Alabama White Sauce Recipe

This tangy and creamy Alabama White Sauce recipe is a Southern barbecue classic made with mayonnaise, vinegar, and bold spices. Perfect as a dipping sauce or basting sauce for smoked chicken, it delivers zesty flavor with a signature peppery kick.

If you’ve never tried Alabama White Sauce, get ready for a game-changing BBQ experience! This tangy, creamy white barbecue sauce recipe is perfect for grilled meats, sandwiches, and even as a salad dressing. Made with a short list of pantry staples and packed with bold flavor, it’s a southern favorite that deserves a spot at your next cookout.

What Is Alabama White Sauce?

Alabama white sauce is a vinegar-based BBQ sauce made with mayonnaise instead of tomatoes. Unlike traditional BBQ sauce, it’s not sweet and smoky, but it’s creamy, zippy, and loaded with tangy flavor.

This easy sauce is often used as a basting sauce for smoked chicken or served as a dipping sauce for French fries and pulled pork sandwiches. It’s bold, peppery bite adds maximum flavor with minimal effort.

History of Alabama White BBQ Sauce

Alabama white BBQ sauce was created in the 1920s by Robert Gibson, known as “Big Bob,” at his Decatur-based restaurant, Big Bob Gibson’s Bar-B-Q. Using massive hickory-fed pits, he cooked whole chickens low and slow, then dunked them into a tangy white sauce to finish.

His original recipe became so popular that it is now a BBQ staple across northern Alabama and beyond. Pitmaster Chris Lilly, Gibson’s grandson-in-law, helped bring this sauce to fame through national competitions and cookbooks, making it a true icon in southern barbecue.

Alabama White Sauce Ingredients

This white BBQ sauce recipe comes together with a handful of everyday pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need to make the base and customize it to your liking:

Creamy Base:

• Mayonnaise
  Sub with plain Greek yogurt, sour cream, or Miracle Whip for a lighter or tangier version.

Tangy Ingredients:

• Apple cider vinegar
  Can substitute with white vinegar, red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, or a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangier flavor.

Mustards & Horseradish:

• Dijon mustard
  Swap with spicy brown mustard or yellow mustard for a milder flavor.
• Prepared horseradish
  Choose hot horseradish for more heat, or use a milder horseradish for a gentler kick.

Seasonings:

• Garlic powder
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Optional: onion powder, brown sugar, Cajun seasoning, Old Bay, or your favorite dry rub
  These add savory depth, a touch of sweetness, or a custom spice blend.

Heat & Extra Flavor:

• Hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
  Use a milder hot sauce or a spicier version depending on your heat preference.
• Optional: Worcestershire sauce, corn syrup, or a dash of cayenne pepper
  These are great for adding umami, sweetness, or a bolder zing factor.

This simple mix of ingredients creates a creamy, tangy sauce that’s incredibly versatile and easy to adapt. Whether you’re after maximum flavor or a lighter twist, these swaps let you personalize your Alabama white sauce any way you like.

How to Make Alabama White Sauce

This white BBQ sauce recipe is quick to make and requires no cooking process. Just follow these simple steps:

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together all the ingredients until fully combined and smooth. Adjust the seasonings to your preference.
2. Chill the sauce in the fridge for a couple of days, or at least 30 minutes for the best flavor.

That’s it! You’ve got yourself an easy, flavorful white sauce recipe ready to go.

Tips for the Best Alabama White Sauce

• Let it rest: For maximum flavor, make the sauce ahead of time and let it sit in the fridge overnight.
• Customize the heat: Add a hotter hot sauce or more horseradish if you want extra heat.
• Balance the tang: Add extra apple cider vinegar or lemon juice if you love a tangier version.
• Mix up the base: Try using sour cream or plain Greek yogurt to cut the richness without sacrificing flavor.

How to Use Alabama White Sauce

This sauce isn’t just for smoked chicken—it’s super versatile. Use it as a:

• Basting sauce for smoked beer can chicken or grilled chicken breast
• Drizzle over pulled chicken sandwiches or chicken wings
• Zesty coleslaw dressing or my recipe for traditional deli style potato salad mix-in
• Tangy dipping sauce for pork chops, French fries, or even chicken sandwiches
• Great way to add a pop of flavor to grilled veggies on a hot day

It even works well as a salad dressing base when thinned slightly with lemon juice or white wine vinegar.

Storage and Shelf Life

Store your Alabama white BBQ sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 7 days. Because it’s mayo-based, keep it cold and avoid letting it sit out during cookouts. For food safety, don’t reuse any sauce that’s touched raw meat during basting.

Alabama White Sauce Variations

Want to change things up? Here are some fun ideas:

• Spicy kick: Add more Tabasco, Cajun blend, or even Old Bay seasoning for a bolder bite.
• Lighter version: Substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt or sour cream.
• Sweeter profile: Mix in a touch of honey, corn syrup, or brown sugar.
• Flavor boost: Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, or your favorite dry rub can add depth.

These easy swaps are a great way to make the sauce your own depending on what you’re serving.

Common Questions About Alabama White BBQ Sauce (FAQ)

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