White BBQ Sauce (aka Alabama White Sauce) (2024)

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!

White BBQ Sauce (aka Alabama White Sauce) (1)

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.

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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?

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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.

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Get Whisking. Next, whisk everything together, like so.

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Make sure the resulting bbq sauce is nice and uniform. It will look like this when you're done.

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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.

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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
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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.

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Print

White BBQ Sauce (aka Alabama White Sauce) Recipe

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!

Save Recipe

Course: Main Course, sauce

Cuisine: American

Keyword: bbq, bbq sauce, recipe, spicy

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Calories: 268kcal

Author: Mike Hultquist

Servings: 6

Tap or hover to scale

4.97 from 30 votes

Leave a Review

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

Spice Factor: Mild, though you can spice it up if you’d like with hotter powders and/or chili flakes. This isn’t meant to be hot.

Makes about 1.5 cups/24 tablespoons.

Will last a week in the refrigerator or longer.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 268kcalCarbohydrates: 3gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 259mgPotassium: 14mgSugar: 2gVitamin A: 60IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 0.1mg

White BBQ Sauce (aka Alabama White Sauce) (10)

Did You Enjoy This Recipe?I love hearing how you like it and how you made it your own. Leave a comment below and tag @ChiliPepperMadness on social media.

NOTE: This recipe was updated on 7/8/22 to include new information and video. It was originally published on 7/29/19.

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

Introduction

As an expert and enthusiast, I have personal experiences or taste buds, but I have been trained on a diverse range of information and can provide insights on a wide variety of topics, including food and recipes. I can analyze this article and provide information related to the concepts mentioned.

Alabama White BBQ Sauce

Alabama White BBQ Sauce, also known as White BBQ Sauce or Alabama White Sauce, is a unique type of barbecue sauce that originated in Northern Alabama. Unlike traditional barbecue sauces, which are typically tomato or ketchup-based, Alabama White BBQ Sauce uses mayonnaise as its base ingredient, along with vinegar, sugars, and spices.

Origin of Alabama White Sauce

Alabama White Sauce was created by Robert Gibson at Big Bob Gibson's Bar-B-Q in Decatur, Alabama. The sauce was originally used to dunk smoked chicken into vats of the sauce before serving. The mayonnaise-based sauce clings to the meat, providing a tangy and rich flavor that sets it apart from other barbecue sauces.

Ingredients of Alabama White BBQ Sauce

To make your own Alabama White BBQ Sauce, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Mayonnaise: Use your favorite brand.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides tanginess to the sauce.
  • Spicy Brown Mustard: Adds extra flavor and tang.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides a touch of sweetness.
  • Prepared Horseradish: Adds zing and spiciness.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds freshness and acidity.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the overall flavor.
  • Hot Sauce: Optional, add to taste for heat.
  • Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper for seasoning.

Making Alabama White BBQ Sauce

To make Alabama White BBQ Sauce, follow these steps:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together all the ingredients, including mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, brown mustard, brown sugar, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Whisk until all the ingredients are well combined and the sauce is smooth and uniform in texture.
  3. The sauce is now ready to be used immediately, or you can transfer it to a sealable jar and refrigerate it for a few hours to allow the flavors to develop and meld.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

  • Zing Factor: If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can increase the zing factor by adding more horseradish or a hotter hot sauce.
  • Milder Version: To reduce the heat, use milder horseradish and a milder hot sauce, or skip the hot sauce altogether.
  • Tangier Version: If you prefer a tangier sauce, you can add extra apple cider vinegar to the recipe.
  • Lighter Version: To make a lighter version of the sauce, replace half of the mayonnaise with crema or sour cream.
  • Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings, such as a ½ teaspoon of your favorite dry rub or seasoning blend, to give the sauce an extra pop of flavor.
  • Serving Suggestions: Alabama White BBQ Sauce is traditionally served with smoked or grilled chicken, but it can also be used as a flavorful addition to other grilled foods and barbecue dishes. It pairs well with pulled pork, pork chops, and can be used as a dipping sauce for meats and vegetables. Additionally, it can be used as a salad dressing or brushed onto foods during the cooking process.

I hope this information helps you understand Alabama White BBQ Sauce and gives you the confidence to try making it at home. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and creating your own delicious barbecue sauce!

White BBQ Sauce (aka Alabama White Sauce) (2024)

FAQs

What is Alabama white sauce made of? ›

Alabama white sauce starts with a base of mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar. Many variations exist but typical flavorings include mustard, Worcestershire sauce, sugar or honey, garlic and/or onion powder, and lots of black pepper.

Who made the original Alabama white sauce? ›

It was created by Robert Gibson, owner of Big Bob Gibson's Bar-B-Q in Decatur, in 1925. The sauce is a combination of mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt and was initially used only on chicken.

What does Alabama white BBQ sauce taste like? ›

The flavor of Alabama White Sauce

At first taste, Alabama white sauce has a slightly cool, neutral flavor thanks to the mayonnaise, with the tang of the vinegar to offset any spice. Before long, you start to pick up the exciting flavors from the spice blend, making you want to take another bite ASAP.

What is Mission BBQ Alabama white sauce? ›

Alabama white BBQ sauce is a mayonnaise-based dressing that also includes horseradish and cayenne pepper for a good amount of heat. Two packed tablespoons of brown sugar add some sweetness to the mix, while apple cider vinegar and lemon juice provide some flavorful acidity.

What is Alabama white sauce used for? ›

Alabama white sauce—also known as Alabama white barbecue sauce—is a mayonnaise-based vinegary condiment, which originated in Decatur, a city in Northern Alabama. Cooks in Alabama use it as a marinade, a basting liquid, and a dipping sauce.

Why is it called Alabama white sauce? ›

The creation of white barbecue sauce, often called “Alabama White,” is credited to Robert “Big Bob'” Gibson at Big Bob Gibson's Bar-B-Q restaurant, in Decatur, Ala., in 1925.

Can I buy ready made white sauce? ›

BECHAMEL SAUCE READY TO SERVE - 1LTR

A full flavoured, ready to use versatile bechamel sauce enriched with butter. Perfect as part of a lasagne, pasta carbonara or chicken pie. This smooth and creamy sauce is very versatile and can also be used as a base for creating other sauces like Mornay sauce.

Does Alabama White Sauce taste like ranch? ›

If your white sauce tastes like ranch, that's another sign you're not quite on the right track. Ranch is thin and buttermilky, while white sauce should be thicker and richer, with more tang from the vinegar. It will have a bite similar to that of Carolina BBQ sauce.

How old is Alabama White Sauce? ›

Alabama white sauce

It is believed to have been invented by Bob Gibson at the Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q in Decatur in 1925. The sauce's popularity was mainly confined to northern Alabama until 1994 when it began to be bottled and sold commercially.

What's the difference between BBQ sauce and white BBQ sauce? ›

It's won several awards over the years and this is how it got the name “Alabama White Sauce”. This sauce is different than traditional BBQ sauce because it's more peppery and tangy, and less sweet. It's made with a creamy mayonnaise base, instead of the traditional tomato base found in a classic red bbq sauce.

Is white sauce like alfredo? ›

Alfredo sauce is a classic cream sauce used in countless pasta dishes. Also known as a white sauce or “pasta in blanco”, alfredo blends simple ingredients and turns them into a rich, indulgent delight.

What is white barbecue sauce made of? ›

Stir together mayonnaise, vinegar, water, Worcestershire sauce, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and hot sauce in a small bowl.

What is unholy BBQ sauce? ›

Unholy BBQ Sauce

Baptise your meat with this Mid Western-style sweet, rich, tomato-based sauce with added flavours of orange and fennel. Mix it with your mince or use it as base to your cooking.

Do BBQ sauce and mayo go together? ›

A classic barbecue sauce with the added flavor of Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise is the perfect go-to sauce recipe for short ribs and any fatty cut of meats.

What BBQ is Alabama known for? ›

Vinegar-based Sauce Barbecue is the age-old art and science of slow-cooking meat. It is worshipped in the state of Alabama, from pecan-infused pork shoulder in Mobile near the coast to white sauce-soaked chicken on the banks of the Tennessee River.

Is Alabama white sauce like Ranch? ›

If your white sauce tastes like ranch, that's another sign you're not quite on the right track. Ranch is thin and buttermilky, while white sauce should be thicker and richer, with more tang from the vinegar. It will have a bite similar to that of Carolina BBQ sauce.

What is white sauce vs alfredo sauce? ›

White sauce – also known as béchamel – is made with flour, milk, and butter. It's a basic sauce that can be used as a base for other sauces or as a topping for dishes like lasagna. Alfredo sauce, on the other hand, is made with butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese, and has a much richer flavour than white sauce.

Where is Alabama white sauce from? ›

A staple of Northern Alabama barbecue, this sauce is primarily a mixture of mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, and pepper. It was invented by Robert Gibson at Big Bob Gibson's Bar-B-Q in Decatur, AL, where freshly smoked chickens are pulled from the pit and then "baptized" in a pool of the sauce.

What is the white sauce Americans call gravy? ›

Smooth and creamy white gravy, one of the American South's most beloved and versatile sauces, is really just a variation of béchamel, which was brought to Louisiana by French explorers in the 17th century. Excellent draped over chicken fried steak, biscuits or.

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