Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe

Alabama White BBQ Sauce is a unique and flavorful sauce that stands out in the world of BBQ sauces. Unlike the typical tomato-based BBQ sauces, this one is creamy, tangy, and bursting with flavor.
Originating from Alabama, this sauce is made primarily with mayonnaise, vinegar, and a blend of spices that create a smooth and zesty dressing that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, especially chicken.
Whether you are looking to spice up your BBQ recipes or explore new flavors, this Alabama White BBQ Sauce is sure to become a family favorite.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Creamy & Tangy: The combination of mayonnaise and vinegar creates a rich and smooth texture with just the right amount of tang.
- Unique Flavor: A departure from the usual tomato-based BBQ sauces, this one offers a refreshing twist that complements grilled meats perfectly.
- Versatile: It can be used as a marinade, dipping sauce, or a topping, making it an incredibly versatile addition to your BBQ spread.
- Quick & Easy: With simple ingredients and an easy prep process, this sauce can be whipped up in no time.
- Southern Tradition: Alabama White BBQ Sauce is a beloved Southern recipe that brings a taste of the deep South to your table.
🛒 What Do You Need to Prepare Alabama White BBQ Sauce?
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon horseradish
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
These ingredients come together to form a tangy, creamy, and zesty sauce that is perfect for adding depth of flavor to your BBQ dishes.
🥄 How to Make Easy Alabama White BBQ Sauce Step-by-Step ?

Step 1: Combine Mayonnaise and Vinegar
Start by placing the mayonnaise in a medium-sized bowl. Add the apple cider vinegar and lemon juice, and whisk everything together until smooth. The vinegar adds the tangy kick, while the mayo provides creaminess.
Step 2: Add Mustard and Horseradish
Next, stir in the Dijon mustard and horseradish. These ingredients give the sauce its distinctive zing and a bit of extra sharpness.
Step 3: Season with Garlic and Onion Powder
Now, add the garlic powder and onion powder for a rich savory flavor. These spices will balance out the tanginess of the vinegar and the richness of the mayo.
Step 4: Add Pepper and Salt
Sprinkle in some black pepper and salt to taste. These will enhance the overall flavor profile of the sauce.
Step 5: Mix and Adjust to Taste
Finally, give everything a thorough mix. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you like it spicier, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper to elevate the heat level.
🍲 Variations
If you’re looking to experiment with Alabama White BBQ Sauce, here are a few fun variations you can try:
- Smoky Flavor: Add a touch of smoked paprika for a smoky, earthy twist.
- Sweetness: A teaspoon of honey or sugar can balance the tanginess with a little sweetness if preferred.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh chopped herbs such as parsley or dill to infuse the sauce with a refreshing herbal note.
- Ranch Version: Replace part of the mayonnaise with ranch dressing for a creamy ranch-infused version of the sauce.
- Spicy: Add extra cayenne pepper, or even a splash of hot sauce, to turn up the heat.
📝 Cooking Note
When making Alabama White BBQ Sauce, be sure to taste as you go. Since this sauce can be made in advance, it’s often better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld.
If you plan on storing it, make sure it’s kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to a week.
The sauce also works as a marinade, which can be used to marinate meats like chicken, pork, or even turkey for several hours before grilling.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This Alabama White BBQ Sauce is perfect for slathering on grilled chicken, especially smoked or roasted varieties. It also pairs wonderfully with pork, turkey, and even burgers. Use it as a dipping sauce for fries, onion rings, or grilled vegetables.
Drizzle it over coleslaw for a tangy twist or use it as a topping for sandwiches, wraps, or burgers. The versatility of this sauce makes it a must-have in any BBQ enthusiast’s repertoire.
🧠 Helpful Tips
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thinner sauce, simply add a little more vinegar or lemon juice to the mixture. For a thicker sauce, increase the amount of mayo.
- Chill Before Serving: Let the sauce chill in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Perfect for Grilling: If you’re grilling meats, brush the sauce onto the meat during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent the mayo from separating.
- Vegan Version: Use vegan mayo to make this sauce suitable for plant-based diets.
- Storage: This sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to one week, but it’s best used within a few days for the freshest taste.
🏆 Tips for the Best Alabama White BBQ Sauce
- Quality Mayo: Use high-quality mayonnaise for the best texture and flavor. Homemade mayo works wonders in this recipe.
- Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and apple cider vinegar. The acidity in the vinegar is crucial for balancing the creaminess of the mayo.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before using it. You might need to adjust the seasoning to fit your preference—more salt for savoriness or more lemon juice for acidity.
⏱️ Timing Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: None (no cooking required)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
🥗 Nutritional Information
- Calories: 80 per 2 tbsp
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredient brands used.)
❓ FAQs
Can I make Alabama White BBQ Sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce is even better when made ahead of time. The flavors meld together beautifully after sitting in the fridge for a few hours.
What meats go best with Alabama White BBQ Sauce?
It pairs wonderfully with chicken, especially smoked or grilled varieties, but it also goes great with pork, turkey, and even grilled vegetables.
Can I use this sauce as a marinade?
Yes! This sauce makes an excellent marinade for chicken, pork, or turkey. Just coat your meat and let it marinate for a few hours before cooking.
💭 Conclusion
Alabama White BBQ Sauce is a creamy, tangy, and absolutely irresistible addition to your BBQ repertoire. Whether you’re grilling chicken, pork, or even using it as a dip, this sauce will elevate your meals with its unique Southern flavor.
Simple to make and packed with flavor, it’s a sauce that will quickly become a staple at your BBQs and family gatherings.
Print
Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon horseradish
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions
Step 1: Combine Mayonnaise and Vinegar
Start by placing the mayonnaise in a medium-sized bowl. Add the apple cider vinegar and lemon juice, and whisk everything together until smooth. The vinegar adds the tangy kick, while the mayo provides creaminess.
Step 2: Add Mustard and Horseradish
Next, stir in the Dijon mustard and horseradish. These ingredients give the sauce its distinctive zing and a bit of extra sharpness.
Step 3: Season with Garlic and Onion Powder
Now, add the garlic powder and onion powder for a rich savory flavor. These spices will balance out the tanginess of the vinegar and the richness of the mayo.
Step 4: Add Pepper and Salt
Sprinkle in some black pepper and salt to taste. These will enhance the overall flavor profile of the sauce.
Step 5: Mix and Adjust to Taste
Finally, give everything a thorough mix. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you like it spicier, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper to elevate the heat level.
Notes
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredient brands used.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None (no cooking required)
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Americans
Nutrition
- Calories: 80 per 2 tbsp
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0g
Keywords: Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe