If you’re looking to add a bold, festive twist to your dips and spreads, look no further than Cranberry Aioli. This delightfully creamy blend of tart cranberries and rich garlic aioli will elevate burgers, sandwiches, and veggie platters with its vibrant color and irresistible zip. Whether you’re preparing holiday snacks or perking up weeknight dinners, Cranberry Aioli is the secret weapon your kitchen has been craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making this flavorful Cranberry Aioli couldn’t be simpler, and each ingredient brings something unforgettable to the spread. You’ll find that every element adds its own note—whether it’s tang, richness, or a pop of visual appeal.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy, silky base that gives the aioli its luscious texture; a good-quality mayonnaise makes all the difference.
- Fresh Cranberries: Their tartness and bright color define the character of the spread—fresh or thawed frozen work beautifully.
- Garlic: Just a clove, finely minced, infuses warmth and savory depth, making the aioli unmistakably craveable.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze adds a balancing brightness, lifting every bite and rounding out the flavors.
- Honey: This whisper of sweetness tames the tang, creating a satisfying harmony without overpowering the cranberry zing.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning, just a pinch of each brings all the flavors into focus.
How to Make Cranberry Aioli
Step 1: Prep the Cranberries
If you’re using fresh cranberries, give them a good rinse and pick out any soft or blemished ones. For frozen cranberries, let them thaw fully. Roughly chop the cranberries so they’ll blend smoothly into your aioli, ensuring bursts of berry in every bite.
Step 2: Blend the Base
In a mixing bowl, stir together the mayonnaise and minced garlic until creamy and well-blended. This is the foundation of your Cranberry Aioli, and it’s where the lush, garlicky flavor starts to build.
Step 3: Add the Cranberries and Lemon
Mix the chopped cranberries into the mayo-garlic base, followed by lemon juice. The acidity of the lemon boosts the cranberries’ natural brightness and helps the aioli achieve that signature pop of flavor.
Step 4: Sweeten and Season
Drizzle in the honey, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly—taste and adjust the honey, salt, or lemon to suit your own palate. The perfect Cranberry Aioli should be boldly tangy, lightly sweet, and savory all at once.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the aioli and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This rest time gives the flavors a chance to meld and marry, creating that extra depth that brings Cranberry Aioli to life.
How to Serve Cranberry Aioli
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of green against the jewel-toned cranberry hue, while extra chopped cranberries on top hint at the flavors inside. For a little crunch, toasted pepitas look stunning and add texture. Don’t forget a finishing pinch of flaky sea salt just before serving!
Side Dishes
Cranberry Aioli is dreamy as a dip for roasted sweet potato wedges, crispy Brussels sprouts, or a basket of golden fries. It also makes a dazzling spread for turkey sliders, grilled chicken wraps, and veggie burgers—once you start pairing, you’ll want it on all your favorite sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Cranberry Aioli in a beautiful bowl surrounded by colorful crudités, or swirl it across a platter for dipping. For sliders or sandwiches, spread a generous layer on toasted buns and top with extra cranberries. It’s even a delight as a festive drizzle over grilled salmon or holiday leftovers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cranberry Aioli keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Give it a quick stir before serving to restore its creamy texture, and always use a clean spoon when dipping in to maintain freshness.
Freezing
While you technically can freeze aioli, the texture may become a bit grainy or separate when thawed due to the mayonnaise base. For best results, enjoy your Cranberry Aioli fresh or refrigerated—its quick assembly makes it just as easy to whip up another batch!
Reheating
Aioli is best served cold or at cool room temperature. If it firms up too much in the fridge, simply let it sit out for about 10 minutes before serving and give it a gentle stir—no actual reheating needed.
FAQs
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
You can, but fresh or thawed cranberries deliver the juiciest, most vibrant flavor! If you’re using dried, soak them briefly in hot water to plump them up, then chop before adding to your Cranberry Aioli for the best texture.
Is there a vegan version of Cranberry Aioli?
Absolutely! Just swap in your favorite plant-based mayonnaise and use maple syrup or agave in place of honey. The rest of the ingredients remain the same for a vegan-friendly, flavor-packed addition to your menu.
What’s the best way to make Cranberry Aioli extra smooth?
For a silky-smooth aioli, blitz the mixture in a small food processor or use an immersion blender. This not only makes the spread beautifully pink but blends those cranberry bits seamlessly into the garlicky base.
Can I make this ahead for a party?
Yes, Cranberry Aioli is perfect for prepping a day or two ahead! The flavors deepen and meld the longer it rests, so it’s actually more delicious when made in advance—just store it chilled until serving time.
What proteins does Cranberry Aioli pair well with?
The zesty, sweet-tart flavor of Cranberry Aioli makes it a match made in heaven for turkey, chicken, pork, or even grilled tofu. Spread it on sandwiches, dollop over roasted meats, or use it as a dip—it adds a festive twist to almost anything!
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Aioli is one of those magical condiments that instantly brightens any dish with its color and flavor. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—there’s truly no wrong way to enjoy it, and your friends and family will love every tangy, creamy bite!
Print
Cranberry Aioli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 1 1/2 cups 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Mixing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Elevate your dishes with this tangy and creamy Cranberry Aioli. Perfect for dipping, spreading, or drizzling, this versatile condiment adds a burst of flavor to any meal.
Ingredients
For the Cranberry Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
For the Aioli:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberry Sauce: In a saucepan, combine cranberries, water, and sugar. Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst and mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Let it cool.
- Make the Aioli: In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, and the cooled cranberry sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the aioli for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve as a dip or spread.
Notes
- This aioli pairs well with roasted vegetables, turkey sandwiches, or as a dressing for salads.
- Adjust the sugar in the cranberry sauce to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
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