Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe: Strange, Tangy, Perfect

This creamy Alabama white BBQ sauce recipe is the Southern secret weapon your grilling needs! Made with mayonnaise, vinegar, and perfect spices, it’s the tangy twist that’ll make your barbecue unforgettable.

Picture this: You’re at a backyard BBQ, and someone hands you a piece of chicken slathered in what looks like… ranch dressing? But one bite later, your taste buds are doing a happy dance. That’s Alabama white BBQ sauce for you – the mayo-based miracle that’s been quietly revolutionizing Southern barbecue for decades.

I’ll be honest with you. When I first heard about white BBQ sauce, I thought it sounded weird. Mayo on barbecue? That can’t be right. But after trying it at a little roadside joint in Alabama, I became a total convert. Now I make batches of this stuff weekly, and my neighbors literally text me asking if I have any left over.

The best part? You probably have most of these ingredients sitting in your fridge right now.

What Makes Alabama White BBQ Sauce So Special?

Unlike your typical tomato-based barbecue sauces, Alabama white sauce brings something completely different to the table. It’s:

• Tangy without being overwhelming – that perfect vinegar bite
• Creamy and rich – thanks to the mayo base
• Incredibly versatile – works on way more than just chicken
• Ready in 5 minutes – no cooking required!

The sauce was invented by Robert Gibson at Big Bob Gibson’s Bar-B-Q in Decatur, Alabama, back in 1925. Smart man – he knew a good thing when he created it.

Alabama White BBQ Sauce Ingredients

Here’s your shopping list for barbecue greatness:

The Base:

• 1 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s is my ride-or-die, but any good mayo works)
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard

The Sweet & Tangy:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish (get the hot stuff!)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

The Spice Squad:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (skip if you’re heat-sensitive)
• 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce (to taste)

How to Make White BBQ Sauce (Step-by-Step)

This is probably the easiest barbecue sauce you’ll ever make. No joke.

Step 1: Set Up Your Station

Grab a large mixing bowl and get all your ingredients measured out. Trust me on this – having everything ready makes the whole process smooth as butter.

Step 2: Start with the Mayo Base

Add your mayonnaise to the bowl first. Then pour in that apple cider vinegar. Don’t panic when it looks weird at first – we’re about to fix that.

Step 3: Add the Flavor Builders

Stir in the spicy brown mustard, brown sugar, horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Already smelling better, right?

Step 4: Season It Up

Add all your dry seasonings – garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Drop in your hot sauce too.

Step 5: Whisk Until Smooth

Here’s where the magic happens. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, creamy sauce with no lumps or streaks. Should take about 2 minutes of good whisking.

Step 6: Let It Chill (Optional but Recommended)

You can use this immediately, but here’s my secret: let it hang out in the fridge for at least 2 hours. The flavors get all cozy together and create something truly special.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Rest Time: 2 hours (for best flavor)
• Total Time: 5 minutes active
• Servings: Makes about 1½ cups
• Storage: Keeps in fridge for 1 week

Nutrition Information (Per 2 Tablespoons)

• Calories: 135
• Fat: 14g
• Carbs: 3g
• Protein: 0g
• Sodium: 180mg

Why This White BBQ Sauce Recipe Works So Well

After making this sauce probably 50+ times, here’s why I think it’s absolutely genius:

It’s foolproof. Seriously, you’d have to try pretty hard to mess this up. Just whisk and go.

The flavor is complex. You get tangy, creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet all in one bite. It’s like a flavor party in your mouth.

It sticks to food. Unlike thin vinegar-based sauces, this mayo-based beauty clings to whatever you’re eating.

Everyone loves it. I’ve served this to sauce skeptics, picky eaters, and BBQ purists. They all come back for more.

Pro Tips for Perfect White BBQ Sauce

Here are my hard-earned lessons from years of making this sauce:

For More Heat

• Use extra hot horseradish
• Add more cayenne pepper
• Try a spicier hot sauce
• Throw in some red pepper flakes

For Milder Flavor

• Cut the horseradish in half
• Skip the cayenne completely
• Use regular mustard instead of spicy brown
• Go easy on the hot sauce

For Extra Tang

• Add another tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• Squeeze in more lemon juice
• Try a splash of white vinegar

Make It Lighter

• Replace half the mayo with sour cream
• Use light mayonnaise
• Add some Greek yogurt

What to Serve with Alabama White Sauce

This sauce is way more versatile than you might think. Here are my favorite pairings:

Traditional Uses

• Grilled chicken (the classic!)
• Smoked chicken wings
• Pulled pork sandwiches
• Grilled pork chops

Creative Ideas

• Coleslaw dressing (thin it with a little extra vinegar)
• Grilled vegetables (especially corn and zucchini)
• Fish tacos (trust me on this one)
• Potato salad (game-changer)
• Dipping sauce for sweet potato fries

My personal favorite? Brush it on chicken thighs while they’re still hot off the grill, then serve with buttery corn and tangy slaw. Pure summer perfection.

Common Questions About White BBQ Sauce

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I recommend it. Make it up to 3 days ahead – the flavors just get better.

What if I don’t have horseradish?

You can skip it, but you’ll miss that signature zing. Try starting with just a little bit of mild horseradish if you’re unsure.

Is this sauce supposed to be this tangy?

Yes! That’s what makes Alabama white sauce special. If it’s too tart, add another tablespoon of brown sugar.

Can I freeze white BBQ sauce?

Nope, don’t do it. Mayo-based sauces get weird and separated when frozen. Just make fresh batches as needed.

How long does homemade white BBQ sauce last?

About a week in the fridge. Always use a clean spoon to prevent contamination.

Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, here are some fun twists:

• Herb Version: Add ½ teaspoon of your favorite seasoning blend
• Smoky Style: Mix in a pinch of smoked paprika
• Cajun Kick: Use Cajun seasoning instead of regular garlic and onion powder
• Ranch Fusion: Add a packet of ranch dressing mix (seriously good)

Ready to Try Alabama White BBQ Sauce?

This sauce has honestly changed how I think about barbecue. It’s proof that sometimes the best things come from the most unexpected places – like putting mayonnaise on your BBQ.

The next time you’re firing up the grill, give this Alabama white BBQ sauce a shot. I promise you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so incredible. And when your guests start asking for the recipe (and they will), you’ll know you’ve got a winner on your hands.

Pro tip: Make a double batch. Trust me, you’re going to want extra once you taste this Southern treasure.