19 Ways To Elevate The Flavor Of Mayonnaise

In the world of condiments, mayonnaise reigns superior — and we aren't just giving you our own opinion either. The creamy side sauce has previously made its way to the top as the most popular condiment in the U.S., against other contenders like hot sauce, mustard, and barbecue sauce. Sorry ketchup, you just didn't make the cut. 

While it's usually purchased premade, making it from scratch is pretty simple. By whisking ingredients like egg yolks, oil, and a bit of vinegar (or lemon juice), you will be well on your way to a homemade batch. The oil and vinegar emulsify (or mix together) thanks to those bright yellow yolks. The process is straightforward, and the ingredients are simple, so what makes mayonnaise so special? For us, mayo is most unique for its ability to transform recipes from mediocre to mouthwatering. 

But have you ever tried your hand at elevating the flavor of mayonnaise itself to suit the recipe you are making? We mean carefully crafting a new, improved condiment made with fun ingredients you might already have stocked up in the pantry. Just in case you need a little inspiration, we have 19 examples below.

Possibly one of the easiest ways to create a fancy mayonnaise is with the help of the jiggly canned cranberry sauce you see most often at Thanksgiving. That's right; cranberry sauce will transform your mayonnaise into an incredible sandwich condiment.

Okay, maybe we're getting a little excited about cranberry mayonnaise over here — but seriously, don't knock it until you've tried it. To make the pretty pink sauce, simply combine about 2 or 3 tablespoons of cranberry sauce with about 3 or 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise. Whisk it until the two combine into a smooth, brightly-hued sauce.

Pair that with two fresh slices of sourdough or homemade farmer's bread, quality deli turkey, sliced cheddar cheese, juicy sliced tomatoes, and fresh leaf lettuce. You'll also love this sandwich enveloped in a wrap if you're watching your carb intake.

While we all have our own name for the strangely satisfying mayo and ketchup concoction, Heinz went ahead and dubbed it "Mayochup" a few years back, leaving many sauce lovers bothered by the name. For folks who have enjoyed this hybrid for years, they'll tell you its proper name is "fry sauce," no questions asked.

Whether you dip your fries in the tangy sauce or you grew up dipping your veggies in it, the humble duo really does come together beautifully. To make your own version, swirl equal parts mayo and ketchup and call it whatever you want. It's lovely drizzled-over hot dogs and burgers, and it makes a perfect dipping sauce for grilled ham and cheese sandwiches.

Thanks to its trending popularity, kewpie mayonnaise continues to rage across social media as the thin yellow-hued condiment everyone needs to try. The Japanese mayo is different as it uses egg yolks, rice vinegar, and, you guessed it, MSG (short for monosodium glutamate) for ultra umami flavor. 

If you consider yourself a self-proclaimed home chef, you'll have to try this tangy, subtly sweet copycat kewpie mayo. It's as simple as blitzing six ingredients together until you reach a creamy consistency. Now, you are probably wondering what to put this on. Use kewpie mayonnaise anytime you plan to use regular mayo for a recipe. Use it to make a salad dressing, toss it in a chicken salad, spread it over a turkey club sandwich, or dip your French fries in it.

You can't have a proper fish filet sandwich without a shmear of chunky tartar sauce, and your fish and chips dinner wouldn't be the same without it, either. The uncomplicated yet flavorful condiment is so easy to make we wouldn't dare suggest buying it in the bottle.

Some mayonnaise, combined with relish, will create a tasty tartar sauce in under 30 seconds, but there are a few additional ways to spruce up your favorite fried fish accompaniment. If you have an extra minute to spare, we recommend grabbing some fresh dill (dried is fine in a pinch), chopped-up dill pickles, salt, and lemon juice. Combine these ingredients with your mayo, and you'll have a bang-up tartar sauce to suit your fishy-feast needs.

There is a good chance you have heard of spicy mayo, but just in case you haven't, we love any opportunity to enthuse your tastebuds with a new idea. There are several ways to whip up a quick spicy mayo, and you can get it done with whatever you already have.

One of the most popular ways to add spice is with the help of whatever your favorite hot sauce is. For some, it's sriracha, no questions asked. Otherwise, Franks Red Hot, Tabasco, and Tapatio will do. A few dashes will do the trick, but be sure to taste test until you reach the right level of heat to meet your taste bud's expectations. Drizzle your spicy mayo over a sandwich, French fries, or tacos, and enjoy the flavorful burn. 

Fresh garden herbs have a way of transforming a meal like no other ingredient. Plus, there is something special about walking out to your garden and snipping the leaves off of a fresh culinary plant, then taking it in for a rinse before chopping it.

The sense of green thumb pride combined with the glory of eating something you have grown cannot be beaten. Because many yummy herbs mix well with mayonnaise, you can consider trying whatever you have growing. Otherwise, consider using up any extra fresh herbs you purchased recently.

Fresh dill, basil, parsley, cilantro, and chives are all excellent options, depending on what you are making. You can further enhance your homemade condiment using fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder.

While hibachi is best known for spatula flips and the entertainment of dancing flames, we are all about the yum yum sauce that comes with each bite of succulent surf and turf. The pale orange-colored sauce can be purchased in a bottle, but nothing beats a restaurant-made or homemade version. Not only is the flavor always superior (when made right), but it's super simple to put together. 

To make yum yum, add a few spices, sugar, tomato paste, and apple cider vinegar to your mayonnaise. Next time you treat yourself to char-grilled filet mignon or a few seared scallops, be sure to whip up a batch of yum yum to accompany the delicious fresh flavors of your meal. You can also drizzle yum yum sauce over grilled veggies or grilled skewers.

Chef Roy Choi of Los Angeles, California, swears by one double cheeseburger ingredient that will take things to another level. Among other culinary creations, he loves giving his mayonnaise a fun twist by folding in toasty sesame seeds.

So if you are a fan of all things sesame, this one is for you. The nutty tahini flavor and savory mayo combine flawlessly and accompany a meaty burger well. Combine that with your favorite melted cheese over each patty, and you have a winning grilled supper. Next time you decide to make restaurant-worthy burgers at home, try this amazing sesame hack. Who knows, you may discover another fun surprise ingredient to add to your mayo.

Most of us think of a dark crimson red when considering barbecue sauce as a condiment worth dipping your smoked pork in. But, if you travel down south to deeply rooted family restaurants, you'll find an interestingly light-colored barbecue sauce that stands out amongst the rest.

Alabama BBQ sauce gets its distinct color and flavor thanks to, you guessed it, mayonnaise. Vinegar, salt, and pepper also all help provide the characteristic flavor best matched with hickory smoked meats. If you're interested in giving this secret sauce a try, you can whip up a quick version at home by combining your favorite barbecue sauce with mayonnaise. You'll appreciate accompanying buttermilk battered fried chicken, smoked meats, and slow-roasted pork with the famous 'bama sauce. Even your fried onion rings will appreciate a quick dip.