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    Home » Recipes » Sauces, Mops, & Condiments

    Alabama White Sauce

    10 mins | Yield 10 | July 28, 2022 | Updated: August 11, 2022 by Kita | This post includes affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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    This Alabama white sauce recipe may be the most versatile of the traditional barbecue sauce recipes. It’s a mayonnaise-based bbq staple that has so many more uses than just slathering over smoked meats. It’s a tangy sauce that’s smooth and incredibly dippable for just about anything savory! And it may also be the easiest. With no cooking, this is about as easy as it gets.

    Jar of white bbq sauce on a platter with chicken slathered in it on a metal tray.

    What is Alabama white sauce?

    If all you have ever had is thick tomato-based bbq sauce, white sauce is going to blow your mind. Made famous by Big Bob Gibson’s BBQ restaurant in Decatur, Alabama, I can’t imagine not dunking a juicy grilled chicken in a bucket of this sauce, which also serves as a coating of fat to help keep the birds moist according to this in-depth article on Mental Floss.

    The base for this homemade barbecue sauce is mayo and distinct tanginess from black pepper. Which makes a smooth, creamy coating begging to transform just what you think barbecue sauce is. This isn’t tangy like a mustard sauce or spicy like our vinegar-based sauce. It’s a thick, smooth bbq sauce that balances the heat and spice and is begging to be enjoyed with smoked meats and everything from hot wings to ribs.

    Ingredients for Alabama white bqq sauce.

    Ingredients 

    • Mayo 
    • Buttermilk
    • white vinegar – apple cider vinegar also works
    • Lemon juice
    • Horseradish – make sure it’s just prepared horseradish and not horseradish cream.
    • Rosemary
    • Course ground black pepper – the more course the pepper, the better, in my opinion, as I like the nice bite of heat you get from it.
    • Salt 

    How to make white bbq sauce

    Whisk together all if the ingredients in a large bowl. (No, really, it’s that simple).

    Store in an airtight container or resealable glass jars in the fridge.

    This sauce is best made at least 24 hours in advance so the flavors develop and be used the next day. When ready to use, be sure to give the jar a good shake.

    Storage

    This Alabama bbq sauce recipe lasts up to 5 days in an airtight container stored in the fridge. Anything after that, and I recommend just whipping up a fresh batch.

    This recipe can’t be frozen and is best made as needed (aka, keep a fresh jar in the fridge all season long).

    How to use white bbq sauce  / what to serve with this sauce

    You can put Alabama white sauce on smoked chicken quarters and smoked chicken thighs, which is my favorite way to use it. But, it tastes great on spicy bbq chicken wings, smoked pulled pork, pork chops, and ever slathered on a beef brisket sandwich. This sauce even works as a base for coleslaw or salad dressing too.

    Also, it’s pretty amazing on fried pickles too. Just sayin’.

    Hand dunking smoked chicken leg quarter into Alabama white bbq sauce.
    Dunking chicken in this homemade bbq sauce is my favorite way to use it!

    Recipe Tips

    Use the best mayo. Most southern’s will argue that Duke’s mayo is the best way to go for this recipe, but we each love our own brand of mayo. So stick to the one that you love the best. However, we do not recommend Miracle Whip for this recipe.

    Like a hint of sweet? Add a little brown sugar to this Alabama white bbq sauce recipe. But not too much, or it will change the flavor altogether.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is Alabama white sauce spicy?

    No, this Alabama white sauce recipe is not spicy. The mayo balances out the horseradish for a smooth zesty flavor. Now, if you’re like me and love a little heat, I highly recommend a pinch of cayenne pepper whisked into this sauce for a slow smooth heat.

    How to thicken White Alabama bbq sauce?

    If your white barbecue sauce is too thin, you can simply add more mayo. If you don’t want to do that, try a little bit of corn syrup to thicken without adding flavor.

    Is it Keto?

    We love making this with avocado mayo for a keto barbecue sauce (and dipping sauce) that we can use all of the time.

    White Alabama BBQ Sauce in a jar with drizzle running down the side, on a wooden board, with chicken in the foreground.

    More Delicious BBQ Sauce Recipes

    • Easy Homemade Keto BBQ Sauce
    • Homemade Cilantro Chimichurri
    • Carolina Gold Mustard-Based BBQ Sauce
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    5 from 10 votes

    Alabama White Sauce

    This Alabama White Sauce may be the best bbq sauce you've ever tasted. With creamy mayo and a mild peppery bite, it's begging to be your new go-to sauce for chicken, beef, and more!
    Course: Sauce
    Cuisine: American, barbeque
    Author: Kita Roberts
    Prep Time10 mins
    Total Time10 mins
    Servings: 10
    Calories: 312kcal

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups mayo
    • ¼ cup buttermilk
    • ⅛ cup vinegar
    • ⅛ cup lemon juice
    • 1 tablespoon horseradish
    • 2 tablespoon rosemary freshly minced
    • 1 teaspoon course ground black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon Salt

    Instructions

    Make the Sauce

    • Whisk together the ingredients in a large bowl.

    Store

    • Poud into a wide-mouthed jar and seal.
    • Store in the fridge for 24 hours so the flavors can develop before use.

    To Use:

    • Remove from fridge and shake well to use.

    Notes

    This recipe is best made 24 hours before serving. That allows the flavors to develop fully. 
    It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. 
    Use freshly prepared horseradish for the best flavor. Add more to your taste.

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Alabama White Sauce
    Amount Per Serving (1 g)
    Calories 312 Calories from Fat 306
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 34g52%
    Saturated Fat 5g31%
    Trans Fat 0.1g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 20g
    Monounsaturated Fat 8g
    Cholesterol 19mg6%
    Sodium 414mg18%
    Potassium 30mg1%
    Carbohydrates 1g0%
    Fiber 0.3g1%
    Sugar 1g1%
    Protein 1g2%
    Vitamin A 53IU1%
    Vitamin C 2mg2%
    Calcium 18mg2%
    Iron 0.2mg1%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Nutrition information provided is an estimate. For specific health concerns, please put the recipe into your Dr recommended nutrition calculator.
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    About Kita

    Hey, I'm Kita, the Meat Maven, outdoor junkie, campfire connoisseur, adventure-seeking and world traveled recipe developer and photographer behind GirlCarnivore.com. My mission is to break down savory eats and inspire you to get a little grit under your nails while having fun with your food. READ MORE

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Glenda says

      August 10, 2022 at 6:02 pm

      5 stars
      My husband’s new favorite condiment! lol He’s eating it on everything. Thanks so much for a great recipe!

      Reply
    2. Rebekah Kuk says

      August 11, 2022 at 9:57 am

      5 stars
      I’m super excited to have this recipe in my arsenal! BBQ sauce and ketchup is always too sweet for my taste. I love that this sauce is lower carb and has such a wonderful flavor. Will definitely be making this regularly.

      Reply
    3. Jennifer says

      August 11, 2022 at 11:16 am

      5 stars
      I get so tired of tomato based barbecue sauces that this was a welcome change! So much flavor! I can’t believe how good this is from such simple ingredients!

      Reply
    4. Wendy says

      August 11, 2022 at 12:39 pm

      5 stars
      OMG, we love this so much. I just want to straight up drink it – it is really that good.

      Reply
    5. Shelby says

      August 11, 2022 at 2:19 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve never thought to use a white sauce in place of barbeque but this was SO flavorful it was a huge hit. I loved the rosemary undertone especially.

      Reply

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