This Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe is a southern classic with tangy zip, creamy texture, and just the right pop of peppery heat. If you’ve never tried this legendary sauce on grilled chicken, pulled pork, or even as a zippy dipping sauce, get ready for a flavor adventure that’s both easy to make and totally addictive!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbeatable Flavor: Creamy, tangy, sweet, and spicy—this sauce checks every box for a deeply craveable barbecue experience.
- Ridiculously Easy: Whip it up in just minutes with everyday ingredients—no cooking required!
- Versatile Superstar: Drizzle, dunk, or slather on everything from smoked chicken to roasted veggies, sandwiches, and fries.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This sauce gets even better as the flavors meld, so it’s perfect for making ahead or gifting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe is in its perfect, pantry-friendly line-up. Each item brings a special note—tang, heat, creaminess, or sweetness—that combine into a flavor-packed sauce you’ll want to put on absolutely everything!
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base—use a good, full-fat mayo for the silkiest, richest texture.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds irresistible tang and brightness that cuts through the richness.
- Spicy Brown Mustard: Offers a zesty kick and the classic mustard undertone—yellow works in a pinch, but brown brings more depth.
- Brown Sugar: A touch of molasses-y sweetness balances the acidity and heat perfectly.
- Prepared Horseradish: The secret to a little heat and that trademark Alabama tingle!
- Lemon Juice: A fresh burst of citrus livens up the sauce and underscores all the other flavors.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Deepens the savory notes and adds a subtle umami finish.
- Hot Sauce: For just the right chili warmth—don’t worry, it’s not too spicy!
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These round out the sauce, giving background complexity in every bite.
- Cayenne Pepper: A tiny dash for a gentle heat, not a fiery burn.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste—don’t skip this! Seasoning brings everything together.
Variations
One of the best things about this Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe is how easy it is to tweak! Whether you love it spicier, tangier, or even dairy-free, these simple swaps make it your own family favorite.
- Extra Spicy: Amp up the cayenne or add a few spoons of your favorite hot sauce for a fiery kick.
- Sugar-Free: Swap brown sugar for a zero-calorie sweetener or leave it out for a more savory profile.
- Lighter Version: Use a light or avocado-oil mayo for a slightly healthier sauce that stays deliciously creamy.
- Herby Twist: Stir in chopped fresh chives, parsley, or dill for garden-fresh flavor.
How to Make Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Measure and Prep
Start by gathering and measuring all your ingredients. Trust me, having everything lined up makes the mixing process quick and mess-free—and you get to add each component with confidence!
Step 2: Whisk It All Together
In a medium mixing bowl, add mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, spicy brown mustard, brown sugar, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Whisk until completely smooth and creamy—no lumps left!
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Sneak a taste and adjust salt, pepper, lemon, or cayenne to fit your mood—sauces like this are all about personalization.
Step 4: Chill for Best Flavor
For the most melded and vibrant flavor, transfer the sauce to a sealed jar and let it rest in the fridge for a couple of hours. (If you just can’t wait, it’s still delicious right away!)
Pro Tips for Making Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe
- Mayonnaise Matters: The flavor and texture of the finished sauce depends on a quality mayo—choose one you’d happily eat by the spoonful.
- Zest and Zip: If your sauce tastes too flat, a squeeze more lemon or a pinch of extra vinegar can wake it right up.
- Make Ahead for Magic: Give the flavors at least 2 hours to become best friends in the fridge—the transformation is noticeable and worth the wait.
- Don’t Skip the Horseradish: Even if you’re not a massive fan, that subtle heat is the soul of authentic Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe.
How to Serve Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Give your Alabama White BBQ Sauce a finishing touch with a sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper or some snipped chives—the pop of color and subtle bite make each bite extra special and invite dipping.
Side Dishes
This sauce begs for a classic Southern cookout—think smoked chicken, grilled pork, potato salad, and crisp coleslaw. It also shines with roasted veggies, baked beans, or as a sassy dip for crunchy fried pickles.
Creative Ways to Present
Swirl your Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe into little ramekins for dipping at parties, drizzle over chicken sliders, or gift a cute jar to your favorite BBQ lover. It’s also incredible brushed onto grilled wings just before serving!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover sauce keeps beautifully in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to a week (and honestly, the flavor only improves with time!). Be sure to use a clean spoon each time to keep it ultra-fresh.
Freezing
While technically you can freeze this sauce, the creamy base may separate when thawed. I recommend making it fresh or simply refrigerating—it comes together so quickly you won’t need to freeze!
Reheating
No need to reheat—just let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes if it’s extra thick from chilling. Give it a good stir and you’re set for dipping, drizzling, or brushing on your barbecue favorites.
FAQs
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Is Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe spicy?
Not at all! The base recipe is milder than traditional tomato-based BBQ sauces, with just a subtle warmth from the cayenne and horseradish. If you like more heat, simply bump up the hot sauce or cayenne pepper to your taste.
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Can I make Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavor actually develops and improves after a few hours in the fridge, making it ideal for prepping a day before your cookout or gathering.
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What meats go best with Alabama White BBQ Sauce?
This sauce is legendary on smoked or grilled chicken, but it’s also heavenly drizzled over pork, turkey, and even seafood. Try it with beef or as a burger topper—it’s ridiculously versatile!
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Can I use store-bought mayo or do I need homemade?
Store-bought works just fine! Choose a good-quality, full-fat mayo with a flavor you enjoy, since it’s the backbone of this Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe. Homemade mayo offers amazing flavor too, but isn’t required.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a bold, tangy sauce that brings something truly special to every meal, don’t wait to try this Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe. It’s so easy and crowd-pleasing, you’ll find yourself making an extra batch “just in case.” Enjoy every creamy, zippy bite—you might never go back to red sauce again!
Print
Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1.5 cups (24 tablespoons) 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This White BBQ Sauce recipe, also known as Alabama White Sauce, is a tangy and creamy alternative to traditional tomato-based barbecue sauces. Perfect for chicken, pork, or even as a salad dressing.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown mustard (spicy brown)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish (hot)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste (1/2 teaspoon each)
Instructions
- Whisk all of the ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth.
- Use the white bbq sauce right away, or transfer to a sealable jar and refrigerate a few hours to let the flavors develop and meld.
Notes
- Spice Factor: Mild, though you can spice it up with hotter powders and/or chili flakes.
- Makes about 1.5 cups/24 tablespoons.
- Will last a week in the refrigerator or longer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
