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.
Miles says
Absolutely love this recipe. Great dipping veggies in too. Thanks for sharing.
Mike H. says
Absolutely. Thank you, Miles!
Phil says
This recipe compliments my smoked chicken wings perfectly.
Mike Hultquist says
Great to hear, Phil! I love to hear it!
Jean W. McGuire says
I'm confused no where in the recipe do I see where you cook the sauce however it does say cook time 5 minutes total time 10 minutes. I can't eat red sauce anymore and this will be perfect
Mike Hultquist says
Jean, you're right, there is no cooking. My recipe card makes me put a number in there. UGH. Sorry for any confusion. I hope you enjoy it. It's really good.
Melissa says
I'm not a mustard fan. If I added a bit more horseradish to the recipe, do you think that would make up for the missing brown mustard?? Or what would you suggest.
Mike Hultquist says
Melissa, you really don't taste the mustard, but you can omit it and use a bit more horseradish if you'd like. Enjoy!
Andrew says
If using regular horseradish, should you use less since it's more potent?
Also, could you use Inglehoffer Cream Style Horseradish Sauce, or would that not work out?
Mike H. says
Andrew, it depends. If you try to dial back on the heat with regular horseradish, you could use half the amount. However if you try to achieve a hotter version of the dish with milder horseradish sauce, I would start with the same amount and then gradually add more until it matches your desired intensity. "Taste and adjust" would be the safest approach here. And Inglehoffer Cream Style Horseradish Sauce could work as a substitute, but it might alter the texture and flavor slightly.
Brian Colton says
Hi Mike,
We have a daughter-in-law who reacts badly to any type vinegar in her food. This of course impacts on the use of hot sauces and such if she is joining us.
I am wondering with the Alabama White Sauce, if I don't use any vinegar, but add another tsp or tbsp of Lemon Juice, and maybe a pinch or two of a spice rub, would that suffice, and not offend the purists? Thanks in advance.
Mike Hultquist says
I think would work perfectly for you, Brian. Let me now you like it! Enjoy.
Ed Bale says
Hey. I am new to bbq sauce making. i have grown 7 different hot peppers this year and wanted to try making bbq sauce. Couple of questions. 1st, can u add fresh hot peppers to the recpies. 2nd, how long would the white sauce last, shelf life. thanks ed
Mike Hultquist says
Ed, yes, you can process the peppers with the ingredients to make it smooth, or you can mince and just stir them in. It should last a couple weeks or longer, but not quite as long with fresh ingredients added in. Let me know how it goes.
Stephen Smoot says
Great version made as written except I prefer Hellman’s mayo
Mike Hultquist says
Glad you enjoyed it!
Robin says
I was shocked to open my email and find this recipe this morning. My granddaughter just went to the University of Alabama. While taking her, my daughter and family tried Alabama White BBQ sauce. She was raving about it. She bought a few bottles while there. I told her we have to look for a recipe so we can make it ourselves. Then "BAM" it shows up in my inbox. Looking over the ingredients, it looks incredible. I can hardly wait to try it!!
Mike Hultquist says
Awesome! Great timing, right? I hope you enjoy it, Robin. It's really good!! We love it.
Ramya says
Cant wait to make this soon for me can i use vegan worcestershire sauce i never had white bbq sauce before perfect for snacks love your recipes as always brightens up my day everyday after work
Mike Hultquist says
Enjoy, Ramya.
Raymond Myburgh says
Family loved it we had it with smoked chicken legs and wings
Mike Hultquist says
Perfect way to enjoy it! Thanks, Raymond!
Mara says
Can this be canned for longer term storage or to gift when made in a large batch?
Mike Hultquist says
Mara, I have not tried canning this, though you might look into pressure canning.