The Earthy Condiment That Makes Store-Bought Mayo Taste Luxurious

Many ingredients that have been purchased from the store can be gussied up at home. Whether through strategic preparations or a sneaky inclusion of other ingredients, basic condiments can take on elevated forms — especially a reliable jar of standard mayo. Pre-made mayo can be upgraded easily with quick crumbles of bacon, a squeeze of grapefruit, or a splash of hot sauce, giving a familiar favorite an added punch of flavor. If you're looking for a decadent dip or luxurious spread to accompany plates of sweet potato fries and homemade sandwiches, look no further than truffle oil.

Truffles are expensive ingredients to stock up on, but truffle oil was created to serve as an affordable option for those looking to infuse dishes with this pungent ingredient. Truffle oil doesn't contain actual truffles, but even a few drops of the stuff can transform a meal with earthy and slightly nutty layers. When paired with the inherent creaminess of a spoonful of mayo, the umami-rich presence of truffle oil turns a store-bought product into a thing of beauty. You won't need much truffle oil to transform a cup of mayo, either. Start with a 1/2 teaspoon of truffle oil to blend into the jar of mayo before adjusting to taste, or try stepping fully on the pedal of truffle flavor by adding truffle salt to your creation.

When shopping for truffle oil, inspect ingredient lists to look for natural truffle extract, not artificial flavors. Quality truffle oil is earthy and nuanced, not fake, and the aroma should be balanced. When poured out of the container, truffle oil should be clear and easily mixed into a dish of mayo. At the store, you may notice options to purchase items made with either black or white truffles. Black truffles tend to run a bit earthier and offer a stronger aroma, whereas white truffles are generally considered lighter and more delicate. Either flavor enhancer can be used to dial up other ingredients you have in your kitchen, like sour cream and yogurt.

To accommodate vegan diners, you can make vegan mayo by mixing sunflower, avocado, or olive oil, vinegar, a milk alternative, and lemon. More advanced truffle-infused mayo recipes can include salt and pepper, lemon juice, or minced cloves of garlic. For an elevated finish, garnish your creative culinary condiments with a sprinkle of garden herbs. A dusting of thyme or rosemary can make for a dish that will hold little resemblance to the mayo you carried home from the store. Show off your pretty presentation alongside grilled steak or slather the spread onto toast for a grilled cheese you won't soon forget.