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!
Alabama White Sauce Recipe
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
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 Recipe (Alabama White Sauce)
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 8/14/24 to include new information and photos. It was originally published on 7/29/19.
Todd says
Hi can this be stored in the freezer and if so for how long?
Mike Hultquist says
Todd, I don't recommend freezing this, as it is mayo-based. It can affect the texture.
Todd Murray says
Hi have you ever tried this sauce on a grilled salmon?
Mike Hultquist says
I would give it a go for sure. Let me know how it works for you. Enjoy!
Erika says
I was disappointed. Maybe bc my favorite sauce is alabama white from Martin’s bbq and this tastes nothing like it.
Mike Hultquist says
Sorry to hear, Erika. I haven't been to Martin's BBQ, and I'm sure they make theirs quite different from the original at Big Bob Gibson's. Anyway, you might ask them for their recipe or play with this one as a base so you can get closer to what you are looking for. Good luck.
Allie H says
This is literally the best white BBQ sauce ever! I’ve made it at least half a dozen times for pulled pork and brisket. All my family and friends love it! I usually add a dash more of vinegar just because I like it zingy.
Mike Hultquist says
Yes! I know, right? I love this stuff!
Andrea says
can I bake my chicken breast's in the oven with this sauce slathered on top?
This sauce is so tasty. I made exactly as recipe states.
Mike Hultquist says
Nice!! Yes, you can bake the chicken with the sauce, but I would add a bit more sauce after for serving. A boneless, skinless chicken breast usually takes 20-30 minutes to bake at 375°F (190 C), depending on the size of the breast. You want an internal temperature of 165°F (74 C) as measured with a meat thermometer.
jennifer tymiak says
so good. we run out i have to make more. it goes on everything. it is unique and I had doubts when making it but it's staple now
Mike Hultquist says
Great to hear! Thanks, Jennifer. This recipe definitely surprises a lot of people. So good!