Chipotle Aioli

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I’ve always had a thing for bold, smoky flavors, and that’s exactly why Chipotle Aioli holds a permanent spot in my fridge. It’s creamy, spicy, just the right amount of garlicky, and ridiculously versatile. I use it on everything—slathered on burgers, drizzled over roasted vegetables, or as a dip for fries. It transforms even the most basic dishes into something memorable.

This chipotle aioli recipe is one of those that once you make it at home, you’ll never go back to store-bought. It comes together in just a few minutes, and the payoff is a rich, velvety sauce with a smoky depth that only chipotle peppers can bring. Plus, it’s easily adjustable depending on how spicy or garlicky you like things.

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Why You’ll Love This Chipotle Aioli

This chipotle aioli is creamy, smoky, spicy, and packed with flavor—all the things you want in a great sauce. Whether you’re making tacos, dipping sweet potato fries, or need a zesty spread for your sandwich, this aioli delivers every time. It’s quick to make, requires minimal ingredients, and keeps well in the fridge for days of flavor-packed meals.

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What Kind of Chipotle Peppers Should I Use?

For this Chipotle Aioli, I always go with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce—the kind you find canned in most grocery stores. They’re smoky, slightly sweet, and bring the kind of heat that makes this aioli unforgettable. Just one or two peppers go a long way, and the adobo sauce they come in adds an extra boost of tangy spice. If you prefer less heat, you can start with just the adobo sauce or scrape out the seeds from the peppers.

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Options for Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is:

• Mayonnaise Substitute: If you want a lighter version, Greek yogurt or vegan mayo both work beautifully. Just know the texture and tanginess will slightly shift.
• Garlic Options: Fresh garlic gives a sharp bite, but garlic powder can be used for a milder, more mellow flavor.
• Chipotle Alternatives: If you’re out of chipotle peppers, smoked paprika and a dash of hot sauce can give you a similar flavor profile—though it won’t be quite the same.
• Lemon Juice Swap: Lime juice or even apple cider vinegar can take the place of lemon juice if needed for brightness.

This sauce is all about balance, so feel free to tweak the ingredients to match your taste.

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Ingredients for This Chipotle Aioli

• Mayonnaise
  This is the creamy base of the aioli. It gives the sauce its richness and helps all the flavors blend smoothly. Use full-fat for best texture.
• Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce
  These provide the signature smoky heat. A little goes a long way, and the adobo sauce adds depth and spice.
• Garlic
  Fresh garlic gives the aioli a bold kick. It plays off the smokiness of the chipotle to create a powerful, savory flavor.
• Lemon Juice
  A splash of acidity cuts through the richness of the mayo and brightens the whole sauce. Lime juice can work too if that’s what you have.
• Salt
  Just a pinch enhances the overall flavor and ties everything together.

Optional: A small touch of olive oil or honey can be added if you want a silkier texture or a tiny hint of sweetness.

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Step 1

Add mayonnaise to a mixing bowl or a blender—this will be the creamy foundation of your aioli.

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Step 2

Finely chop 1–2 chipotle peppers from a can of chipotles in adobo, and add them along with a spoonful of the adobo sauce to the bowl or blender.

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Step 3

Grate or mince a fresh garlic clove and add it in. If you’re sensitive to raw garlic, start with half a clove.

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Step 4

Squeeze in fresh lemon juice. About 1 tablespoon is enough to balance the richness and sharpen the flavor.

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Step 5

Add a pinch of salt. You can taste and adjust this later, so start light.

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Step 6

Blend everything until completely smooth. If mixing by hand, stir vigorously until everything is well incorporated.

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Step 7

Taste and adjust—add more lemon for brightness, more chipotle for heat, or more mayo to mellow it out.

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Step 8

Transfer the aioli to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 15–30 minutes before serving to let the flavors develop.

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How Long to Cook the Chipotle Aioli

Good news—there’s no cooking involved! This is a no-heat recipe that comes together in about 5 minutes. Just blend, taste, and chill. Letting it sit for 15–30 minutes in the fridge helps the flavors meld beautifully, but if you’re short on time, you can use it right away.

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Tips for Perfect Chipotle Aioli

• Use a blender or food processor if you want a super smooth and creamy texture. Mixing by hand works too, especially if your peppers are finely chopped.
• Start small with the chipotle peppers—they pack heat. You can always add more if you want to dial up the spice.
• Let it chill before serving. The flavor deepens and becomes more balanced with a little rest time in the fridge.
• Adjust garlic and lemon to taste. Fresh garlic can be strong, so consider your audience when adding it.
• Use quality mayo since it makes up the base. A rich, full-fat version gives the best flavor and texture.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though chipotle aioli is incredibly simple to make, a few small missteps can throw off the flavor or texture:

• Using too many chipotle peppers can make the sauce overpoweringly spicy. Start with one pepper and work your way up.
• Skipping the resting time means missing out on the deep, balanced flavor. Even 15 minutes in the fridge makes a difference.
• Over-blending can sometimes cause the mayo to thin out, especially if other liquids like lemon juice are added too quickly.
• Using bitter garlic—old garlic can be sharp or unpleasant, so always use fresh cloves.
• Not tasting as you go. Everyone’s spice tolerance is different, so taste and adjust before finalizing your mix.

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What to Serve With Chipotle Aioli?

Grilled or Roasted Vegetables

Drizzle over charred carrots, zucchini, or sweet potatoes for an instant flavor upgrade.

Sweet Potato Fries

This aioli is practically made for dipping crispy sweet potato fries—sweet and spicy heaven.

Fish Tacos

A spoonful of chipotle aioli takes tacos to another level. It pairs especially well with flaky white fish.

Burgers or Sandwiches

Use it in place of plain mayo to add a smoky kick to your burgers or deli sandwiches.

Grilled Chicken or Steak

Serve as a dipping sauce or smear over grilled meat for a flavorful, creamy contrast.

Breakfast Burritos

Add a dollop to your eggs and breakfast wrap for a morning with a kick.

Roasted Potatoes

Toss crispy potato wedges in aioli or serve on the side for dipping.

Veggie Platters or Chips

Turn it into a dip for raw veggies, tortilla chips, or pita—especially great for entertaining.

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Storage Instructions

Chipotle aioli keeps well when stored properly. Transfer it to an airtight container or jar and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 5 to 7 days. Since it’s mayo-based, avoid leaving it out at room temperature for long periods. Always use a clean spoon to scoop it out to prevent contamination. Freezing isn’t recommended, as it can alter the texture and cause separation.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per tablespoon (approximate values):

• Calories: 90
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Sodium: 90mg
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Sugar: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g

These values may vary slightly depending on the specific mayo used and how much chipotle or lemon you add.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does chipotle aioli taste like?

It’s creamy, smoky, spicy, and a little tangy. The chipotle peppers bring heat and smokiness, while the garlic and lemon brighten the flavor.

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Can I make this without a blender or food processor?

Absolutely. Just finely chop the chipotle peppers and garlic, then mix everything together with a spoon or whisk. The texture will be a bit chunkier but still delicious.

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Is chipotle aioli spicy?

It can be! The heat level depends on how many chipotle peppers you use. Start with one pepper and add more if you like it hotter.

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Can I make it vegan?

Yes! Use your favorite plant-based mayonnaise and follow the rest of the recipe as is. The flavor stays rich and smoky.

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How long does chipotle aioli last?

It lasts about 5 to 7 days in the fridge if kept in an airtight container. Always check for freshness before using.

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What if I don’t have chipotle peppers in adobo?

You can substitute with smoked paprika and a bit of hot sauce or cayenne for heat. The flavor won’t be quite the same, but it works in a pinch.

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Can I freeze chipotle aioli?

Freezing isn’t recommended. Mayo-based sauces tend to separate when thawed, which affects the texture and consistency.

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How do I make it thicker or thinner?

To thicken, add more mayo. To thin it out, stir in a splash of lemon juice or olive oil, a little at a time.

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Conclusion

Chipotle aioli is one of those game-changing condiments that turns any meal into something special. It’s fast, flavorful, and endlessly useful—from tacos to sandwiches to roasted veggies. Once you try making it from scratch, you’ll wonder how you ever did without it. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking to spice up lunch, this creamy, smoky sauce has you covered.

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