Looking for a unique BBQ sauce that'll make your smoked chicken sing? Alabama White Sauce is a creamy, tangy game-changer that's about to become your new go-to BBQ sauce.
While classic BBQ sauces like our Georgia Mustard Sauce (which is perfect for pulled pork!) start with ketchup or mustard, this mayo-based sauce brings something totally different to your BBQ game.
What is Alabama White Sauce?
Move over, regular BBQ sauce - there's a creamy, tangy sauce that's been turning heads in North Alabama since the 1920s. Alabama white bbq sauce starts with mayonnaise instead of ketchup, and it's changed the BBQ scene forever.
Robert Gibson came up with the original recipe for this tasty sauce at Big Bob Gibson's Bar-B-Q in Decatur, Alabama, and BBQ lovers everywhere have been hooked ever since.
Ingredient Notes
- Mayonnaise: This is your creamy base - stick with real mayo, not Miracle Whip, for the best taste.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Gives that nice tang to your creamy bbq sauce. Some folks in Northern Alabama use white vinegar, but apple cider vinegar adds more flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens everything up and adds extra tang.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a rich, savory taste that pulls everything together.
- Dijon Mustard: Brings a bit of zip and helps the sauce stay smooth. You can use spicy brown mustard if you have it on hand.
- Seasonings: White pepper, kosher salt, garlic powder, and cayenne team up to make this sauce really pop.
- Brown Sugar (Optional): If you want to take the edge off the tang, a little brown sugar does the trick.
How to Make Alabama White Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Add the white pepper, kosher salt, garlic powder, cayenne, and brown sugar (if using).
- Whisk until all ingredients are well combined and the sauce is smooth.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before using.
Expert Tips
- Give the sauce time to chill - at least 4 hours or overnight. The flavors get better the longer they sit!
- Use it as a basting sauce near the end of cooking, or put it in a bowl for dipping fries or vegetables.
- If you're using it as a marinade, set some aside for serving - you don't want to reuse sauce that's touched raw meat.
Variations
- Spicier: Double up on the cayenne or throw in some horseradish if you like it hot
- Creamier: Add a spoonful of sour cream to make this easy sauce even creamier
- Herb-Packed: Mix in some fresh parsley or chives for even more great flavor
- Extra Tangy: Up the vinegar and lemon juice a bit for more of a tangy kick
Storage Tips
Store white barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The sauce may separate during storage - simply whisk to recombine before serving.
Do not freeze this Alabama BBQ Sauce, as the mayonnaise base will separate.
What to Serve with Alabama White BBQ Sauce
- Smoked Chicken or Turkey: Team it up with Smoked Chicken Thighs or Smoked Turkey Tenderloin for a match made in BBQ heaven
- Chicken Wings: Great for dipping or tossing with wings like Grilled Cajun Wings or Honey Lemon Pepper Wings.
- Pulled Chicken Sandwiches: Drizzle it over pulled chicken sandwiches.
- Coleslaw: Mix it into Summer Slaw for a tangy twist
- Salad Dressing: You could even use it as a salad dressing on BBQ Shrimp Salad with Grilled Corn and Vidalia Onions
- Potato Salad: Stir it into Southern Potato Salad
- French Fries: Perfect for dipping alongside Homemade French Fries or potato chips
- Grilled Vegetables: Drizzle it over my Smoked Vegetables on a Grill or Smoker
Recipe FAQs
When stored properly in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to 1 week.
While it's fantastic on smoked chicken, try it as a dipping sauce for chicken wings, a spread for pulled chicken sandwiches, or as a coleslaw dressing.
Yes! Making it 1-2 days ahead allows the flavors to develop more fully.
📖 Recipe
Alabama White BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar optional
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
- Add white pepper, kosher salt, garlic powder, cayenne, and brown sugar (if using).
- Whisk until well combined and smooth.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Kay says
So delicious!
Pam says
Thank you Kay!