One-Ingredient Upgrades That Make Mayo Taste 100x Better

Anjali Prasertong
Anjali Prasertong
Anjali Prasertong is a writer and public health dietitian focused on food systems, racial equity, and nutrition. Originally from Los Angeles, she has taught English in rural Japan, worked as a private chef in Malibu, and led an innovative city-funded corner store program in New…read more
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published Jun 28, 2012
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overhead labeled shot of 9 bowls of mayo mixed with different ingredients
Credit: Photo: Ryan Liebe ; Food Stylist: Brett Regot

Fancy mayo is a simple way to add an extra layer of flavor to everyday sandwiches is. But “fancy” doesn’t need to mean hard. In many cases, you only need to add one ingredient to take store-bought mayo to a whole new level.

Below are some of our go-to mayo mix-ins. But there are no rules! Follow your mayonnaise-loving heart and do what sounds the most delicious. It’s hard to go wrong.

Easy Mayo Upgrades We Love

  1. Harissa: Harissa is a spicy chile paste common in North African and Middle Eastern cuisine that we turn to again and again. It adds a delightful kick to creamy mayo.
  2. Roasted garlic: It couldn’t be easier to roast garlic. Simply cut off the top of a head, drizzle it with oil, wrap it in foil, and cook in the oven until the cloves are irresistibly caramelized. Throw a couple of the jammy cloves into a bowl of mayo and you have the best roast beef sandwich spread.
  3. Fresh herbs: Use whatever you’ve got! This is the perfect way to make sure your bunch of dill doesn’t go to waste.
  4. Pesto: All you need is a small spoonful! Pesto mayo is equally perfect for a tomato and mozzarella sandwich or turkey club.
  5. Bacon: Add crumble crispy bacon to mayonnaise and game over. Use some on a classic burger and you’ll see why.
  6. Ranch seasoning: There is no limit when it comes to a packet of ranch seasoning. Mixed into some mayo, you have the world’s best (and easiest) ranch aioli, perfect for nights when you’re baking some frozen French fries.
  7. Lemon: Use both zest and juice for this bright and bold sandwich spread. Our fave? A really good BLT.
  8. Cranberry sauce: This is the perfect solution for leftover homemade cranberry sauce during the holidays. But honestly, we love adding Thanksgiving vibes to our turkey sandwiches in June, too.
  9. Gochujang: This pungent and spicy red chili paste is a staple condiment in Korean cooking. Mixed with mayo, it’s delicious drizzled over Bibimbap Tacos or served alongside Korean Fried Chicken Wings.
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