All photos for this recipe are from Erin Hungsberg (IG: erin_hungsberg)
Alabama white sauce, often called white barbecue sauce, is a tangy mayonnaise-based condiment brightened with apple cider vinegar, spicy brown mustard and prepared horseradish. A few simple seasonings add depth and a pleasant bite.
This versatile sauce is excellent as a dip for fries, a dressing for salads, or the perfect companion to smoked or grilled chicken. It shines on drumsticks and wings and adds rich, punchy flavor to many dishes.
Where did Alabama White Sauce originate from?
Alabama white sauce was popularized by Robert Gibson of Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q in Decatur, Alabama. Their signature white sauce is still a hallmark at the restaurant, where they dunk split and whole chickens in the creamy, tangy blend.
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 comes together in minutes. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and whisk until smooth. Adjust the texture with additional vinegar to thin or more mayonnaise to thicken, depending on how you plan to use it. For coating chicken, a slightly thinner sauce works well; for serving as a dip, keep it a bit thicker.
Variations to try
Most versions start with mayonnaise, but you can substitute Miracle Whip or mix in some sour cream for a tangier profile. White vinegar can replace apple cider vinegar if needed. If cayenne isn’t available, a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce will add heat.
How to store
Store the sauce in an airtight container, such as a mason jar, and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to two weeks. Make extra because it disappears quickly.
What to use Alabama white sauce for
This adaptable sauce pairs with many foods. Popular uses include:
- Grilled chicken wings
- Smoked whole chicken
- Pork tenderloin
- French fries or potato wedges
- As a salad dressing
Other recipes to try white sauce on
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 fries, as a dipping sauce, and pairs beautifully with grilled or smoked chicken. It adds rich flavor to many dishes and is easy to make.
- 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.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. Use within two weeks.
Notes
If the sauce is too thick, thin with additional apple cider vinegar.
If the sauce is too thin, add more mayonnaise to thicken.
- Author: Jordan Hanger
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Cuisine: American