There’s something downright magical about Alabama White Sauce—a Southern classic that’s as tangy as it is creamy, famous for instantly elevating grilled meats, poultry, and even humble veggies. Whether you’re chasing those smoky barbecued flavors at home or simply want a zippy dip that leaves your taste buds singing, this unique sauce has you covered in the most delightful way. With bright pops of vinegar, a fiery touch of horseradish, and a silky mayonnaise base, it’s the kind of condiment you make once and wonder how you ever lived without.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how just a handful of kitchen staples come together to create such depth and character in this iconic white BBQ sauce. Each ingredient brings its own charm—creamy, tangy, punchy, or peppery—resulting in a sauce that’s pure Southern comfort.
- Mayonnaise: The foundation for Alabama White Sauce, this ingredient makes the sauce irresistibly creamy and indulgent.
- Apple cider vinegar: Brings that crucial tang and brightness, cutting through the richness for perfect balance.
- Lemon juice: Adds a fresh zing and a burst of citrus that wakes everything up.
- Prepared horseradish (not creamy): Gives the sauce its signature spicy kick—don’t skip this if you want an authentic flavor!
- Dijon mustard: Delivers a gentle heat and complexity that rounds out the sauce beautifully.
- Worcestershire sauce: A splash of savory umami that deepens the flavor profile.
- Garlic powder: For subtle aromatic warmth that blends seamlessly into every bite.
- Onion powder: Softens and sweetens the overall taste without overpowering the sauce.
- Salt: Essential for pulling all those flavors together—taste and add more if you need it!
- Black pepper: Provides a gentle heat and earthiness; freshly ground is best for extra zing.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): If you love a little extra fire, this finishing touch will do the trick.
How to Make Alabama White Sauce
Step 1: Mix the Creamy Base
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, horseradish, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. You want everything velvety smooth—no lumps allowed! This step builds the luscious, tangy backbone of your Alabama White Sauce.
Step 2: Add All the Seasonings
Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and a dash of cayenne pepper if you’re feeling bold. Stir everything together so those spices are evenly distributed, amping up depth and complexity in every spoonful.
Step 3: Chill for Maximum Flavor
Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. This patience pays off—the flavors marry and mellow into the most crave-worthy sauce! Stir before serving for the perfect consistency.
How to Serve Alabama White Sauce
Garnishes
Go simple or go bold—try a scatter of fresh chives or green onions for color, or a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper right on top for an elegant finish. If you’re feeling inspired, a few pickle chips on the side can really highlight the sauce’s tanginess!
Side Dishes
This sauce truly shines with smoked chicken, but don’t stop there. Serve it alongside roasted potatoes, grilled pork tenderloin, or a big platter of crisp, fresh veggies. It even makes an unexpected (but seriously addictive) dip for french fries or fried green tomatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
Pour your Alabama White Sauce into a mason jar or a vintage gravy boat for a down-home, charming look. You can also drizzle it over sliders, use it as a sandwich spread, or swirl it onto a platter for dipping grilled meats at your next backyard get-together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Alabama White Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and tangy for up to a week—just remember to give it a good stir before each use to reincorporate all those delicious layers.
Freezing
While mayonnaise-based sauces usually don’t love the freezer, Alabama White Sauce is best enjoyed fresh from the fridge. Freezing can change the texture, making it less creamy and more separated, so whip up a new batch when you need it next!
Reheating
No reheating needed—this sauce is designed to be served cool, straight from the fridge! Just let it sit at room temperature for a couple of minutes if you prefer a slightly softer texture before drizzling or dipping.
FAQs
What makes Alabama White Sauce different from other BBQ sauces?
Unlike traditional tomato or vinegar-based BBQ sauces, Alabama White Sauce is creamy, tangy, and mayo-based, making it uniquely silky and perfect for basting, dipping, or drizzling.
Is Alabama White Sauce spicy?
It has a gentle kick from the prepared horseradish and optional cayenne, but the overall flavor is more tangy and zesty than fiery. You can always adjust the level of heat by playing with the horseradish and cayenne to suit your taste!
Can I make Alabama White Sauce without horseradish?
Horseradish is key to its authentic flavor, but if you can’t find it or simply don’t enjoy it, try a grated radish or a small dash of extra Dijon mustard as a stand-in. The final taste will be a bit different, but still delicious!
What proteins pair best with Alabama White Sauce?
It’s traditionally famous with smoked or grilled chicken, but don’t hesitate to pour it over pulled pork, turkey breast, or even fried fish. It transforms just about any grilled protein into something special!
How long should I chill Alabama White Sauce before serving?
At least one hour of chilling is ideal—the longer, the better for flavors to meld. If you’re in a rush, you can use it sooner, but that little wait will be worth it!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your taste buds and everyone at the table, give this Alabama White Sauce a try—it’s one of those recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to time and time again. Whether spooned over smoky chicken or scooped up with crispy fries, its tangy charm is impossible to resist!
Print
Alabama White Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 1 1/4 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make the tangy and creamy Alabama White Sauce, a versatile condiment perfect for grilled or smoked meats. This Southern classic is easy to whip up and adds a zesty kick to your dishes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish (not creamy)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Seasonings:
- 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 mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, horseradish, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
- Season and Mix: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if desired. Mix until fully combined.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Stir before serving.
Notes
- This sauce is a great accompaniment to smoked or grilled chicken, pork, turkey, and as a dip for fries or veggies.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
