Alabama White Sauce Recipe (Southern BBQ Sauce)
Tangy, creamy, and packed with Southern charm, this Alabama white sauce recipe brings bold BBQ flavor to smoked meats, grilled chicken, and more!
This white sauce recipe is perfect for all of your summertime grilling. One taste of this delicious sauce and you’ll want to slather it on everything from smoked chicken wings to your morning eggs.
Summer is BBQ season, which means we use a lot of sauce around here. I love creating my own sauce recipes from scratch, like homemade BBQ sauce, Big Mac sauce, and this Alabama white barbecue sauce.
Too busy to make this right away? Pin it for later! Pin this post to your favorite board on Pinterest and it will be there when you’re ready!
Let’s talk about Alabama white sauce for a minute. This condiment isn’t red. It’s not sticky. It’s not what you expect when someone says “barbecue sauce”, and that’s exactly why it’s amazing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This tangy, flavor-packed sauce is the Southern twist your summer cookout needs. A mayo-based beauty, it skips the usual tomato route and dives straight into bold, zesty territory.
It’s creamy from the mayonnaise, punchy from the apple cider vinegar, and has just the right kick from cayenne pepper. Whether you’re dipping chicken wings, drizzling it over pulled pork, or using it as a tangy salad dressing, this versatile sauce recipe is guaranteed to become a backyard favorite.
What is Alabama White Sauce?
Alabama white BBQ sauce is a versatile condiment that is made with a mayonnaise base and a few other simple ingredients. A BBQ staple in the south, this unique sauce often replaces traditional BBQ sauce that is made with a tomato base.
This white barbecue sauce originates from Northern Alabama and makes a perfect dipping sauce, salad dressing, or spread for meat. The rich flavor is a southern favorite that is sure to become a must-make for all of your summer barbecuing.
While you can probably find Alabama white sauce for sale in your local grocery store, it’s so easy to make your own at home. So skip the trip and let’s get started!
Alabama White Sauce Recipe
This post contains affiliate links.
Supplies
Ingredients
- Miracle Whip – Gives the sauce that tangy zip! You can substitute with mayonnaise, but it won’t be the same.
- Prepared horseradish – Drain and mince it well. This gives the sauce a little fire.
- Apple cider vinegar – The acid that brightens the sauce up. Swap in white wine vinegar if you’re in a pinch.
- Granulated white sugar – Just a touch for balance.
- Salt & black pepper – Keep it simple, keep it flavorful.
- Yellow mustard – We also like to use brown mustard on occasion.
- Cayenne pepper – For that Southern-style sizzle. Adjust to taste if you’re spice-sensitive.
Instructions
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients.
2. Serve immediately or cover and store in the fridge until ready to use.
We made an amazing smoked beef brisket on the Traeger the other day and I have to say that this Alabama BBQ sauce was my favorite part! And it definitely had the kids asking for seconds.
How Do I Store This Dressing?
This dressing can be stored in an airtight container for a few weeks. We like to keep it in a mason jar in the fridge to use all summer long.
Tips and Tricks
- Let the sauce rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives it a chance to thicken slightly and allows the flavors to blend.
- Use it as a marinade or toss shredded chicken or pulled pork directly in the sauce before serving.
- Pour the sauce into a clean condiment squeeze bottle for easy drizzling over grilled meats, burgers, or even baked potatoes.
- Stick a label with the date on your mason jar lid so you don’t forget how long it’s been in the fridge.
- Make a double batch and portion it into small containers for easy meal prep.
- This sauce makes an epic dip for French fries and a delicious spread for leftover BBQ sandwiches.
This recipe comes together perfectly as written, but you can play with your Alabama white sauce ingredients by adding or substituting to your liking. Give your homemade BBQ sauce a unique flavor that you can call your own.
Substitutions and Additions
- Use white pepper instead of black for a smoother, speckle-free look.
- Try adding this easy sauce to your next potato salad!
- Or using it with your next potato dish instead of sour cream.
- Substitute traditional mayonnaise for the Miracle Whip.
- Try using brown sugar instead of white, Dijon mustard instead of yellow, or white vinegar instead of apple cider.
- Add onion powder, garlic powder, or hot sauce to taste.
- Add a splash of lemon juice for a citrusy brightness that pairs well with grilled seafood.
- For a smoky punch, mix in a few drops of liquid smoke or a dash of smoked paprika.
- Stir in a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to add deep, savory umami.
If you think that this is great, then you should also try our classic BBQ sauce recipe. This white BBQ sauce recipe is perfect for adding to all kinds of dishes!
What to Serve With This Sauce
Basically, if it’s grilled, fried, or smoked, you’re going to want this sauce on it.
- Smoked brisket
- Pork chops
- Smoked chicken
- French fries
- Chicken wings
- BBQ chicken
- Pork shoulder
- Chicken tenders
- Smoked baby back ribs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alabama white sauce made of?
It’s a mayonnaise-based barbecue sauce that includes apple cider vinegar, horseradish, mustard, sugar, black pepper, and a bit of heat from cayenne pepper.
What does Alabama white sauce taste like?
It’s creamy, tangy, slightly spicy, and totally different from traditional tomato-based BBQ sauces. The vinegar and horseradish give it bite, while the mayo keeps it smooth.
Is Alabama white sauce good on chicken?
Absolutely! It’s especially amazing on smoked chicken, grilled chicken, and chicken wings. It soaks into the meat beautifully and adds serious flavor.
Can I buy Alabama white sauce at Walmart?
Yes! Brands like Bob Gibson’s famous version can be found in some stores, including Walmart. But honestly, homemade always wins.
How long does homemade Alabama white sauce last?
Stored in an airtight container like a mason jar, it’ll last about two weeks in the fridge. It may even get better as the flavors meld.
Just writing this blog post makes me excited to BBQ, but honestly, this dressing is amazing year round. I made a batch, poured it into a mason jar, and gifted it to a friend for his birthday in the fall. It was a huge hit!
If you’re into bold flavor and a little Southern flair, this is one sauce recipe you’ve got to try. Give it a shot! Your inner chef will thank you!
If you love this easy Alabama white sauce recipe, please give it a five-star recipe rating and help me share it on Facebook or Pinterest so that others can enjoy it too!
Alabama White Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Miracle Whip
- ¼ cup prepared horseradish
- ⅛ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tbsp white sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients.
- Serve immediately or cover and store in the fridge until ready to use.
Notes
- Let the sauce rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives it a chance to thicken slightly and allows the flavors to blend.
- Use it as a marinade or toss shredded chicken or pulled pork directly in the sauce before serving.
- Pour the sauce into a clean condiment squeeze bottle for easy drizzling over grilled meats, burgers, or even baked potatoes.
- Stick a label with the date on your mason jar lid so you don’t forget how long it’s been in the fridge.
- Make a double batch and portion it into small containers for easy meal prep.
- This sauce makes an epic dip for French fries and a delicious spread for leftover BBQ sandwiches.
Nutrition
This is a great tasting, lower calorie option for white sauce. However, next time I would cut the salt by half as it was a little too salty for my palette. I also would suggest putting in 1/2 the horseradish and 1/2 the cayenne then adding more to taste lest you find it a little too spicy. Thanks!
Thanks for the review!
This is a great sauce! Very tasty!!My boys said it was better then my own secret chicken thighs recipe. Highly recommend.
SO GLAD that you enjoyed it!