very strong, it can be cut with a mild vegetable oil such as canola or grapeseed oil. Aioli can be adjusted to the desired consistency by adding more oil to thicken it or water or lemon juice to thin it.

Aioli is a great sauce to elevate simple dishes and can be used in a variety of ways with seafood. It can be drizzled on an open-faced tomato sandwich, added to a BLT, or used as a dip for oven fries. Aioli can also be spooned over poached eggs on toast, added to tacos, or slathered on grilled corn. For seafood, aioli can be spooned over fish, with a spicy aioli pairing particularly well with salmon.

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Mayonnaise

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This aioli will last for 7-10 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Aioli as a spread for burgers

Aioli is a versatile sauce that can be used as a spread for burgers. It is a creamy, dairy-free condiment with a strong garlic flavour.

How to Make Aioli

Aioli is typically made with garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Some recipes also include an egg yolk to give the aioli a thick, creamy texture. To make aioli, simply grate or mash the garlic and mix it with the other ingredients. If you are using an egg yolk, be sure to use a fresh egg and whisk the ingredients slowly to prevent the sauce from breaking.

Aioli is a perfect spread for burgers, adding a creamy garlic flavour that pairs well with the other ingredients. When used in moderation, aioli can enhance the taste of a burger without overwhelming the other flavours. It can be used as a substitute for mayonnaise or butter on a burger bun and can also be spread on grilled chicken or salmon burgers.

Cheese Pairings with Garlic Aioli

While there are no specific cheeses that are mentioned to pair with garlic aioli, some cheeses that go well with garlic in general include:

• Parmesan
• Pepper Jack
• Gruyere
• Cheddar
• Mozzarella
• Provolone

Customising Your Burger with Aioli

In addition to using aioli as a spread, you can also add it to other parts of your burger for extra flavour. For example, you can dip crispy French fries or onion rings in aioli, or serve aioli as a side sauce for dipping. You can also experiment with different variations of aioli, such as roasted garlic aioli or spicy aioli with sriracha.

Aioli is a versatile and flavourful sauce that can enhance the taste of your burger. Its creamy texture and garlic flavour make it a perfect spread or dip for a variety of burger combinations.

Aioli as a dip for French fries

Aioli is a creamy, dairy-free condiment that is perfect as a dip for French fries. It is a versatile sauce that is commonly served as a dip with fresh or cooked vegetables and is also stirred into soups and stews.

Garlic Aioli

Garlic aioli is made with just a few pantry-friendly ingredients that create an intensely savory swirl of flavor. Lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper mix with mayonnaise for a pleasantly sharp taste.

How to Make Garlic Aioli

To make garlic aioli, simply whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Make sure to mince the garlic finely to avoid biting into large pieces of raw garlic. It is also important to use fresh lemon juice as it really does taste better in this recipe than store-bought.

Tips for Making Garlic Aioli

• If time allows, mix this up 20-30 minutes prior to using. This will give the flavors a chance to blend.
• Aioli is best enjoyed on the day it's made, but it can last up to 7-10 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
• Avoid freezing aioli, as the mayonnaise will split and become unpalatable.

Variations of Aioli

Aioli can be modified in numerous ways to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Roasted Garlic Aioli: Make a paste out of 1 whole head of roasted garlic and whisk it into the egg, along with 1/2 teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
• Green Goddess Aioli: Blend half an avocado with 1/2 cup Greek yogurt and a few sprigs of fresh tarragon, chives, and parsley until bright green and smooth. Stir this mixture into the aioli and add more lemon juice to taste.
• Smoky Red Pepper Aioli: Blend 1 roasted red pepper with 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika until smooth, then stir it into the aioli and add salt to taste.

Frequently asked questions