Alabama White Sauce (Easy White BBQ Sauce)

Alabama White Sauce is a zesty, tangy, creamy and all around better version of regular barbecue sauce that will have you licking your fingers clean.

Try this white bbq sauce on smoked chicken, ribs, pork chops, and even as a dip for french fries!

Being a tomato lover, this recipe was a hard for me to even consider trying much less sharing with you guys. Not only a tomato lover but mustard based sauces are my JAM!

I can’t resist a tangy sauce on any meat really.

What is Alabama White Sauce?

This white bbq sauce recipe is a tangy, creamy, mayonnaise based sauce that is perfect for chicken and pork. I love to dip my chicken wings in it. Really it’s good for just about anything!

Not just an afterthought for slathering on after the meat is cooked, this white sauce is perfect for marinating you meat beforehand, basting it while you are cooking it, and for coating and dipping your meat afterwards.

Originating from Big Bob Gibson Bar, in northern Alabama is credited with this delicious and controversial sauce. I do believe that Old Robert Gibson knew what he was doing when he made this!

What does Alabama White Sauce taste like?

White barbecue sauce hits all the right spots on your taste buds. Tangy, zesty, slightly spicy, and a hint of sweetness describes this sauce.

Not to mention it has so many uses and is the hands down favorite of bbq lovers from Alabama.

Even though it’s not as thick as regular sauce, the mayo brings just the right amount of creaminess to make it perfect for just about any food! This is why the sauce is so controversial. The addition of the mayo keeps the smoked chicken from drying out.

Don’t forget to make extra for dipping!

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Ingredients Needed

Breaking with the tradition of making barbecue sauce from tomatoes, Alabama white sauce starts with simple ingredients and a mayonnaise base. I like mine extra tangy so I like to use plain Greek yogurt instead. The other ingredients are as follows.

Mayo – Duke’s is my favorite of all time but feel free to use plain Greek yogurt or even Miracle Whip if you prefer. I have even made this with sour cream.

Spices – The spices are the typical ones for bbq like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cayenne pepper is another one that is added but I prefer a few dashes of hot sauce. Throw in some onion powder if you need more onion flavor.

Mustard – Spicy brown is a great one to use. If you are looking for a slightly different profile, try adding Dijon or honey mustard.

Horseradish – If you like it hot, you can add extra hot prepared or grated horseradish but I like to use a prepared horseradish sauce. You can find it near the deli section.

Pantry staples – distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice.

Some recipes like to add a little sugar to balance out the tang but I don’t. If you like that little added sweetness feel free to add in some honey, brown sugar, or white sugar. Just be sure to start small.

How to make Alabama White Sauce

First: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, horseradish , and mustard. Stir to combine.

Second: Add in the spices, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.

Third: Taste and add hot sauce if desired. Serve with your favorite meats!

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

If I use this as a marinade or for basting, do I need any other seasonings or dry rubs?

This sauce contains everything you need in my opinion. Maybe that’s why it’s considered an all-purpose sauce in Alabama. But if you prefer extra seasoning check out my BBQ dry rub and Steak seasoning.

If you prefer a more traditional bbq sauce that’s fine. I personally love a mustard based sauce from South Carolina. Mostly because it is tangy and not overly sweet like other tomato based sauces.

This is the exact reason why this white bbq sauce is my new favorite. If you like tangy vinegar based dressings, then this bbq sauce is for you! They tend to be thinner in consistency just like this one.

Use it as a dipping sauce for your Cajun fries too!

How long does it last?

If stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will last up to 5 days. I don’t recommend freezing it as the mayo will separate.

More ways to use Alabama White Sauce

• marinade for chicken
• cole slaw dressing
• great as a sandwich spread
• drizzled on pulled pork
• french fry dip
• salad dressing
• pizza sauce
• dressing for potato salad

Tapas Tips & Tricks

• If you can’t find creamy horseradish sauce, try prepared horseradish sauce.
• If you don’t want to use regular mayo, try Miracle Whip or plain Greek yogurt.
• Is the sauce too thick when you make it? Thin it out with a little extra vinegar or water.
• Need a little sweetness to balance it out? Try a teaspoon or two of honey.
• Make a double or triple batch and store it in a mason jar in the fridge.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

This Alabama White BBQ Sauce will change the way you think about bbq sauce recipes whether you are from North Carolina or Texas. Your smoked or grilled chicken will sing with extra flavor!

More Party Foods

• Redneck Snack Mix
• BBQ Meatballs
• Crock Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken for Sliders

{Originally posted 4/10/20 – photos and recipe notes updated 3/11/2022 to improve reader experience}

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