Alabama White Sauce

Name: BEST Alabama White Sauce (Easy + Authentic BBQ Sauce)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp horseradish (optional, for extra kick); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp sugar

By Jennifer Pallian BSc, RD

May 29, 2025

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Alabama White Sauce is is creamy, peppery barbecue sauce, ready in 5 minutes! This easy recipe makes everything better with pure Southern BBQ flavor.

Unlike tomato-based BBQ sauces, Alabama White Sauce is creamy with a peppery punch.

It was created 100 years ago by Big Bob Gibson’s Bar-B-Q in Decatur, Alabama, but has gained popularity all over (because it’s so yummy!).

Use it as a BBQ baste and dipping sauce instead of tomato-based sauce (like in my baked BBQ chicken legs).

Here’s What You Need

Round up all the simple ingredients to make your white barbecue sauce:

Alabama White Sauce Ingredients

Mayonnaise: The creamy mayonnaise base gives this white sauce taste rich. Choose a good-quality mayo for best results.

Psst. I love mayo-based sauces (like my Creamy Asian Salad Dressing––a long-time reader favorite!)

Apple cider vinegar: Adds bright acidity and a touch of fruitiness, balancing out the richness of the mayo.

Dijon mustard: I love the tangy flavor this adds.

Horseradish (optional): For those who like a little extra kick, horseradish adds bold, peppery heat and bite. I love it here!

Garlic powder and onion powder: All the yummy, toasty, flavor-building.

Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and some je-ne-sais-quoi sweetness.

Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the acidity. You can use white or brown sugar.

Ingredient quantities in the recipe card at the bottom of the article

Substitutions and Variations

Here are a few ideas for ingredient swaps, should you need them:

Apple cider vinegar: White vinegar or lemon juice can be used in place of apple cider vinegar for a similar acidity.
Dijon mustard: Yellow mustard or whole-grain mustard will work as a substitute.
Horseradish: If you don’t have horseradish, try 1/8 to 1/4 tsp of cayenne pepper for the added spicy kick.
Garlic powder: Fresh minced garlic or garlic salt can replace garlic powder.

Other Obsessively-Good Sauces for Barbecue Season

Tools to Grab

You’ll need a whisk and a bowl. That’s it!

How to Make Alabama White Sauce: An Easy Guide

Here’s my quick method for this silky sauce:

Combine ingredients

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth.

Chill

Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Ready to go

Use as a baste for grilled chicken, a dipping sauce, or a spread for sandwiches.

5 Common Mistakes When Making Alabama White Sauce

Using low-quality mayonnaise: The mayo is the base of the sauce, so using an overly tangy brand can affect the overall taste. Go for a high-quality, neutral-flavored mayo for the best texture and flavor.
Not letting the sauce rest: Let it chill for at least 30 minutes to help the flavors meld and develop.
Overdoing the vinegar: While apple cider vinegar adds acidity, using too much can overpower the other flavors. Be sure to balance the vinegar with the other ingredients to avoid a sauce that is too tangy.
Not adjusting seasoning: Everyone’s taste preferences are different, so don’t be afraid to adjust the salt, pepper. Taste the sauce before using it, and make tweaks if you need to.

Make Ahead and Storage

Alabama White Sauce can be made up to 4 days in advance. The flavors develop and improve as it sits, so it’s a great option for prepping ahead of time, especially for BBQs or meals throughout the week.

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 1 week.

If it thickens over time, simply stir in a little water or extra vinegar to reach your desired consistency.

How to Serve this Alabama White Sauce recipe

Alabama White Sauce is traditionally used as a tangy barbecue sauce for grilled or smoked chicken.

Pour a glass of my quick iced tea recipe and enjoy this sauce with barbecue chicken, seafood, meat, and even turkey!

You can also serve it as a dipping sauce for fried chicken, chicken tenders, or even vegetables like roasted cauliflower or fries. Treat it as a dip like ranch dressing.

Use it as a spread on sandwiches, wraps, or ground chicken burgers. It pairs especially well with slow cooker pork shoulder or instant pot pulled pork sandwiches.
Use it as a salad dressing! You can use it in my best macaroni salad recipe, coleslaw or creamy potato salad with eggs in place of mayo.

FAQs About Alabama White BBQ Sauce

Just skimming through? Check out these common queries:

What is Alabama White Sauce?

Alabama White Sauce is a tangy, creamy barbecue sauce traditionally used in the southern United States. Made with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and seasonings, it is typically served with grilled or smoked chicken but can be used in various ways.

What can I use Alabama White Sauce for?

Alabama White Sauce is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect as a baste for grilled or smoked chicken, a dipping sauce for fried foods, a spread for sandwiches or burgers, or even a drizzle over salads and fried potatoes. It’s one of my favorite chicken wings sauces. It can also be used to complement other grilled meats, like pork or beef.

Is Alabama White Sauce spicy?

The base of the sauce is creamy and tangy, with a subtle heat from the horseradish (if added). If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can increase the amount of horseradish or add hot sauce or cayenne pepper for more heat.

Can I make Alabama White Sauce ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it’s recommended to make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. You can also make it up to 2 days in advance for optimal flavor development.