Make this tangy, creamy Alabama White BBQ Sauce in under 5 minutes. This mayonnaise-based sauce features apple-cider tang, a horseradish bite and savory spices — perfect for chicken, sandwiches, dipping and salads.
Making homemade seasoning and sauce blends is one of my favorite ways to meal prep. Controlling the ingredients gives better flavor and fewer additives than many store-bought options. If you’ve tried our Korean, Peach, Honey or Hot Honey BBQ sauces, you’ll love this Alabama version as well.
What’s in this post: Alabama White BBQ Sauce
- What is Alabama White BBQ Sauce?
- Ingredients
- How to Make Alabama White BBQ Sauce
- Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe
- How to Use Alabama White BBQ Sauce
- Pro Tips & Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alabama White BBQ Sauce?
Alabama White BBQ Sauce was created at Big Bob Gibson’s Bar-B-Q in northern Alabama. Unlike typical tomato-based BBQ sauces, this version uses mayonnaise as its base and is brightened with vinegar, horseradish and black pepper. The result is a thin, zesty sauce that soaks into smoked chicken bark and also works as a dip or dressing for pulled pork, seafood, fries, vegetables and salads.
Ingredients
- Mayonnaise – Use a quality mayo for a creamy base.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds bright acidity to balance richness.
- Lemon – Fresh lemon juice adds freshness.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Provides savory umami depth.
- Brown Sugar – A touch of sweetness to balance the tang.
- Horseradish – Gives a sharp, peppery kick.
- Spices – Kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper.
- Hot Sauce – Optional, for mild heat.
See the recipe card below for exact measurements.
How to Make Alabama White BBQ Sauce
Step 1 – Whisk all ingredients in a medium bowl until smooth and combined.
Step 2 – Chill 30–60 minutes to let flavors meld, then serve.
Alabama White BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Whisk all ingredients together in a mixing bowl until smooth and fully combined.
- Chill 30–60 minutes to let flavors meld, then stir and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts
How to Use Alabama White BBQ Sauce
- Smoked or grilled chicken – Pour over smoked chicken or use as a dip for wings and tenders.
- Pulled pork – Drizzle on sandwiches for bright contrast to rich pork.
- Vegetables & fries – Excellent as a dipping sauce for grilled veggies or fries.
- Salads – Use as a dressing for coleslaw or potato salad for extra tang.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Adjust thickness – Thin the sauce with 1–2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or water if you want a looser consistency.
- Smoky – Add 1/4 tsp smoked paprika for a subtle smoke note.
- Spicy – Boost heat with 1/2 tsp cayenne or extra hot sauce.
- Sugar-free – Substitute brown sugar with monk-fruit sweetener to reduce sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions
White BBQ sauce is mayonnaise-based and typically thinner and tangier, while regular BBQ sauce is tomato-based and often thicker and sweeter.
Store leftovers in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir before serving if separation occurs.
Freezing is not recommended, as the mayonnaise-based sauce can separate and become grainy after thawing.
More Easy Homemade Sauce Recipes
Yum Yum Sauce
Kansas City BBQ Sauce
Smash Burger Sauce
If you make this Alabama White BBQ Sauce, please leave a comment or a star review to let us know how it turned out.