Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe is a tangy, creamy mayonnaise based sauce with vinegar, horseradish, and spices, traditionally used for grilled or smoked chicken.
I made this Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe because I’ve been making it for years, ever since I first saw it used in a Southern BBQ joint documentary.
That moment sparked my interest, and I’ve refined the recipe over time. Now, I’m going to walk you through each step so you can enjoy making it at home too.

Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe
This Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe is a rich, tangy sauce made with mayonnaise, vinegar, horseradish, and bold spices.
Its main speciality is the creamy texture combined with a sharp, peppery bite that sets it apart from traditional tomato based BBQ sauces.
Originally created in Northern Alabama, it’s especially popular on smoked or grilled chicken. The balance of heat, acidity, and smoothness makes it unique.
It also works well as a marinade, dip, or even a zesty dressing, adding Southern flair to any dish.
How To Prepare Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)
Total Time: 5 minutes
Course: Sauce / Condiment
Cuisine: Southern, American
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: Makes about 2 cups
Main Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight jar or container (for storage)
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or coarse cracked)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar (or honey, as an alternative)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular)
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 dashes of your favorite hot sauce
Instructions
1. Mix The Base:
Grab a medium sized bowl and whisk together the mayo, vinegar, and lemon juice until it’s smooth and creamy.
2. Add The Flavors:
Stir in the horseradish, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of black pepper.
3. Season It:
Now add the kosher salt, cayenne, a touch of sugar or honey, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and your favorite hot sauce. Mix everything well so it’s fully combined.
4. Taste And Tweak:
Give it a taste. If it needs more salt, heat, or sweetness, adjust it to your liking. If the sauce feels too thick, just add a splash of water or a little more vinegar to loosen it up.
5. Chill Before Serving:
Pour the sauce into a container with a lid and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavours time to come together. Give it a quick stir or shake before serving.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
Nutrition | Amounts |
---|---|
Calories | 130 |
Fat | 14g |
Saturated Fat | 2g |
Cholesterol | 10mg |
Sodium | 180mg |
Carbohydrates | 2g |
Sugar | 1g |
Protein | 0g |
Expert Tips
● Use full fat mayonnaise to get the richest, creamiest base for the sauce.
● Let the sauce chill in the fridge for at least an hour to deepen the flavor.
● Fresh lemon juice adds brightness that balances the tang of vinegar.
● Stir well before each use, especially after storing, to maintain consistency.
● Adjust salt, pepper, and heat levels based on the meat being served.
Serving Suggestions
1. Drizzle generously over grilled or smoked chicken to enhance its smoky flavor.
2. Use as a dipping sauce for crispy chicken tenders, fries, or roasted vegetables.
3.Spread on sandwiches or burgers to add a creamy, tangy kick.
4. Mix into shredded chicken or pulled pork for a flavorful BBQ twist.
5. Serve alongside ribs or brisket as a bold alternative to traditional BBQ sauces.
How To Make More Delicious Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe?
To make more delicious Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe, use high quality mayonnaise as the base and freshly squeezed lemon juice for brightness.
Choose prepared horseradish for bold flavor and balance the heat using cayenne and hot sauce carefully. Let the sauce chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving so the flavours blend well.
Use freshly cracked black pepper for extra kick and adjust salt to taste. A touch of honey or sugar enhances depth without overpowering the tanginess.
Why You Will Choose Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe brings bold, tangy flavor that stands out from traditional red sauces. Its creamy base blends vinegar, pepper, and spices into a smooth, unforgettable taste.
This sauce adds a unique twist to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or sandwiches. The balance of heat, sweetness, and sharpness creates a mouthwatering experience every time.
Homemade and fresh, it elevates simple dishes into something special. It’s a must-try Southern classic that delivers amazing flavor in every bite.
How To Store Leftovers?
Store leftover Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe in an airtight container or sealed glass jar in the refrigerator.
Keep it chilled to preserve its bold, creamy flavor. Use a clean spoon each time to maintain quality and avoid spoilage. Stir before each use to blend any settled ingredients.
Freezing is not recommended because the texture can change due to the mayonnaise base. Fresh and refrigerated, the sauce remains delicious and safe to enjoy for several days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use It As A Marinade?
Yes, it works great as a marinade for chicken or pork, adding moisture and flavor.
Is It Spicy?
It has a mild kick from horseradish, cayenne, and hot sauce, but you can adjust the heat to your taste.
What Dishes Pair Well With This Sauce?
It’s commonly served with grilled or smoked chicken, but also tastes great with turkey, pork, or even as a dipping sauce.
Can I Make It Dairy Free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy free since it’s made with mayonnaise, not cream or milk.
What Makes It Different From Regular BBQ Sauce?
Unlike traditional tomato based BBQ sauces, Alabama White Sauce is mayonnaise and vinegar-based, giving it a tangy, creamy flavor.
Conclusion
I’m so glad to share this easy and delicious Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe with you! It was a simple, flavourful success that I truly enjoyed making and I hope it inspires you to try it too.
The bold, tangy taste adds a perfect kick to any grilled dish. It’s quick to make, and the results are amazing. Now it’s your turn give it a try and let me know how delicious it turns out for you!
More BBQ Sauce Recipes You’ll Love
Apple Bourbon BBQ Sauce | Sweet & Tangy
Peach Chipotle BBQ Sauce | Sweet And Spicy
Black Garlic BBQ Sauce | Best Ever
White BBQ Sauce Recipe [No Cooking]

Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight jar or container (for storage)
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or coarse cracked
- Kosher salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar or honey, as an alternative
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or regular
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 dashes of your favorite hot sauce
Instructions
Mix The Base:
- Grab a medium sized bowl and whisk together the mayo, vinegar, and lemon juice until it’s smooth and creamy.
Add The Flavors:
- Stir in the horseradish, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of black pepper.
Season It:
- Now add the kosher salt, cayenne, a touch of sugar or honey, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and your favorite hot sauce. Mix everything well so it’s fully combined.
Taste And Tweak:
- Give it a taste. If it needs more salt, heat, or sweetness, adjust it to your liking. If the sauce feels too thick, just add a splash of water or a little more vinegar to loosen it up.
Chill Before Serving:
- Pour the sauce into a container with a lid and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavours time to come together. Give it a quick stir or shake before serving.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 130 | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 180mg | Carbohydrates: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Protein: 0g
“Hi, I’m Samia, a passionate recipe creator with 5 years of experience in crafting delicious, unique dishes. My love for cooking has led me to explore a variety of cuisines, combining flavors to create memorable meals for every occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or an elaborate feast, I believe in making every dish special. Join me on my culinary journey as I share easy-to-follow recipes and tips that will inspire your cooking and bring joy to your kitchen!”