6 Recipes That Mayo Makes Better, From Cakes to Steaks
This story was sponsored by Hellmann’s/Best Foods.
Every good chef or baker has a secret weapon. From the cast iron skillet that’s been passed down for generations to that herb blend hiding on the spice shelf, these go-tos can turn lackluster dishes into mouth-watering meals. We’re here to give you another for your back pocket, one that isn’t too pricey and will make your meals a whole lot tastier.
Your latest go-to ingredient is sitting humbly in the condiment aisle at your local grocery store, patiently waiting to take your cooking to the next level: Hellmann’s/Best Foods Light Mayonnaise.
We know you might be thinking, how can mayonnaise be so versatile? Most people simply use it in egg salad or spread it on the occasional cold-cut sandwich. However, mayo offers so much more. It contains the perfect blend of egg yolks, oil, and acidity that can give your savory dishes a flavor kick and your sweet ones a smooth, fluffy texture.
Hellmann’s/Best Foods Light Mayonnaise is an excellent option for those looking to consume fewer calories without sacrificing flavor. The light version offers the same creamy, delicious taste with 60 percent less calories and fat than Hellmann’s/Best Foods Real Mayonnaise. Better yet, it’s made with 100 percent certified cage-free eggs, and one serving contains a decent amount of omega-3 fatty acids and less than 5 mg of cholesterol.
Hellmann’s/Best Foods Light Mayonnaise
Buy Hellmann’s from Walmart
Buy Best Foods from Walmart
Why we like it:
- 60% less calories and fat than Hellman’s/Best Foods Real mayonnaise, but with all of the rich, creamy taste
- Made with 100% certified cage-free eggs
- Good source of omega 3 ALA
These classic recipes all get a major boost from mayo and will satisfy even the pickiest family members who claim to not be fans of the condiment. In fact, we bet they won’t even notice, or quite be able to put their finger on what makes them taste so good.
Create a moist cake.
If you’re struggling to achieve that perfectly moist and fluffy consistency of a chocolate cake, it’s time to switch up your recipe. Swap in Hellmann’s/Best Foods Light Mayonnaise for vegetable oil to create a moist, tender crumb. The oil in the condiment helps to soften the consistency and prevent dense, tough cake, while the vinegar actually helps bring out the chocolate flavor. Plus, cake tends to hold onto its moisture for longer if it contains mayo instead of vegetable oil. If you’re ready to try out this tasty swap, just remember to reduce the salt content in the original recipe.
And fluffy pancakes, too.
As an added bonus, Hellmann’s/Best Foods Light Mayonnaise helps create soft, fluffy pancakes for the same reasons. The vinegar in the condiment reacts with the baking soda in your pancake mix, creating even more lift than normal. In fact, those internet-famous Japanese pancakes, which can be as tall as cakes baked in the oven, often call for mayonnaise. If you’re hesitant because you’re worried that you will taste the mayo in your baked goods, don’t be. The amount that typical recipes call for will not be enough to override the other flavors in your mix.
Spread it over your grilled meats and cheese.
Craving a golden brown, crunchy grilled cheese, or a crispy piece of chicken or turkey? Use Hellmann’s/Best Foods Light Mayonnaise instead of butter to create a flavorful, golden exterior on your food. Brushing mayo onto grilled cheese and meats will prevent them from sticking to the grill or griddle and will also add flavor and trap in moisture. This is especially important for lean meats like chicken breast, which tend to dry out quickly during the cooking process.
Mayo is also a tasty additive for ground meats that are a little too lean. By adding a little mayonnaise to your ground beef, turkey, or chicken, you will replenish some of the fat content without causing your meat to become too fatty. This will also help to keep your burgers or meatballs moist and tender while they cook.
Whip up a three-ingredient dough for biscuits.
What is the main reason you bake biscuits only once in a blue moon? For most of us, it’s the hassle. While biscuits are relatively simple to make, the dough requires precise preparation so that the fats inside the mixture don’t melt before they hit the oven. Blending frozen butter into flour is never easy either and can frustrate even the most seasoned bakers.
Fortunately, substituting Hellmann’s/Best Foods Light Mayonnaise for other ingredients in biscuits will simplify the process. Mayo biscuits require just three ingredients: Self-rising flour, milk, and mayonnaise. The directions are simple too. Stir together the ingredients until they are just blended, then drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 12 minutes, and you have yourself an entire tray of moist, fluffy biscuits in less than half an hour. Now you’ll be able to finally enjoy biscuits with full flavor and half the hassle!
Fry up golden, crispy chicken tenders.
If you want to have homemade chicken tenders for dinner but don’t feel like handling raw eggs, you no longer have to. Use light mayo instead. The condiment reportedly helps the breadcrumbs stick better to the meat, and gives the breading a nice flavor, golden-brown color, and crispy texture. Plus, mayo makes food prep easier than ever. Simply dip the chicken strips in Hellmann’s/Best Foods Light Mayonnaise, then cover them in your breadcrumbs mix. For added flavor, make sure your breadcrumbs have garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper as well.
Once you’ve laid out the chicken strips on a greased pan, you’re ready to bake them at 375 degrees for 30 minutes, turning the strips over halfway in between. With mayo to help simplify dinner time and create delicious entrees, your schedule and your family will thank you.
Craft a simplified, flavor-packed alfredo.
Just like biscuits, one of the biggest reasons we forego fettuccine alfredo for dinner is the added difficulty. Creating a roux requires constant attention that you just might not have, especially if you have children running around the house. Mayonnaise, on the other hand, eliminates the need for a flour-and-butter roux.
To create a mayo alfredo, first melt butter or margarine over low heat, then add in heavy cream, Hellmann’s/Best Foods Light Mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, and a dash of nutmeg if desired. With constant stirring, this sauce comes together in just six minutes. Toss the sauce with fettuccine and bacon bits, and you might just have a new go-to recipe.
So whether you’re trying out one of these classic recipes with a twist or making your favorite tuna salad, Hellmann’s/Best Foods Light Mayonnaise will do wonders for your meal, with fewer calories and less fat.
This story was sponsored by Hellmann’s/Best Foods.
