This Alabama white BBQ sauce recipe is a Southern favorite! It has a mayo base, and features apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and seasonings.
This Alabama white sauce recipe is a BBQ staple for grilled or smoked meats like chicken or pork. Our original recipe has a thin consistency which makes it perfect for drizzling, and it’s absorbed more easily into the meat, infusing it with delicious flavor. This easy sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used as a marinade or basting sauce. Our absolute favorite way to use Alabama white BBQ sauce though is to pour it all over grilled chicken!
What you’ll love about this recipe:
White Barbecue Sauce vs. Traditional BBQ Sauce
White barbecue sauce has a creamy mayonnaise base and includes vinegar (apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, etc.), lemon juice, and seasonings. It has a tangy, slightly acidic flavor and a pungent, spicy kick from the horseradish and hot sauce. It’s definitely less sweet than traditional barbecue sauce. Alabama white BBQ sauce is served with grilled or smoked meats and can be used as a marinade, basting sauce, dipping sauce, or condiment.
Traditional barbecue sauce, on the other hand, has a tomato or ketchup base, along with sweeteners like brown sugar, molasses, or honey which gives it a sweet, smoky flavor with varying levels of tanginess and heat. Vinegar and Worcestershire sauce are also commonly used. For example, our St. Louis style ribs are made with a vinegar based BBQ sauce.
Ingredients
- Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise serves as the creamy base of this white barbecue sauce. Think real mayonnaise like Duke’s or Hellman’s.
- Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds tangy acidity.
- Apple juice: Apple juice brings a touch of sweetness to the sauce without overpowering it.
- Horseradish: Horseradish gives this sauce a sharp, spicy kick.
- Lemon juice: Lemon juice adds bright acidity and freshness, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Soul Food Seasoning (“Soul Dust”): Soul food seasoning, or “Soul Dust,” is our favorite original spice blend recipe. It contains kosher salt, ground black pepper, granulated garlic, and seasoned salt.
- Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard contributes both flavor and texture to the sauce. It also helps to bind the ingredients together and create a smooth, cohesive BBQ sauce.
- Hot sauce: Hot sauce adds heat and intensity~ Adjust the amount according to your preference for spiciness.
Alabama White Sauce Recipe Substitutions
- Sour cream: You can substitute sour cream for some or all of the mayonnaise to add a tangy flavor and slightly different texture to the sauce.
- Spicy brown mustard: Instead of Dijon mustard, you can use spicy brown mustard for a deeper, more robust flavor with a hint of heat.
- Creole or Cajun seasoning: Instead of our Soul Food Seasoning, you can use Creole or Cajun seasoning.
White BBQ Sauce Recipe
- In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients.
- Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and well combined. Tip: Use a sauce/gravy whisk – it’s a game changer!
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional hot sauce if desired.
- Once you’re happy with the flavor, transfer the sauce to a mason jar or an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the sauce a final stir and taste for any additional seasoning adjustments.
- Serve the Alabama white sauce alongside grilled or smoked chicken, turkey, pork chops, or seafood. It also makes a great dipping sauce for french fries or salad dressing for veggies.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Balance the Ingredients: Taste your sauce as you go and adjust the ingredients to achieve the perfect balance of flavor. Everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to tweak the amounts of vinegar, mayonnaise, horseradish, and other seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
- Chill Before Serving: For the best flavor, refrigerate your Alabama white sauce for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. This includes freshly squeezed lemon juice and high-quality mayonnaise.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasonings! While traditional Alabama white sauce recipes call for ingredients like horseradish, mustard, and hot sauce, you can also experiment with other spices and herbs to customize the flavor to your liking. Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper.
- Brush on During Grilling: If you’re using this Alabama white sauce recipe as a basting sauce for grilled meats, brush it on during the last few minutes of grilling to prevent it from burning. The sauce will caramelize slightly, adding an extra layer of flavor to your meats.
What to Serve with Alabama White BBQ Sauce
Leftovers
Transfer leftover sauce to a mason jar or airtight container and refrigerate. Alabama white sauce can last for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator when stored properly. Do not leave it at room temperature for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth.
FAQ
What can I do if the sauce is too too thin?
Alabama White Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened apple juice
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Soul Food Seasoning or Creole seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce adjust to taste
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl.
- Whisk vigorously until thoroughly incorporated. Pro Tip: Use a sauce/gravy whisk.
- Taste sauce and adjust seasoning or hot sauce to suit personal preference.
- Transfer sauce to a clean mason jar or airtight container.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour (recommended).
- Stir sauce before serving.