Get ready to meet your new favorite condiment: Alabama White BBQ Sauce. Tangy, creamy, and just a touch zippy, this Southern classic is more than just a sauce—it’s a conversation starter at any BBQ. While it’s famous for making smoked chicken sing, you’ll find yourself reaching for it to drizzle over everything from fries to pulled pork. It comes together in minutes, and every spoonful delivers bold flavor with a whisper of heat. If you love sauces that pack a punch but are incredibly easy to whip up, this one’s a must-try!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Alabama White BBQ Sauce lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role, creating a bold sauce that’s greater than the sum of its parts. From creamy mayo to spicy horseradish, every item brings something unique to the table. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a little tip for each to help you build the best flavor possible:
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that gives this sauce its signature smooth texture and richness.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds a bright tang that cuts through the richness and keeps things lively.
- Lemon juice: A splash of citrus brings fresh acidity and balance to the sauce.
- Prepared horseradish: Don’t skip this—it gives the sauce its mild heat and unmistakable kick.
- Dijon mustard: For subtle sharpness and depth of flavor; classic yellow mustard works in a pinch.
- Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami and a touch of savoriness that rounds out the profile.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a mellow garlicky note without overpowering.
- Onion powder: Adds just the right background sweetness and savory aroma.
- Black pepper: A little bite goes a long way, enhancing all the other flavors.
- Salt: Essential for bringing everything together—taste and adjust if needed.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Use if you like a little extra heat; start small and work your way up.
- Sugar (optional): Just a teaspoon smooths out the acidity if you prefer a hint of sweetness.
How to Make Alabama White BBQ Sauce
Step 1: Whisk the Base
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk everything together until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This is the foundation of your Alabama White BBQ Sauce, so make sure there are no lumps and all the ingredients are well blended.
Step 2: Add the Seasonings
Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper if you’re looking for a little extra kick. If you like your sauce a touch less tangy, this is the time to stir in the optional sugar as well. Mix everything very well so the seasonings are evenly dispersed—you want every bite to have a perfect balance of flavors.
Step 3: Let the Flavors Meld
For the most flavorful Alabama White BBQ Sauce, cover your bowl and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time lets all those bold flavors marry together, transforming the sauce from good to absolutely irresistible.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Before serving, give your sauce a quick stir and taste. If it feels a little too tangy, add a pinch more sugar. If you love heat, sprinkle in a bit more cayenne. The beauty of homemade sauce is making it your own—so don’t be shy about tweaking it until it’s perfect for your palate!
How to Serve Alabama White BBQ Sauce
Garnishes
This sauce is already packed with personality, but a little garnish goes a long way. Try a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper, a smattering of chopped chives, or even a pinch of smoked paprika for a lovely pop of color and extra flavor on top. These simple touches can make your Alabama White BBQ Sauce look as incredible as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Alabama White BBQ Sauce is a natural with smoked or grilled chicken, but don’t stop there! It’s also fantastic alongside crispy French fries, roasted vegetables, or as a zesty dip for onion rings. And if you’re serving pulled pork or brisket, a drizzle of this tangy sauce brings a refreshing contrast to all that smoky richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your imagination run wild! Serve Alabama White BBQ Sauce in a mason jar for a rustic BBQ vibe, or drizzle it artistically over a platter of grilled meats. Spoon it into small individual ramekins for dipping, or swirl it on sandwich buns for an unexpected twist. However you serve it, get ready for requests for the recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Alabama White BBQ Sauce keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Transfer it to an airtight container or a glass jar, and it’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to one week. Always use a clean spoon to avoid introducing any unwanted flavors or bacteria.
Freezing
While technically you can freeze this sauce, the texture may change once thawed due to the mayonnaise base. For the best flavor and consistency, it’s recommended to make what you’ll use within a week. If you do freeze it, whisk thoroughly after thawing to re-emulsify.
Reheating
Alabama White BBQ Sauce is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat it. If it’s been in the fridge and feels a bit too thick, just let it sit out for 10-15 minutes, then give it a good stir before serving.
FAQs
What makes Alabama White BBQ Sauce different from other BBQ sauces?
Unlike classic tomato or vinegar-based BBQ sauces, Alabama White BBQ Sauce is mayo-based, which gives it a super creamy texture and a tangy, slightly spicy flavor profile. It’s especially beloved for its ability to complement smoked chicken and other grilled meats without overpowering them.
Can I make this sauce without horseradish?
If you’re not a fan of horseradish or can’t find it, you can leave it out, but you’ll miss the signature zip that makes Alabama White BBQ Sauce unique. For a milder version, use just a small amount or substitute with a mild mustard for a similar effect.
Is Alabama White BBQ Sauce gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you double-check your mayonnaise, mustards, and Worcestershire sauce for any sneaky additives. It’s a fantastic option for those following a gluten-free diet.
How spicy is this sauce?
The base recipe is tangy with just a gentle warmth from the horseradish and black pepper. If you want more heat, add the optional cayenne pepper or increase the horseradish. You’re in control of the spice level, so tailor it to your crowd’s taste buds.
Can I use this as a marinade?
Absolutely! Alabama White BBQ Sauce isn’t just for dipping or drizzling—it makes a fantastic marinade for chicken. Just coat your proteins and let them soak up all that flavor in the fridge for a few hours before grilling or roasting.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Alabama White BBQ Sauce before, there’s no better time than now. It’s creamy, zippy, and so easy to make, you’ll wonder how your cookouts ever survived without it. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes the most-requested sauce at your table!
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Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 1/4 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Alabama White BBQ Sauce is a tangy, creamy, and slightly spicy mayonnaise-based sauce originating from Southern American cuisine. Perfectly balanced with vinegar, horseradish, and mustard, it pairs wonderfully with smoked or grilled chicken but also works great as a dip, sandwich spread, or drizzle over pulled pork.
Ingredients
Alabama White BBQ Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Instructions
- Combine wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Add dry spices: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper if using, and sugar if using. Mix thoroughly to ensure all flavors are evenly distributed.
- Chill and marinate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and develop for the best taste before serving.
Notes
- This sauce is traditionally paired with smoked or grilled chicken but is also delicious as a dip for fries, a sandwich spread, or drizzled over pulled pork.
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 1 week for optimum freshness.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your heat preference or omit for a milder flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
