Last Updated on January 17, 2023 by Anne-Marie

Alabama white sauce recipe is one of the classic BBQ sauces. Serve it with chicken, fish, and pork. A quick and easy sauce to make.

Why this recipe works

The best thing about Alabama BBQ sauce is that you probably have all these simple ingredients right in your pantry.

Sure, you can buy this creamy, tangy, mayonnaise-based sauce at the local grocery store. But since it takes only 5 minutes to make this white barbecue sauce, why not make it at home?

It will become a BBQ staple at all your cookouts.

Ingredients

• mayonnaise
• apple cider vinegar
• lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• prepared horseradish
• salt
• ground black pepper
• cayenne pepper

How to make white BBQ sauce

This white barbeque sauce is a snap to make! And there’s no need for cooking on the stovetop like a traditional BBQ sauce.

1. Whisk all the ingredients in a medium bowl or large bowl until combined and smooth.

2. Use immediately. Store the unused sauce in a sealed, airtight container (like a Mason jar) in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

FAQs

What is Alabama White Sauce?

Alabama white BBQ sauce was made famous by Big Bob Gibson's Bar-B-Q restaurant in Northern Alabama around 1925.

This easy-to-make famous BBQ sauce is made with a mayonnaise base. Just add some mustard, vinegar, horseradish, and spices.

What does Alabama sauce taste like?

This is right up your alley if you don't like sweet sauce! It’s not like other typical barbecue sauces. Instead, it's tangy and peppery with a bit of a horseradish bite.

Alabama white sauce a vinegar-based sauce that's somewhat similar to a North Carolina-style vinegar sauce. (Though that's a thinner sauce.)

I find Alabama-style white barbecue sauce creamier and more of a versatile and basic sauce since you can use it on so many foods.

Serve this tangy sauce on just about anything:

• smoked chicken thighs
• smoked chicken legs and thighs
• chicken wings
• smoked beer can chicken
• whole chickens
• chicken breasts
• chicken drumsticks
• BBQ chicken
• smoked turkey
• smoked pork chops
• pork tenderloin and pork shoulder
• pulled pork
• grilled salmon or seafood
• smoked fish
• hard-boiled eggs
• steak
• beef brisket
• smoked leg of lamb
• smoked mac and cheese 
• and more!

You can also use it as a dipping sauce for French fries, chicken nuggets, and grilled vegetables.

Or shmear it on chicken sandwiches or panini as a sandwich spread instead of plain mayo or Miracle Whip.

Substitutions

Mayonnaise: you can use any style of mayo, including vegan mayonnaise. Some people like using Greek yogurt or sour cream instead. But I don't find those as tangy as mayo.

No apple cider vinegar? Try white vinegar in a pinch.

Bottled or fresh lemon juice work just fine.

No Dijon mustard? Brown mustard, grainy mustard, yellow mustard, or even 1 teaspoon mustard powder will work.

Avoid Worcestershire sauce (anchovies!) if you have a seafood allergy. Instead, use soy sauce or gluten-free tamari sauce.

Look for prepared horseradish in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. You can use hot horseradish or a horseradish sauce.

What type of salt? Use kosher salt, table salt, or sea salt.

No cayenne pepper? Use a little hot sauce (to taste) instead. Or just add some for an extra kick.

What's your favorite type of BBQ sauce?