Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Debra Clark · 31 Comments

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This tangy Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe is going to change everything you thought about traditional grilling! With a mayo base and tangy vinegar, this is a Southern favorite that is finger-licking good. It has just a hint of spice.

Another great sauce for dunking and dipping is this Plum BBQ Sauce Recipe, it's perfect on pork and great on sweet potatoes!

Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe (1)
Jump to:
  • Why you'll love this easy sauce
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Equipment
  • FAQ's
  • Tips
  • Storage
  • Serving Suggestions
  • More BBQ sauce recipes
  • 💭 Recipe backstory
  • Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe

Why you'll love this easy sauce

A good sauce can make a meal, wouldn't you agree? When you slather it on bbq chicken, steak or pork - mmmm.... delicious! Or just have some nearby for dunking like this pollo tropical cilantro garlic sauce - YUM!

BUT.... have you ever tried Alabama White BBQ Sauce? If you love the tang of a great sauce, this will take your bbq to the next level!

Goes without saying it's great on BBQ, right? Chicken, pork chops, pork tenderloin, shrimp - you name it!!! BUT it's equally good on fries or as a salad dressing! I especially love it on chicken tortilla salad.

Let me tell you, this recipe is brilliant. It's a tangy, sweet, creamy, and perfect accompaniment to your next meal!

Ingredients

Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe (2)

Unlike your traditional bbq sauce recipe, this has a base of mayonnaise. Here are the basic ingredients for the Alabama White Sauce!

Please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements.

  • Mayonnaise - Greek Yogurt would be a lower-fat option and add a great tang.
  • Apple cider vinegar - white vinegar would also be great.
  • Mustard - I used yellow, but Dijon mustard or spicy brown mustard would also be delicious.
  • Hot horseradish- creamy or prepared, either works!
  • Salt, black pepper,garlic powder, and paprika- all spices you have on hand.
  • Worcestershire sauce and fresh lemon juice- for a more tangy flavor.
  • Hot sauce - just a dash or two! No hot sauce? Use a pinch or two of cayenne pepper.

Instructions

Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe (3)

This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions, scroll down to the bottom! But honestly, this recipe doesn't get any easier; you're going to love how simple it is to make!

  1. Measure the ingredients.
  2. Place mayonnaise and all remaining ingredients in a screw top jar or a small mixing bowl.
  3. Whisk together and refrigerate!
  4. Mop it on the chicken breasts when you're grilling, dip your French fries - both potato or sweet potato fries are especially fabulous! Burgers, chicken wings, shrimp, you name it.

It lasts for 3-4 days in the days (in most kitchens....) but certainly not ours because we eat it quickly!

This rich Alabama BBQ Sauce is a bbq staple with rich flavor. Did I mention how amazing this is? Seriously, you should make this today!

Equipment

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You really don't need much to make this sauce. Just somemeasuring spoons (I like these because they fit in the spice jars) and a mason jar with a screw top lid to make it easy to mix!

However don't feel like you need to buy a special jar. An olive or small pickle jar will work just fine!

Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe (4)

FAQ's

What is white BBQ sauce made of?

Unlike a traditional barbecue sauce recipe, this one starts with mayonnaise and tangy vinegar, it has a zippy flavor that's perfect for basting chicken, pork or shrimp.

What does Alabama white BBQ sauce taste like?

It has a mayonnaise base, it's tangy, creamy, a little spicy and a little sweet. If you want to up your BBQ game, give this a try!

Who invented Alabama White BBQ Sauce?

It was invented in northern Alabama. Hence the name Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe byRobert GibsonatBig Bob Gibson bar-b-q. It's said that smoked chicken is pulled from the pit and smothered in a pool of sauce!

I definitely need to go visit!

How long does White BBQ Sauce last?

It will last about three to five days refrigerated.

Tips

Make it ahead - this will last about three days. Just cover it and put it in the refrigerator.

Use a dry rub first and then slather the chicken with sauce as you're grilling.

Be sure to make extra and serve it alongside with plenty to pass. Whether it's in bowls or squeeze bottles, everyone will appreciate dousing and dunking!

Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe (5)

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container, refrigerated up to three days.

Serving Suggestions

Use this tangy sauce on your favorite bbq - beef brisket, pulled pork or pork shoulder, delicious! Or slather it on bread for a great sandwich spread.

Serve it with a side of Deviled Egg Potato Salad and Baked Beans. A yummy coleslaw would be equally delicious!

If you're looking for some great recipes to try with this sauce, here are a few of my favorites:

  • Chili Lime Chicken, smoked chicken or shredded - serve this drizzled over the chicken or use it for dipping chicken tenders, delicious!
  • Use this amazing dunking sauce when you serve Crunchy Baked Ranch Chicken, yum.
  • These caramelized brown sugar pork chops are so good and serving mopped with this condiment? Super yummy!
  • I love the simplicity of grilled shrimp, super quick and a great meal. Serve this homemade bbq sauce alongside to douse the shrimp in!
  • Make these super tender Ribs on the Grill and serve the white bbq sauce alongside for dipping, delish!
  • This tender bbq tri tip recipe is fabulous dunked in this sauce!

This is such a versatile condiment, it's even terrific for dipping fries, especially sweet potato fries!

More BBQ sauce recipes

  • My go-to sauce for an easy tasty dip is Pollo Tropical Garlic Sauce.
  • Tzatziki Sauce - Greek Yogurt Dip is bright and tangy.
  • A little spicy this creamy Blooming Onion Dipping Sauce is great for French fries, fried onions and potato chips!
  • Smashburger Sauce Recipe - great for hamburgers and terrific for dipping fries too!
  • Another tangy sauce perfect for dipping tater tots, chicken fingers and more is the Red Robins Campfire Sauce Recipe. It's an easy recipe that comes together in minutes.
  • Kansas City BBQ Sauce - this classic ketchup-based sweet sauce is a must-have for every bbq enthusiast!

For more amazing grilling recipes you can find a complete Summer Grilling Menu here!

💭 Recipe backstory

This recipe is from a blog hop. I was assigned Jennifer's blog at Take Two Tapas. Have you visited her blog yet? There she specializes in small bites and co*cktails. Fun finger food with loads of flavor.

It's always so much fun going through the blog and deciding which recipe to share with you and so hard to do. For this event I decided on her recipe for White Barbeque Sauce! This is the recipe I've made again and again!

Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe (6)

4.89 from 36 votes

Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe

Easy to make this zesty sauce is perfect for grilling and the best dipper for fries and vegetables.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save

Course: Salad Dressings and Sauces

Cuisine: American

Servings: 8

Calories: 197kcal

Author: Deb Clark

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar white or apple cider
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard Dijon or spicy brown optional
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons horseradish
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce optional
  • 2 dashes hot sauce optional

I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

Instructions

  • Measure the ingredients.

  • Add everything to a jar and whisk to combine.

  • Refrigerate until use.

  • Using a mop it's terrific sopped on bbq and great drizzled on a salad. Perfect as a dipper for fries and vegetables also!

Nutrition

Calories: 197kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 355mg | Potassium: 6mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 80IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 1mg

Tried this Recipe? Pin it Today!Mention @BowlMeOver or tag #BowlMeOver!

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About Debra Clark

Hey I'm Deb Clark, and I'm the owner of Bowl Me Over! We live in the sleepy little town Scappoose, Oregon. And I admit it... I love food! Join me in this foodie journey (even if you've never cooked before!) I will help you learn to be confident in the kitchen! Want to learn more? Let's stay connected, you can email me at debra@bowl-me-over.com and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram,Twitterand YouTube.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Linda

    I can’t stand horseradish. Is there anything I can substitute for it?

    Reply

    • Debra Clark

      That's a tough one Linda. You could try wasabi, or Chinese hot mustard, but I don't know the amounts for the substitute. Hmmm... I hate to say this, but i think you'd be better off trying something different. How about the cilantro garlic sauce? https://bowl-me-over.com/cilantro-garlic-sauce/ It's a tasty, tangy sauce. Super yummy!

      Reply

    • Caroline

      Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe (11)
      Honestly- when it’s all mixed up you cannot distinguish the horseradish 🙂

      Reply

  2. Sherri Rochester

    Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe (12)
    This is my favorite BBQ sauce! Hubby likes regular sauce. I let him BBQ the regular was and drizzle this beautiful sauce over my chicken. I also love to use it on a roast beef sandwich! Yum!

    Reply

  3. Julie

    I doubled all the ingredients and it’s very thin, like watery thin. I followed the recipe so I’m not sure what went wrong and I’m not sure how to fix it so I don’t waste it.

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      This is a thin sauce, so if you followed the recipe and simply doubled it - you are good to go. It's quite tangy and flavorful. I hope that helps!

      Reply

      • Caroline

        Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe (13)
        This has decent flavor but it is definitely too thin- I just added more mayo- it did not dilute the flavor. Also the vinegar is extremely strong- like off putting- so I added 2 tablespoons of sugar and it made all the difference

        Reply

  4. susan | the wimpy vegetarian

    I am so on this!! I can't wait to try it!

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      Wonderful, I hope you really enjoy it Susan!!!

      Reply

  5. Amy Nash

    We are OBSESSED with this bbq sauce! It's seriously the best! I love it on pulled pork sandwiches!

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      Ooh that sounds delicious, it will be what I try next Amy! Glad you're enjoying the sauce!!

      Reply

      • Bobboy

        Are you able to can this sauce? If so, what method?

        Reply

        • Bowl Me Over

          I've never canned the sauce. I'm sorry I can't provide directions.

          Reply

  6. Julie Menghini

    I love sauces and condiments, and this one sounds amazing. I can't wait to sauce up some chicken like you've done!

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      BBQ that chicken and sauce it up! This is just the best sauce and I think you guys will love it!!

      Reply

  7. Jennifer Stewart

    I never thought I would like a white BBQ sauce as I am more of a mustard based sauce lover myself, but I realize it's the vinegar/tang that I love about mustards sauce so it just goes to say that this is my favorite now! Greek yogurt really makes it even tangier! So glad you liked it!

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      My goodness, this is totally the best ever. Thank you for the opportunity to share such an amazing recipe with my readers - it's the BEST!!!

      Reply

  8. Sheila Thigpen

    There are so many delicious applications for this yummy sauce! My favorite is to slather it over grilled chicken kebabs — YUM!!

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      That sounds delicious Sheila!!

      Reply

  9. Erin Parker

    White BBQ Sauce was always something that confused me (as a Memphis girl, who has a particular affinity to a particular type of BBQ, haha.) BUT that said, I've tried this recipe and WOW, is it good! We'll be slathering this on our BBQ chicken from here to through the rest of time because it's everything I want in a sauce!

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      It has me sold too Erin! It's tangy and zest and I just love all of the flavors!!! I'm glad you love it too!

      Reply

  10. Liza

    What an awesome recipe, Debra! It's a must make this summer!

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      Thanks Liza, it's so fantastic - zippy and tangy - enjoy!!

      Reply

  11. michele

    I love this so much... my mom used to make something similar--- just no vinegar... we use it on spicy brisket. This is definitely going onto our roast chicken this weekend!

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      Wonderful, I know you'll love it! I can't wait to hear what you think!!

      Reply

  12. Angela

    Ive never had this type of sauce before but WOW!!! Absolute perfection! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      You should definitely give it a try Angela, I know you'll really enjoy it!

      Reply

  13. MICHAELA KENKEL

    This recipe is one I have always planned to try. you have totally inspired me and I am making it this weekend! YAY!! Looks fantastic!

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      Oh my goodness, you definitely need to give this a try! It is the BEST BBQ sauce ever. I'm quite sure it will be served with all our grilled meals this summer!

      Reply

  14. Kathy

    Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe (14)
    This is definitely a MUST try sauce! So good!!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is Alabama White BBQ sauce made of? ›

Add the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, spicy brown mustard, horseradish, and worcestershire sauce to a small bowl and whisk to combine. Add the kosher salt, white pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to the wet ingredients and whisk to combine.

How do you thicken white BBQ sauce? ›

You might try 2TB Flour and a 1/4 cup cold water and mix thoroughly before adding to the BBQ sauce. Depending on the type of BBQ sauce you are wanting, other ingredients can be added as well to some mixtures to add a bit of thickness, such as; tomato paste, or honey.

What to pair with Alabama white sauce? ›

Alabama white sauce is great on meat, but it's also delicious on vegetables. Drizzle it on grilled veggies like grilled asparagus, zucchini, broccoli, or green beans.

What is Mission BBQ Alabama white sauce? ›

Alabama White Sauce is a creamy, tangy, and rich BBQ sauce with just a kiss of heat. This sauce is a classic white BBQ sauce that is perfect on smoked chicken and so much more! Ready in less than 5 minutes, it's a quick and easy sauce ready when you are!

Who made the original Alabama white sauce? ›

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.

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.

What is the classic thickening method for a white sauce? ›

To change the thickness of a white sauce, simply use more or less butter and flour (keeping them equal) while using the same amount of milk. Thin white sauce: Use 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of flour. Medium white sauce: Use 3 tablespoons of butter and 3 tablespoons of flour.

What thickens a white sauce? ›

Combine 2 tablespoons flour with every 1/4 cup cold water and whisk until smooth. Add the mixture to your sauce over medium heat, and continue to stir and cook until you've reached your desired consistency. Test with a spoon.

Why is my white sauce watery? ›

Cause: Ratios are wrong (too much liquid or not enough flour) or roux is cooked too long or too short. Solution: First try and cook it for a bit longer and see if it thickens up. If not, make a little more roux in a separate saucepan (using equal parts butter and flour).

Is there sugar in Alabama White Sauce? ›

Black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and horseradish are common additions to white sauce, as well as a few teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce or mustard. You might even whisk in a little brown sugar to add balance and sweetness.

What does Alabama White barbecue sauce taste like? ›

The homemade white bbq sauce is white with a mayo base, but unlike the dressing you would use on classic coleslaw or broccoli salad, it is not sweet. It has a more robust savory flavor thanks to the vinegar's tang and the black pepper and horseradish's mild heat.

How to jazz up white sauce? ›

Add ground black pepper or ground cayenne pepper to white sauce to give it a kick. Add marjoram, beef bouillon powder and a pinch of ground thyme powder for country fried steak or other beef dish. Add paprika, parsley, white wine and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for seafood dishes.

What is the history of Alabama white BBQ 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 is the difference between white BBQ sauce and regular 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.

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.

What does Alabama white 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.

What is white BBQ made of? ›

Combine ingredients:

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

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