Alabama White BBQ Sauce

Alabama white BBQ sauce is a tangy, creamy twist on traditional barbecue sauce that’s beloved in the South—especially when paired with grilled or smoked chicken. Made with mayonnaise, vinegar, and a punch of spices, this bold sauce is perfect for basting, dipping, or drizzling. It’s zesty, peppery, and totally irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique flavor—tangy, creamy, and slightly spicy
• Quick and easy to mix up in minutes
• Perfect for grilled chicken, pulled pork, wings, and more
• Doubles as a dipping sauce or sandwich spread
• No cooking required—just mix and serve

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Mayonnaise
• Apple cider vinegar
• Prepared horseradish
• Dijon or yellow mustard
• Lemon juice
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• Salt
• Cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Optional: sugar or honey for a touch of sweetness

directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, horseradish, mustard, and lemon juice.
2. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
3. Add garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne (if using).
4. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more vinegar for tang, more pepper for heat, or a pinch of sugar if you prefer it sweeter.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve as a sauce for grilled chicken, pork, ribs, or use as a dipping sauce or dressing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 1½ cups of sauce.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Rest time (recommended): 30 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Sweeter version: Add a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar
• Spicier kick: Increase cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce
• Smoky: Add a little smoked paprika or chipotle powder
• Buttermilk twist: Replace part of the mayo with buttermilk for a thinner, tangier version
• Vegan: Use vegan mayo and plant-based mustard to make it dairy- and egg-free

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
No reheating necessary. Stir well before serving, especially if stored for a few days.

FAQs

What does Alabama white sauce taste like?

It’s tangy, creamy, peppery, and slightly spicy—very different from sweet tomato-based BBQ sauces.

What is it traditionally served with?

Smoked or grilled chicken is the classic pairing, but it’s also great with pork, turkey, or as a dip for fries and veggies.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors have time to blend.

Is it supposed to be served warm or cold?

Cold or room temperature is best, but you can warm it slightly if preferred.

Can I use yellow mustard instead of Dijon?

Absolutely—yellow mustard gives it a more classic Southern BBQ flavor.

Is it keto-friendly?

Yes, most versions are low in carbs. Just skip the sugar or honey if you’re watching carbs.

Can I use it as a marinade?

Yes, it works well as a marinade, especially for chicken—just be sure to discard any leftover marinade used with raw meat.

Is horseradish necessary?

Horseradish adds the signature bite. If you don’t like it, reduce the amount or leave it out for a milder sauce.

How thick should the sauce be?

It should be pourable but creamy. You can thin it out with a little vinegar or lemon juice if needed.

Can I freeze Alabama white sauce?

Not recommended—mayonnaise-based sauces can separate when frozen. It’s best made fresh and stored in the fridge.

Conclusion

Alabama white BBQ sauce is a bold and tangy game-changer that brings something totally different to your grill. Whether you’re slathering it on smoked chicken or dipping crispy wings, this creamy Southern classic adds irresistible flavor with every bite. Once you try it, you’ll be looking for excuses to put it on everything.

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