Alabama White BBQ Sauce is a delightful departure from traditional tomato-based barbecue sauces. This tangy, creamy, and zesty sauce has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts across the South and beyond. Originating in northern Alabama, this unique condiment combines a mayonnaise base with apple cider vinegar, horseradish, Dijon mustard, and spices to create a bold flavor profile that pairs beautifully with grilled or smoked meats—especially chicken. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a versatile dipping sauce, this recipe is sure to elevate your culinary creations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Profile: Unlike red BBQ sauces, this tangy, creamy version offers a refreshing twist.
- Versatility at Its Best: Perfect for grilling, smoking, marinating, dipping, or even as a salad dressing.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: No cooking required—just mix and serve!
- Customizable Heat Levels: Adjust the horseradish and cayenne pepper to suit your taste buds.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and store it for up to a week.
- Diet-Friendly: Naturally low-carb and keto-friendly, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
The foundation of Alabama White BBQ Sauce lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base that sets this sauce apart.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tanginess and balances the richness of the mayo.
- Prepared Horseradish: Delivers a sharp, zesty kick.
- Dijon Mustard: Offers depth and a subtle spiciness.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavors with a hint of acidity.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Infuse savory notes without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
- Cayenne Pepper (Optional): For those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the signature taste of Alabama White BBQ Sauce. The combination results in a harmonious blend of creaminess, tanginess, and spice.
Directions
- Whisk Together the Base: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated. Ensure there are no lumps of horseradish or mustard remaining.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Continue whisking to evenly distribute the spices throughout the sauce. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of horseradish; for more heat, increase the cayenne pepper.
- Chill the Sauce: Transfer the sauce to an airtight container or jar and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more cohesive and robust taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, give the sauce a quick stir before serving. Use it as a dipping sauce, drizzle it over grilled meats, or brush it on during the final moments of cooking for added flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 1½ cups of sauce, enough to accompany a family meal or entertain guests.
- Prep Time: Just 5 minutes of hands-on preparation.
- Chill Time (Optional): Allow 30 minutes for optimal flavor development.
- Total Time: Approximately 5–35 minutes, depending on whether you choose to chill the sauce.
Variations
Want to experiment with different flavors? Try these variations:
- Sweet and Tangy Version: Add a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar to balance the acidity.
- Smoky Twist: Incorporate a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra layer of complexity.
- Spicy Kick: Swap Dijon mustard for spicy brown mustard or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Thicker Consistency: Reduce the amount of vinegar or substitute Greek yogurt for part of the mayonnaise.
- Herbaceous Touch: Stir in finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives for a fresh finish.
Storage and Reheating
To ensure your Alabama White BBQ Sauce stays fresh, store it in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will last for up to one week. Before using, give it a good stir, as some separation may occur. Avoid freezing the sauce, as the texture can become grainy due to the mayonnaise base.
FAQs
What makes Alabama White Sauce different from other BBQ sauces?
Unlike tomato-based sauces, Alabama White Sauce is mayonnaise-based, offering a creamy and tangy flavor profile that stands out.
Is Alabama White Sauce spicy?
It can be, depending on how much horseradish and cayenne you include. Feel free to adjust the quantities to match your preferred level of heat.
What meats pair best with Alabama White Sauce?
Grilled or smoked chicken is the classic choice, but it also complements turkey, brisket, and other proteins beautifully.
Can I use this sauce as a marinade?
Absolutely! Marinate chicken or pork for 2–4 hours before grilling for enhanced flavor.
Is this sauce keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and sugar, making it ideal for those following a keto or low-carb diet.
How long does it last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, it will keep for up to one week.
Can I make this sauce dairy-free?
Yes, as long as your mayonnaise doesn’t contain milk products, the sauce is naturally dairy-free.
Can I substitute Miracle Whip for mayonnaise?
While possible, Miracle Whip will impart a sweeter and tangier flavor. For authenticity, regular mayonnaise is recommended.
Should I serve this sauce hot or cold?
Cold or at room temperature is best—it’s not typically served warm.
Can I use this sauce on burgers or sandwiches?
Definitely! It makes a fantastic spread for burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and more.
Conclusion
Alabama White BBQ Sauce is a must-try for anyone seeking a unique and flavorful addition to their culinary repertoire. Its creamy texture, tangy punch, and customizable heat make it a versatile condiment that works wonders with grilled or smoked meats, as a dip, or even as a sandwich spread. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this Southern classic and impress your friends and family. So fire up the grill, gather your favorite proteins, and let Alabama White BBQ Sauce take your next barbecue to new heights!
Recipe Card
Alabama White BBQ Sauce
Yield: About 1½ cups
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional)
Total Time: 5–35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish (not creamy)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all ingredients until smooth.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve as desired—as a dipping sauce, drizzle, marinade, or spread.
Notes
- Adjust horseradish and cayenne to control the heat level.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- For a thinner consistency, add a splash of water or extra vinegar.
Did you make this recipe? Share a photo and tag us—we’d love to see your creations!
Alabama White BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish (not creamy)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Whisk again to fully combine all ingredients.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more horseradish for extra zing or cayenne pepper for heat.
- Transfer the sauce to an airtight container or mason jar. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, give the sauce a quick stir. Use it as a dipping sauce, drizzle over grilled or smoked meats, or brush it on during the last few minutes of cooking.
Your thoughts on incorporating either liquid smoke, chipotle powder or smoked paprika to the mix?