It’s November, and while some say it’s too early for holiday cheer, the twinkling lights, spiced cookies, and familiar jingles say otherwise. As Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” inevitably climbs the charts yet again, it’s a reminder that “there is just one thing I need!” — and that’s a dependable flavor base that is versatile, consistent, and built to handle festivities.

That’s where mayonnaise comes in. If you’re looking to enhance flavor and create consistency across your menu, a celebrated name like Duke’s® Mayo is the little helper keeping offerings merry and bright.

Mayo Magic

With its stable emulsion, mayonnaise offers chefs a way to lock in texture and balance across a wide range of applications. From smooth dressings to thick sandwich spreads, adjusting mayo ratios can help you dial in the perfect consistency, without separating or breaking.

Duke’s Real Mayonnaise is a back-of-house staple that stands apart thanks to its no-sugar formula. Never made with sugar and only egg yolks, it uses both distilled and cider vinegar to achieve its signature tangy “twang.” Duke’s is the only mayo with that little Southern something, and that difference not only gives it a robust, balanced flavor profile, but also means it pairs seamlessly with both sweet and savory pairings.

According to research, calling out Duke’s on menus boosts more than flavor — it boosts sales. Data shows consumers report higher intent to order, better taste perception, and they are willing to pay more when they see Duke’s by name (this is totally true for me — shout out to Hot Tomato Summer!).

Season’s Eatings

The holiday season is the perfect time to highlight mayo’s versatility. Think holiday classics like Deviled Eggs, Creamy Mashed Potatoes, and a twist on tradition with a Mayo Bird turkey, or even use it as the base for creamy dips at catered events.

For high-volume or specialty kitchens, consider Duke’s Heavy Duty Mayo. Its thick consistency makes it ideal for binding and holding. The heavier body also stands up to added spices, making it an excellent base for signature dishes while still delivering customization opportunities. Consider using it to build Crab Cakes with Aioli, batch prep Classic Potato Salad, or in a spread like Gravy Mayo or Cranberry Mayo, to complement your seasonal LTOs.

Bake It, Blend It, Brown It

Thanks to its fat content and emulsifying properties, mayo blends effortlessly into baked goods, delivering spongy, soft cakes and breads like this decadent Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake.

Heated, mayo doubles as a browning agent — coat poultry or proteins before roasting to lock in juiciness and achieve a golden finish or swap butter for mayo on grilled cheeses and paninis for even browning and a crisp crust, thanks to its higher smoke point.

As a binding ingredient, mayo helps reduce food waste by keeping mixtures like patties and fried cakes or wet salads intact without restricting flavor. And as a foundation for dips, spreads, and dressings, it provides consistent texture and taste across the menu.

Mayonnaise may be under the radar for holiday celebrations, but in the BOH, it’s the dependable base that holds everything together. Mayo — it’s versatile, reliable, and the one ingredient every menu sleighs with. Just ask Tubby (the Duke’s mascot), who’s been spreading joy ever since the “Almighty Twang!” gave him legs (look it up!).

*Content provided in partnership with Duke’s