Get ready to liven up your barbecue routine with the one and only Alabama White BBQ Sauce! This tangy, creamy, peppery sauce boasts a zingy flavor that’s unlike any other BBQ favorite, thanks to a perfectly blended combination of mayonnaise, vinegar, and a dash of heat. Whether you’re dipping grilled chicken, drizzling over smoked pork, or slathering it on sandwiches, this sauce has a way of turning every bite into something wildly craveworthy. You’ll want to keep a jar of this southern classic in your fridge all year long!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients for Alabama White BBQ Sauce is refreshingly simple, but don’t let that fool you—each element plays a key role, creating that signature balance of creamy, tangy, and spicy notes. Every item adds something special to the mix, from a luscious texture to irresistible sharpness.
- Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy, rich base of the sauce and keeps everything velvety smooth.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds lively tang and brightness, cutting through the richness beautifully.
- Lemon juice: Introduces a subtle citrusy spark that lifts the entire flavor profile.
- Prepared horseradish: Brings a punch of sharp, peppery heat that gives Alabama White BBQ Sauce its kick.
- Dijon mustard: Lends depth, a touch of zing, and a slightly earthy undertone.
- Worcestershire sauce: Infuses the sauce with savory complexity and a hint of umami goodness.
- Garlic powder: Delivers mellow, aromatic warmth without overpowering the other elements.
- Onion powder: Adds gentle sweetness and rounds out the profile.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and sharpens each note in the sauce.
- Black pepper: Gives just the right amount of bite and a subtle back-end heat.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like an extra kick, this brings another layer of heat and excitement.
How to Make Alabama White BBQ Sauce
Step 1: Combine the Creamy Base
Start by grabbing a medium-sized bowl—a little room makes mixing easier. Spoon in the mayonnaise, then add apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk these together until smooth and thoroughly combined. The mixture should look glossy and uniform, with no streaks.
Step 2: Add in the Seasonings
Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and, if you’re a fan of bold flavors, a dash of cayenne pepper. Whisk again until everything is fully incorporated. This is where Alabama White BBQ Sauce really starts to come together, each spice adding another layer of complexity.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Before you call it done, dip in a spoon and have a taste! Now’s the perfect time to tweak—maybe an extra pinch of salt, a touch more vinegar, or a bit more horseradish if you love heat. Play with the flavors until it’s absolutely perfect for you.
Step 4: Chill for Best Flavor
Transfer your finished sauce to a jar or an airtight container, then pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This short chill time allows the bold flavors in your Alabama White BBQ Sauce to meld together, making every bite wonderfully balanced.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once chilled, your Alabama White BBQ Sauce is ready to go! Serve it alongside grilled or smoked chicken, pork, or even as a zesty dip for veggies and fries. The possibilities are endless!
How to Serve Alabama White BBQ Sauce
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chives, a dash of smoked paprika, or some freshly ground black pepper on top can take your Alabama White BBQ Sauce presentation up a notch. These little touches add color and a hint of extra flavor, making your sauce look (and taste) even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
This sauce is a companion to all things grilled and smoky—think tender chicken, pulled pork, and even crispy potato wedges. Try pairing it with classic southern sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or hush puppies for a true backyard feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Alabama White BBQ Sauce in a rustic mason jar or a small pitcher for easy pouring at the table. For parties, set up a DIY sandwich bar with bowls of Alabama White BBQ Sauce, pickles, and smoked meats so everyone can customize their own creation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Made too much? No problem! Alabama White BBQ Sauce keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. The flavors actually get better with time, so you might even find it tastes richer after a day or two.
Freezing
While some sauces freeze well, this mayonnaise-based beauty is best enjoyed fresh or chilled. Freezing can cause the texture to separate, so stick to short-term refrigeration for the best experience.
Reheating
This sauce is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need for reheating. If you find it has thickened up in the fridge, give it a good stir or add the tiniest splash of water or vinegar to loosen it.
FAQs
Can I make Alabama White BBQ Sauce spicier?
Absolutely! Feel free to increase the horseradish or cayenne pepper to add more heat, or even toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like things extra fiery. Taste as you go until it hits your perfect spice level.
Is this sauce only for chicken?
Definitely not! While Alabama White BBQ Sauce shines with grilled or smoked chicken, it’s also delicious on pork, turkey, seafood, roasted veggies, and as a dip for fries or chips. Let your cravings lead the way.
Can I use low-fat mayonnaise instead?
Yes, you can swap in a lighter mayonnaise for a lower-calorie version. Just keep in mind that it may alter the richness and mouthfeel slightly, but the flavors will still come through beautifully.
How long does homemade Alabama White BBQ Sauce last?
Stored properly in the fridge, it’s at its freshest and most flavorful for up to one week. Always give it a quick look and sniff before serving to ensure it’s still in top condition.
Can I make this sauce ahead for a party?
This recipe is perfectly suited for advance prep! In fact, making it a few hours or a day ahead lets all the flavors meld and intensify. Just keep it covered and chilled until you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Alabama White BBQ Sauce before, now’s your chance to discover what southerners have been raving about for generations. Whip up a batch, slather it on your next grilled feast, and get ready for the compliments to roll in—you may never look at BBQ sauce the same way again!
Print
Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes (plus chill time)
- Yield: 1 1/4 cups
- Category: Sauce
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American (Southern)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A tangy and creamy twist on traditional barbecue sauce, Alabama White BBQ Sauce is a versatile condiment perfect for grilled or smoked meats. This sauce features a blend of mayonnaise, vinegar, and spices, offering a refreshing flavor profile that complements a variety of dishes.
Ingredients
For the sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, horseradish, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
- Season the sauce: Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Whisk until fully combined.
- Adjust and chill: Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve: Serve the sauce chilled or at room temperature with grilled or smoked chicken, pork, or as a dipping sauce.
Notes
- This sauce improves in flavor as it rests, so preparing it a few hours ahead is recommended.
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- For a thinner consistency, you can add a splash of water or more vinegar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
