Alabama White BBQ Sauce stands out in the world of barbecue with its bold, tangy personality. Unlike traditional tomato-based sauces, this creamy, mayonnaise-based sauce is a Southern original that pairs beautifully with smoked chicken, pork, or even grilled vegetables. It originated in North Alabama and has since grown into a national favorite thanks to its irresistible flavor.
Whether you’re an experienced pitmaster or just beginning to explore Southern cuisine, this sauce deserves a spot in your repertoire.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Unique Flavor Profile – Creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, with a peppery kick.
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Extremely Versatile – Works well as a marinade, dipping sauce, or finishing glaze.
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No Cooking Required – Just mix and chill, making it perfect for quick prep.
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Authentic Southern Touch – Brings a taste of Alabama BBQ culture to your table.
Ingredients List
To make authentic Alabama white sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:
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1 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1–2 teaspoons sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Optional Add-Ins:
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Dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for heat
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Smoked paprika for depth
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Fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a fresh twist
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Chill Time: 30 minutes (for best flavor)
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Total Time: 40 minutes
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Servings: Makes about 1 1/2 cups (serves 6–8 as a sauce or marinade)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Alabama White BBQ Sauce
Step 1: Gather Ingredients
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Measure and prepare all the ingredients. Use high-quality mayonnaise for the base.
Step 2: Combine in a Bowl
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In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, horseradish, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
Step 3: Add Seasonings
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Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and cracked black pepper. Add sugar if a slightly sweet profile is desired.
Step 4: Chill for Flavor
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Transfer to a jar or container, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend and intensify.
Step 5: Serve or Store
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Use immediately as a sauce or marinade, or store for later use.
What Makes Alabama White Sauce Different?
Unlike ketchup or molasses-based BBQ sauces, Alabama White Sauce is creamy and vinegar-forward. The use of mayonnaise provides a smooth texture, while horseradish, mustard, and vinegar bring heat and acidity. It’s especially well-suited for poultry, offering a refreshing contrast to smoky grilled meats.
The History of Alabama White BBQ Sauce
This sauce was created in the 1920s by Big Bob Gibson in Decatur, Alabama. He wanted a cooling sauce that could complement smoked chicken without overwhelming it. His white BBQ sauce became a signature item at his restaurant and sparked a regional tradition that endures today.
Best Uses for Alabama White Sauce
Smoked or Grilled Chicken
Baste chicken with the sauce during the final minutes of grilling or use as a dipping sauce once cooked.
Pulled Pork
Mix into shredded pork for a creamy, tangy twist on traditional pulled pork sandwiches.
Vegetables
Drizzle over grilled zucchini, roasted potatoes, or use as a dip for raw carrots and celery.
Burgers & Sandwiches
Spread on buns in place of mayonnaise or ketchup for a richer, more flavorful condiment.
Seafood
It pairs surprisingly well with grilled shrimp or fried catfish.
How to Use as a Marinade
To use Alabama white sauce as a marinade:
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Place chicken or pork in a shallow dish or zip-top bag.
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Pour in enough sauce to coat evenly.
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Marinate in the refrigerator for 2–4 hours.
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Remove meat and cook as desired; baste with fresh sauce if needed.
Note: Do not reuse marinade that raw meat has touched. Reserve a separate portion for basting or serving.
Tips for Perfect Alabama White Sauce
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Use real mayonnaise. Avoid light or whipped versions for best texture.
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Balance the acid. Taste as you go to adjust the vinegar and lemon juice.
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Chill before serving. Cold sauce has a better texture and more defined flavor.
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Don’t skip the pepper. Fresh cracked black pepper gives this sauce its signature bite.
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Customize it. Add more horseradish, mustard, or hot sauce to suit your palate.
Variations and Twists
Spicy Alabama White Sauce
Add a teaspoon of cayenne, a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce, or even diced jalapeños for heat.
Smoky White Sauce
Stir in a 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a backyard BBQ flavor.
Herb-Infused Version
Add chopped fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or dill for an herbal brightness.
Vegan Version
Use vegan mayo and plant-based Worcestershire sauce to create a dairy-free and egg-free alternative.
Storage Guidelines
Refrigerator
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Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
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Stir well before each use.
Freezer
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Not recommended. The mayo base may separate and become gritty when thawed.
Nutritional Overview (Per Tablespoon Approximation)
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Calories: 100
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Fat: 10g
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Carbs: 1g
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Protein: 0g
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Sugar: 1g
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Sodium: 130mg
(May vary slightly depending on brands and proportions used.)
Make-Ahead Tips
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Make the sauce up to 3 days in advance for peak flavor.
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Store it in a jar for easy pouring and serving.
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Consider doubling the batch—it goes fast!
FAQs
Does it taste like mayonnaise?
While mayo is the base, the vinegar, horseradish, mustard, and spices transform it into a tangy, flavorful sauce that doesn’t taste like plain mayo.
Can I grill with it?
Yes, but only baste near the end of cooking. The high oil content may cause flare-ups if applied too early.
Can I use it on ribs or brisket?
You can, but it’s best suited for lighter meats like chicken or turkey. That said, some people love it on brisket sandwiches!
Is it served hot or cold?
Alabama white sauce is traditionally served cold or at room temperature as a finishing or dipping sauce.
Conclusion
Alabama White BBQ Sauce may not be as well-known as its tomato-based cousins, but it offers a one-of-a-kind flavor that’s worth adding to your recipe collection. Its creamy texture and bold tang are perfect for everything from grilled meats to roasted vegetables, making it one of the most versatile condiments you can keep in your fridge.