Let me introduce you to a Southern classic that’s going to become your new obsession: Alabama White BBQ Sauce. This sauce is so much more than just another topping for grilled meats—it’s creamy, zesty, and utterly impossible to resist. The tanginess from vinegar and lemon, the gentle heat from horseradish, and a subtle sweetness all come together in a ridiculously luscious concoction. Whether you’re dunking crispy chicken, slathering it on smoked pork, or using it as a secret sandwich ingredient, every bite gets an instant flavor makeover.

Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I absolutely love about this Alabama White BBQ Sauce is how it uses such simple pantry staples, yet each ingredient brings a punch of flavor, color, or creaminess. Here’s why you’ll want each one in your bowl!

Mayonnaise: The creamy base that holds everything together—choose a good quality mayo for the richest texture.
Apple cider vinegar: Tangy and bright, it balances that richness beautifully and gives you that classic Southern zip.
Lemon juice: Adds extra zing and a little citrus sparkle, perfectly lifting the other flavors.
Prepared horseradish: The secret weapon for gentle heat and depth—you’ll notice its warmth, but it won’t overpower.
Dijon mustard: A touch of sharpness and even more savoriness.
Worcestershire sauce: That irresistible umami note—trust me, it makes a difference!
Garlic powder: For a subtle, mellow garlic undertone that blends right in.
Onion powder: Adds a background sweetness and roundness without raw-onion bite.
Salt: Essential for pulling all the flavors together and making each ingredient sing.
Black pepper: For just enough warmth and earthy spice in every bite.
Cayenne pepper (optional): If you like things a little spicy, this is your moment.
Sugar: Just a touch, to round out the tang with a little sweetness—taste as you go!

How to Make Alabama White BBQ Sauce

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Start by measuring and setting out all of your ingredients. This makes mixing a breeze and ensures you won’t forget any essentials. Lay everything out on your counter—it’s going to look so inviting that you’ll get excited just seeing it all together!

Step 2: Whisk the Creamy Base

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, horseradish, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. At first, it might seem like too many liquids, but give it a few strong whisks and watch it turn smooth and velvety. This is the backbone of your Alabama White BBQ Sauce!

Step 3: Add Your Seasonings

Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if you want a little kick. Add the sugar a teaspoon at a time, tasting as you go until you find the perfect balance. Whisk everything again until the sauce is creamy and uniform; you should see little flecks of spice peeking through the pale sauce.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Dip in with a clean spoon and give your sauce a little taste. This is the moment to tweak things—add a pinch more sugar for sweetness, a squirt more lemon for zing, or a dash more horseradish for extra heat. Every cook’s tastebuds are different, so make it yours!

Step 5: Chill and Let Flavors Mingle

Transfer your finished Alabama White BBQ Sauce to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (an hour is even better if you have the time). Letting it chill gives all the flavors time to meld together, so you get maximum tang in every bite. Serve it chilled or at room temperature—both are delicious.

How to Serve Alabama White BBQ Sauce

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra black pepper or a few tiny chives on top right before serving for a pop of color and a fresh bite. If you want to get fancy, a gentle dusting of paprika instantly makes it look Instagram-worthy and adds subtle smokiness.

Side Dishes

Alabama White BBQ Sauce is famously paired with smoked or grilled chicken, but don’t stop there. It turns pulled pork sandwiches into something unforgettable, makes a lovely dip for fries or onion rings, and even transforms roasted veggies. Pair your main dish with classic coleslaw, baked beans, or fluffy cornbread and you’ll have yourself a barbecue feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Pour your sauce into a glass jar for a rustic look, or serve individual portions in little ramekins for dipping. Drizzle it generously over grilled meats on a platter for that wow factor, or swirl it onto sandwiches and wraps. Feel free to bring some out as a last-minute surprise at your next BBQ—no one’ll be able to guess how simple it was to whip up!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Alabama White BBQ Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll keep beautifully for up to a week—just give it a stir before serving, as the flavors continue to develop over time and the texture stays perfectly creamy.

Freezing

While technically you can freeze mayonnaise-based sauces, the texture often changes after thawing and can become watery or separated. I highly recommend making a fresh batch when you need it, but if you do freeze it, whisk it again thoroughly once defrosted.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Alabama White BBQ Sauce, since it’s designed to be served chilled or at room temperature. If it’s straight from the fridge and you prefer it less cool, just let it sit on the counter for ten or fifteen minutes before serving. Give it a good stir to refresh the consistency!

FAQs

Can I make Alabama White BBQ Sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, letting it rest in the fridge makes the flavors even better. Prepare it up to a day in advance and keep it chilled until you’re ready to use—it just gets tangier and more delicious.

Is Alabama White BBQ Sauce spicy?

It’s generally mild, with a gentle tingle from the horseradish and (if you choose to use it) cayenne. If you love heat, feel free to add extra horseradish or more cayenne to turn things up a notch!

What meats pair best with this sauce?

Smoked or grilled chicken is the traditional choice—nothing beats that combo! But don’t hesitate to serve it with pulled pork, turkey, beef brisket, or even as a dipping sauce for grilled shrimp or roasted veggies.

Is this sauce suitable for people with allergies?

Alabama White BBQ Sauce is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, but it does contain eggs (via the mayonnaise). For an egg-free version, try using your favorite vegan mayo alternative.

Can I adjust the thickness of the sauce?

Definitely! For a thicker sauce, use a full-fat, high-quality mayonnaise and go easy on the vinegar or lemon juice. If you want it thinner for drizzling, just add a splash more vinegar or even a bit of water until you reach your perfect consistency.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tasted Alabama White BBQ Sauce before, this is your sign to whip up a batch and watch it steal the show at your next meal. I’ve found it to be a true conversation starter every time I serve it, and I can’t wait for you to experience that tangy magic in your own kitchen. Give it a try and let your grilling game reach new heights!

Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 5 minutes (plus optional chill time)
Yield: 1 1/4 cups 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Alabama White BBQ Sauce is a tangy and creamy twist on traditional barbecue sauce. Made with mayonnaise, vinegar, and a blend of spices, it’s perfect for adding flavor to grilled or smoked meats.

Ingredients

Scale

For the White BBQ Sauce:

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 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1–2 teaspoons sugar (to taste)

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Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, horseradish, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne (if using), and sugar. Whisk again until fully combined and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning or sweetness as desired.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

This tangy, creamy BBQ sauce is perfect for grilled or smoked chicken, pulled pork, or as a dipping sauce for fries and veggies.
It keeps well in the fridge for up to 1 week in an airtight container.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Sauce
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American (Southern)