All photos for this recipe are from Erin Hungsberg (IG: erin_hungsberg)
Alabama white sauce, often called white barbecue sauce, has a mayonnaise base combined with apple cider vinegar, spicy brown mustard, prepared horseradish and a few simple seasonings. The result is a tangy, slightly spicy sauce that brightens many dishes.
This versatile sauce is excellent as a dip for french fries, as a salad dressing, or brushed on grilled and smoked chicken—especially on grilled chicken drumsticks. Its rich, bold flavor adds a fresh, zesty finish to a wide range of recipes.
Where did Alabama White Sauce originate?
Alabama white sauce was popularized by Robert Gibson of Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q in Decatur, Alabama. Their signature method of dunking split and whole chickens in this creamy, tangy sauce helped make it an iconic regional favorite.
Ingredients you will need for Alabama white BBQ sauce
Mayonnaise
Apple cider vinegar
Prepared horseradish
Spicy brown mustard
Salt and black pepper
Garlic powder
Cayenne pepper
How to make Alabama white sauce
This sauce is quick and easy to prepare. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and whisk until smooth and well blended. Adjust the consistency with additional vinegar if you prefer a thinner sauce for brushing on chicken, or add more mayonnaise for a thicker dip.
Taste and tweak the balance of tang, heat, and seasoning to your preference. Letting the sauce rest in the refrigerator for a short time helps the flavors meld.
Variations to try
Most versions start with mayonnaise, but you can substitute Miracle Whip or a bit of sour cream for a different tang. White vinegar works in place of apple cider vinegar if needed. If you’re out of cayenne, a few dashes of hot sauce will provide the heat.
How to store
Store the sauce in an airtight container, such as a mason jar, in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Refrigerate after each use and make extra when you have the ingredients on hand.
What to use Alabama white sauce for
This adaptable sauce complements many dishes. Some favorite uses include:
- Grilled chicken wings
- Smoked whole chicken
- Pork tenderloin
- French fries or potato wedges
- As a salad dressing
Other recipes to try with white sauce
Grilled chicken drumsticks with Alabama white sauce
Grilled buffalo wings
Buffalo chicken bird dogs
Easy homemade coleslaw
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How to make Alabama white sauce
5 from 2 reviews
This tangy sauce is great on french fries, used as a dip, and pairs perfectly with grilled or smoked chicken. It adds bright, rich flavor to many dishes.
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 8
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups mayonnaise
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 4 tablespoons cream-style horseradish
- 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and whisk until smooth and fully combined.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. Use within two weeks.
Notes
If the sauce is too thick, thin it with additional apple cider vinegar.
If the sauce is too thin, stir in more mayonnaise to thicken.
- Author: Jordan Hanger
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Cuisine: American