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.
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!
Jennifer says
we smoke chicken thighs or quarters and dunk them in the white sauce when done. let sit for 5 mins and it just melts in your mouth
Mike H. says
Amazing, Jennifer. Thank you for the review!
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!