Different from any other bbq sauce, this white bbq sauce (aka Alabama white sauce) uses mayo as a base, along with vinegar, sugars and spices. A southern favorite!
When it comes to bbq sauce, most of us think of tomato or ketchup based sauces. They can be sweet, vinegary, spicy, or a combination of all three, but would you believe there's a white bbq sauce based not on ketchup or tomatoes, but mayonnaise?
It's true. There is a rather famous white bbq sauce popular in the southern United States, and it's called Alabama White BBQ Sauce.
If it sounds strange to you, a bbq sauce with a mayonnaise base, you're not alone. However, once you give it a taste, it's sure to find it's way into your recipe collection.
My version ups the zest factor to satisfy that spiciness we all crave. Let's discuss.
What is White BBQ Sauce?
White BBQ Sauce, aka Alabama White Sauce, is a barbecue sauce made primarily of mayonnaise, vinegar, and spices.
It was invented in Northern Alabama and is a staple there for serving up bbq chicken and other wonderful foods fresh off the grill or out of the smoker.
Where Did Alabama White Sauce Come From?
Alabama White Sauce was created by Robert Gibson at Big Bob Gibson's Bar-B-Q in Decatur, Alabama. At Big Bob's BBQ joint, they dunk smoked chicken into vats of the sauce before serving.
The sauce clings to the meat, offering up a tanginess and rich flavor you won't get with any other bbq sauce.
You can, of course, purchase Alabama style white sauce at your local grocer, but it's so much better when you make it at home.
My version ups the zesty elements with horseradish, spicy brown mustard and other spices, making it the best white bbq sauce I've ever had.
I hope you enjoy it.
Let's talk about how to make Alabama white sauce, shall we?
Alabama White BBQ Sauce Ingredients
To make your own white barbecue sauce, you'll need the following ingredients:
- Mayonnaise. Use your favorite brand. I love Duke's mayo.
- Apple Cider Vinegar. Offers the best tang factor over other vinegars.
- Spicy Brown Mustard. My personal addition for extra flavor and tang.
- Brown Sugar. I prefer it here over honey.
- Prepared Horseradish. My own addition for zing - I use hot horseradish.
- Lemon Juice.
- Worcestershire Sauce.
- Hot Sauce. To taste, optional.
- Spices. Use Garlic powder, onion powder cayenne (optional, for heat), and salt and black pepper.
How to Make Alabama White BBQ Sauce - the Recipe Steps
Add to a Large Bowl. First, add all of the ingredients to a large bowl - mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, brown mustard, brown sugar, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper.
Get Whisking. Next, whisk everything together, like so.
Make sure the resulting bbq sauce is nice and uniform. It will look like this when you're done.
BOOM! All set. You are now the happy creator of your own Alabama white sauce. Nicely done.
Recipe Tips & Notes
ZING FACTOR: I like a bit more zing and spiciness with my white bbq sauce, so I use hot horseradish, as well as a spicy brown mustard and a bit of hot sauce.
If you'd like to add even more of that zing factor, you can easily incorporate more horseradish or a hotter hot sauce.
MILDER: You can dial back on the heat by using milder horseradish, and using only half the amount. Also, either skip or use a milder hot sauce.
TANGIER: For a tangier version, add some extra apple cider vinegar. It's a nice addition.
LIGHTER: For a lighter version of the sauce, replace half of the mayo with crema or sour cream. This does not affect the flavor.
SEASONING: I've used some simple seasonings in mine. However, you can also include a ½ teaspoon or so of your favorite dry rub or seasoning blend to give this an extra pop of flavor.
Something like a Cajun blend or even something like Old Bay Seasoning.
Season away!
Serving Suggestions for White BBQ Sauce
Alabama white sauce may be famous for serving with smoked or grilled chicken, but it's a hugely flavorful addition to any grilled foods and barbecue fair.
You'll love it on pulled pork or pork chops. You can also use it as a dipping sauce with meats and vegetables or use it to brush onto your foods as you're cooking them, veggies included.
Try it out as a salad dressing and you'll be amazed. You definitely have to try it out on these Brined Grilled Chicken Wings.
Try Some of My Other Popular BBQ Sauce Recipes
- Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce
- Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce
- Chipotle-Bacon-Bourbon Barbecue Sauce
- Peach-Bourbon Barbecue Sauce
- Spicy Honey BBQ Sauce
- Ancho BBQ Sauce
- Easy BBQ Sauce
Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS.
Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.
White BBQ Sauce (aka Alabama White Sauce) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown mustard I use a spicy brown mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish I use a hot horseradish
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste I use ½ 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.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Information
NOTE: This recipe was updated on 7/8/22 to include new information and video. It was originally published on 7/29/19.
Angie says
we love this recipe!! i want to make a huge back and can it. Is it OK to can the sauce ? I wasn't sure because of the mayo
Mike H. says
Angie, I have not tried canning this, and you are right - mayo is usually an obstacle.
Ryan says
Good recipe and is really good with wings. I would definitely skip the spicy brown mustard sauce. It isn't necessary and kind of steals the show.
Mike Hultquist says
Glad you enjoyed it. Make a note and adjust for next time, Ryan. =)
Lynn says
How long does it last in the refrigerator?
Mike Hultquist says
Lynn, this will easily last a week, though likely longer, as it's made primarily with condiments and contains vinegar, which is a preservative. Enjoy!
Lisa says
Made this tonight to serve on pulled pork sandwichs. OH.My.Gosh.
We've been snoozing on this sauce - don't make the same mistake...
Make some pork in your slow cooker/instant pot. Make this sauce. Make some coleslaw. Slather each side of the bun with the sauce, pile high with pork, coleslaw, more sauce... and gird your loins. This stuff is amazeballs.
What else can I put it on???
Mike Hultquist says
Glad you love it, Lisa! I know, it's good, right? Great on so many things!
Erin says
Hello! Have you used as a marinade since it has tenderizing vinegar and citrus? Thanks!
PS - just found your site today looking for authentic Peruvian chicken, to match an authentic restaurant in Pittsburgh. Can't wait to make that!
Mike Hultquist says
Thanks, Erin. I have not used this as a marinade, but I think it would work well. Then you can use some more to finish. Let me know how it works out for you, and also how you enjoy the Peruvian chicken!
Gary says
Long story, I found this recipe first and printed it. next I found the "original" recipe and printed it out. We made the original and found it rather plain. We used your recipe to fix the sauce we originally made, outstanding and I shared your link with all my cooking friends and family!
Mike Hultquist says
Awesome! Glad you enjoyed it, Gary. Yes, I think a touch of spice and zing makes most things a little better.
JOE says
Is the sauce thin? How would you thicken so you can put on sandwich so it doesn't run off?
thanks, sounds like such a unique sauce.
Mike Hultquist says
Thanks, Joe. Yes, it's fairly thin, but you can thicken with more mayo.
Willow says
I was looking for some alternative to traditional BBQ sauce because honestly I hate it. My husband and kids love it though and we all love grilled and smoked meats. This sauce right here is a 10/10 winner. It’s zippy and tangy and not gooey or overly sweet. I’ve made it with more cayenne and less, (never less horse radish though) I’ve put it on pork, chicken and smoked fish and it is beautiful no matter what I put it on!
If you love flavor just not traditional BBQ sauce this is your recipe!
Mike Hultquist says
Glad you enjoy it, Willow! Yes, it's definitely a winner. So good on so many things!
Jean McGuire says
Can it be grilled on your favorite meat or is it for dipping?
Mike Hultquist says
You can slather it onto your grilled meats, Jean, but also serve some on the side for dipping as well if you care to. Enjoy!
Richard M says
I had never heard of white sauce until this week… and then my niece had it served at her wedding. It was outstanding!!!
I’m looking forward to trying this recipe.
Ray G says
This is the best recipe I've tried. Those few extra ingredients add a zip and a kick that my family and I like. 5 of 5.
Mike Hultquist says
Great! Thanks, Ray!
Valerie says
Yes, we made it. It's incredible! Our new favorite!
Mike Hultquist says
Thanks, Valerie!
CBJ says
Wow this is definitely delicious! Doing smoked pork butt this weekend with the theme of making and sampling different regional BBQ sauces. Also made your South Carolina sauce which is fabulous and will leave a review! Made this several hours ago. Your sauces are going to be a huge hit! I had doubts about this but it is fantastic!! Thank you! I now started following uou on Instagram!
Mike Hultquist says
Nice! I love the theme idea. Wish I was there! Haha, enjoy!
James says
Love this recipe. Much prefer this to the more traditional Texas style BBQ sauce which is too sweet for my tastes. It's so versatile as well, it works brilliantly with smoked chicken, pork even beef and I also use it as a quick salad dressing sometimes. My wife complains if we have not got a batch in the fridge. It's a shame most people in the UK have never heard of it as it's lovely stuff. Thanks!
Mike Hultquist says
Glad you enjoy it, James! Yes, very versatile. Thanks for sharing!
chefette says
Made this at work for a function who requested assorted bbq sauces. This was the sauce that was a huge hit. I had never tried it before and neither had anyone else. I loved it and so did the guests.
Mike Hultquist says
Outstanding! This is so great to hear! Glad it was enjoyed. Thanks for sharing!
J Power says
You'll love it. Also, I'm not Vegan, just found the Hellman's variety a great way cut some of the "evil" out of Mayo since I used to put full-fat Mayo on most anything remotely feasible 🙂
J Power says
Excellent recipe! Exceptional on a lot of things -- Brussels Sprouts for instance!
I used Hellman's Vegan Mayo and bumped up the Horse Radish a notch or 2.
Will be trying to make a variant with less or no sugar next batch.
Thanks Mike! Love your weekly mails on the weekend.
Mike Hultquist says
Very happy you enjoyed it! Trying this on Brussels sprouts next!
Jérémie says
Hey Mike! Great video again! Try that with Leftover Roast Beef: pretty cool!!! I think it's a bit similar to your Comeback Sauce recipe but horseradish kicks it high! Thanks a lot!
Mike Hultquist says
Yes! Thanks, Jérémie! I appreciate it.
Anita says
Could this recipe be canned?
Mike Hultquist says
Anita, I have not tried canning this, though you might look into pressure canning.
John says
Can you sub Greek yogurt for the mayo?
Mike Hultquist says
John, I've never made it that way, and you should be able to, but you won't get the fat content. Let me know how it goes if you try it.
Charles Donald says
I have made this with non-fat Greek yogurt and thought it worked out fine. You may want to taste before adding all the lemon juice as the yogurt has a tang of its own. I also used Splenda brown sugar. That was OK, but I won't do it again.
Anne says
We had gone out for dinner at an American Style Taoas restaurant and they served fried cauliflower with white BBQ sauce. I had never heard of it and immediately fell in love with the taste! Instead of frying the cauliflower, I roasted the whole head and then mixed this sauce up, poured some over the top when it came out of the oven and served the rest in a bowl to spoon over. OMG, this will definitely be on repeat in our house! I can’t have tomatoes or tomato products, so this is a great replacement. Oooh, how about as a sauce for a pizza? Hmmmm
Mike Hultquist says
I love it, Anne! Yes, this can be pretty versatile. Glad you found it! Thanks for sharing.
Michael Wroblewski says
I had read about Alabama white sauce over 15 years ago, but had never tried any…. In Week 2 of the 2021 NFL season, my middle son smoked a bunch of wings and used Lillie’s No. 65 on them (a retail Alabama white sauce available in supermarkets for those who don’t already know). Last Sunday (12/5/21) he was running an errand and wasn’t going to have time to buy another bottle for spatchcocked smoked chicken before kickoff, and asked me if I could do so… I asked him right back if he knew I could whisk up a batch from scratch lol! Fresh tasted really yummy on that chicken!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Awesome to hear, Michael! I love it. Thanks for sharing this story.
Christine Markwart says
SO delicious. I tried it on grilled chicken and pork, and both were great. I brushed it on when the meat was almost done. Flavor was perfect - just enough kick but not too much. Will definitely make this again.
Tanya says
I can’t rate the recipe YET!! I want to make it as it sounds so delicious!! However I may be having a “brain hiccup” …. the nutritional value…..is that for the whole recipe (1.5cups) or one serving (4 TBSP’s)? I’ve recently been diagnosed with diabetes so I have to watch carbs & calories.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Tanya, yes, it is because of the MAYO. You can try a sugar free mayo or other low calorie mayo as a substitute, though I can't vouch for the flavor. Let me know it goes for you.
Michael Mims says
The recipe sounds great. I never heard of it before today and I'm going to make it this week! I'm tinking of adding Wasabi Powder for an extra kick. Has anyone tried that?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Great, Michael. I've never tried it with wasabi powder, but think that would definitely be interesting with a nice kick! Let me know how it goes for you.
Fran Chester says
has anyone tried it on Baby Back Ribs?
Blaze says
Not baby backs but St. Louis and YES it is dynamite!!
Ann says
It must be July 4 because I'm making this sauce. We love it! My daughter adds it to her pulled pork on rice. I always double the recipe so it lasts as long as my smoked pork and beef brisket leftovers.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Wonderful! Glad to hear it, Ann. Thank you!
Eryn says
This was absolutely fabulous! I served with some pulled pork and grilled chicken and everyone covered their plates in this sauce!! I’m so glad I doubled the recipe - I have leftovers now. Lol. I made exactly as written except I didn’t end up having spicy brown mustard so I used Dijon (all I had in the fridge) and it turned out perfect.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Glad you enjoyed it, Eryn! Nice!
Ken Collins says
Have you ever tried it in coleslaw i love the recipe
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
That would be AWESOME for a nice and creamy coleslaw.
Matt says
Incredible sauce!! I grilled chicken breasts and vegetable skewers and dipped every bite in the white sauce, I couldn’t be happier with this dinner. Thanks for the recipe!!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Matt! Glad you enjoyed it! This is a great one for sure. Unique!
Mike Nash says
Seriously GOOD white BBQ sauce! Followed the recipe exactly and it turned out really good!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Mike! Super happy you enjoyed it! We love this one!
Chieko says
Decent recipe!!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Chieko!
Shirley says
Sounds delicious. How long will this last in the fridge? I'm making pulled chicken for Easter, and I'm gonna make your mustard bbq sauce. I want a few different sauces for people to choose from.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Shirley. I would probably use it within a week, though it's really a condiment sauce, so it should realistically last quite a long time. Enjoy!
Deborah W. Lovin says
Michael, love your sauce! First tried it at a restaurant on the Warrior River in Tuscaloosa. That was back in the mid 80's. No one knew what I was talking about until the last few years. I won't smoke meat without it! Thanks.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Awesome! Thanks, Deborah!
Jason says
What mayonnaise brand have you found to taste best? Dukes, Hellman’s, etc...? Thanks!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Jason, I don't really have a preferred brand, but honestly, start with your favorite tasting brand. That will make all the difference to you personally.
wendy brown says
Is there a way to can the Alabama white sauce? Wanted to make a few up and can and seal them and not take up so much room in my fridge when we want it. We use it constantly.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Wendy, if the pH is 3.5 or lower, you can process in a water bath. Otherwise, use a pressure canner.
Tracy O. says
I love this recipe!!! I have made it many times and will be making it again to go with my smoked brisket with family on the July 4th weekend. My dad loved it with another brisket I made for them last Fall.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Tracy! SO good with brisket. Enjoy. Happy 4th!
Don Wilson says
I just got a air fryer need help with chicken wings got any recipes?
Don Wilson
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
I hope to get my air fryer chicken wings recipe online soon, Don.
Miranda says
This looks absolutely amazing! I've actually used a white bbq sauce as a salad dressing and I really enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Miranda. Totally perfect as a dressing! I love it.