Why This Budget-Friendly Homemade Mayonnaise is a Winner
If you’ve ever thought homemade mayonnaise was complicated, or required a full cup of oil like most recipes suggest, today’s simple and satisfying alternative might just change your mind. This budget-friendly homemade mayonnaise recipe uses only ½ cup of vegetable oil and 1 fresh egg—making it ideal for those who want to save money, reduce oil intake, or make a smaller batch of mayo that won’t go to waste.
In our home, this recipe is a favorite. It’s quick to make, incredibly smooth, and surprisingly thick—despite using just half the usual oil. In fact, it’s so easy that my daughters have mastered the process themselves. They’ve become the resident mayo-makers around here, and from what I’ve seen, their method is foolproof and delicious every single time.
What’s special about this recipe is not just its simplicity or thriftiness. It’s that you have control. You can use canola oil, sunflower oil, or any neutral vegetable oil you prefer. If canola is expensive or unavailable, don’t worry—this mayo works with common alternatives. Just avoid extra virgin olive oil, which can add an unexpected bitterness. If you still want to use olive oil, opt for the regular kind.
The immersion blender method ensures perfect texture. The secret? Start blending from the bottom, targeting the egg first. That’s the key to a creamy emulsion. You don’t need fancy machines or expensive ingredients—just a tall jar, a stick blender, and a few pantry staples.
Once it’s ready, you can use your homemade mayonnaise in sandwiches, burgers, salads, or even as a dip. We love to spread it on fresh rolls, fill with a slice or 2 of tomatoes and a pinch of salt for a quick, satisfying lunch or snack. It’s delicious, cost-effective, and made with ingredients you trust.
Let’s walk through how to make this budget-friendly homemade mayonnaise at home.
Budget-Friendly Homemade Mayonnaise | 1 Egg & ½ Cup Oil
Equipment
- 1 Immersion blender
- Tall jar or narrow mixing container
- Measuring spoons and cup
- 1 Clean storage jar with lid
Ingredients
- 1 clean egg (raw)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (canola, sunflower, or salad oil)
- 2 tbsps white vinegar (or lemon juice)
- ⅓ tsp salt (or to taste)
Instructions
- Choose a tall jar: Use a jar that comfortably fits your immersion blender.
- Crack the egg:Crack the egg into the jar. It must be clean and fresh.
- Add the oil: Pour in ½ cup of your preferred vegetable oil. While most mayonnaise recipes use a full cup, we find that half works just as well: it’s more budget-conscious.
- Add vinegar and salt:Pour in the white vinegar and add salt to taste. Lemon juice also works in place of vinegar.
- Blend from the bottom: Place your immersion blender right at the bottom of the jar and blend without moving it until the mixture begins to emulsify and thicken. This ensures the egg is blended first—crucial for creamy results.
- Begin slow movement: Once you notice the mayo forming and thickening, you can slowly raise the blender up and down to incorporate any remaining oil.
- Adjust consistency (optional):If you'd like a thicker mayo, you can add more oil, up to 1 cup total.
- Serve or refrigerate:Store your mayo in a clean jar in the refrigerator and use within 3 days due to the raw egg.
Video
Notes
Serving Suggestions
We love this mayonnaise:
- Spread on sandwiches and warm rolls
- Swirled into salad dressings
- As a burger topping or potato dip
- Used in place of margarine or butter on toasted bread
Final Thoughts on Budget-Friendly Homemade Mayonnaise
Whether you’re looking to cut grocery costs, eat more naturally, or just enjoy the satisfaction of DIY cooking, this budget-friendly homemade mayonnaise will win you over. No fancy tools, no waste, no stress—just creamy goodness made in your own kitchen.
Bonus: Want a simple homemade ketchup to go with this mayo? Check out this recipe on YouTube here. The blog version is coming soon.
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