Alabama White Barbecue Sauce

5 from 2 votes

This Alabama white sauce, also known as Alabama BBQ sauce, is tangy, creamy, easy to make, and a guaranteed crowd pleaser!

Prep Time10

Total Time10

Course: Condiment

Cuisine: American

Keyword: white sauce recipe

Servings: Servings

Calories: 266kcal

1 cup mayonnaise homemade or store-bought
0.25 cup apple cider vinegar or distilled white vinegar
1 teaspoon prepared horseradish add one additional teaspoon or use spicy horseradish for more kick
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon sugar optional
1 clove garlic pressed or finely minced
0.25 teaspoon sea salt
0.25 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper substitute paprika if desired
1 teaspoon yellow mustard or spicy creole mustard

Combine all of the ingredients in a medium bowl or glass jar with a lid. Whisk or shake to combine.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight so they flavors have time to develop.
Use this sauce as a baste (apply just before you remove form the grill) or as a dipping sauce for ribs, chicken or on burgers and sandwiches.

Refrigerate your sauce for at least 2 hours before serving, overnight is best. This softens the vinegar’s sharp edge and lets the pepper and horseradish mellow into the creamy base. Cold sauce also clings better to chicken and pork.
Taste as you go. Too sharp? Add a spoonful of mayonnaise or a drizzle of honey to round things out. Not enough kick? Stir in more black pepper, a small dab of horseradish, or a dash of hot sauce.
It’s tempting to add a big splash for tang or extra heat, but both can take over quickly. Start small, mix, and taste – then adjust.
Use real, full-fat mayonnaise. Duke’s is the traditional pick in Alabama, but Hellmann’s or Best Foods work well. Reduced-fat or light versions can make the sauce thin and flat.
Blend all the ingredients until totally smooth for that classic velvety finish. No one wants a clump of pepper or horseradish in their bite.
Keep the sauce in an airtight jar or container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Always stir before using, as some separation is natural.