Alabama White Sauce - this White BBQ Sauce Recipe is a Favorite. (2024)

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For a creamy and tangy take on barbecue sauce, make this fantastic Alabama White Sauce! So simple to whip up in minutes, you’ll love serving this special sauce with grilled meats, chicken wings, or even on hamburgers.

Alabama White BBQ Sauce

This Alabama White Sauce is one of those special recipes that everyone will be asking you to make for the next barbecue or cookout. It has a creamy texture with a really nice zesty flavor. Try it on all sorts of different meats (it’s fantastic on grilled chicken!) or even use it as a marinade before grilling and a basting sauce during grilling.

So many sauces and condiments can be homemade! Here are some of our favorites: Fry Sauce 4 Ways | Homemade Pizza Sauce | Yum Yum Sauce | Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe | Copycat Chick-fil-A Sauce

What Does White BBQ Sauce Taste Like?

White BBQ sauce tastes very different from the more traditional tomato-based sauces. It actually uses mayonnaise as its base, and while that might sound strange, let me tell you: it is SO GOOD. This easy sauce is tangy, slightly sweet, and has a hint of spice.

Why is it Called Alabama Sauce?

The name comes from the place where this sauce was invented. Alabama white sauce was created by Robert Gibson at Big Bob Gibson’s Bar-B-Q in Decatur, Alabama. He would make huge amounts of this BBQ sauce and then dip chicken it in before serving. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make Alabama White BBQ Sauce (the exact measurements and full recipe instructions are below in the easy to print recipe card):

• Mayonnaise – This is an important ingredient as it serves as the base of the sauce. Use regular full-fat mayonnaise and not salad dressing.
• Apple cider vinegar – Most people use apple cider vinegar in their Alabama white sauce, but if you don’t enjoy that flavor, it will work to use white vinegar.
• Dijon mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• Salt

How to Make Alabama White Sauce

It is so easy to make this sauce it almost doesn’t count as a recipe. Are you ready?

There is one step: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk all ingredients together until smooth.

How’s that for maximum flavor for zero effort?!

Variation Ideas

Now that you know how to make the basic sauce, it’s time to start thinking about ways to mix things up. (Assuming you want to, the original recipe is so tasty I wouldn’t blame you for just sticking with that tried-and-true version!)

Here are some ideas:

• Lemon – Add a squeeze of fresh lemon to the sauce for a nice kick of flavor.
• Horseradish – For an extra bold sauce, try adding some prepared horseradish.
• Cayenne – If you’re a fan of a spicier white bbq sauce, try mixing in some cayenne pepper.
• Brown sugar – Some people like their sauce with a hint of sweetness, so you can add a little brown sugar to taste.
• Buttermilk – Many folks add a couple of tablespoons of buttermilk to their sauce to thin it out a little.

Ways to Use this Sauce

There are so many ways to use this tangy sauce. I love dipping chicken fingers or BBQ chicken in it. You can also spoon it over grilled steak, drizzle it on your burger, or even put it on baked salmon. I know some people who like to dip their pizza in it! I know that sounds unexpected but it’s not that much different than dipping pizza in ranch dressing (which is seriously addictive, you should try it.)

Here are some recipes on my site that would go well with white BBQ sauce:

• Crispy Chicken Tenders
• Coca Cola Air Fryer Chicken Wings
• Kentucky Bourbon Chicken Wings
• Garlic Butter Steak Bites

How to Store

Keep the sauce in a jar or bottle with a lid in the refrigerator for up to one week. It’s so easy to make, you can always whip up a fresh bottle whenever it’s needed.