This tangy Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe is going to change everything you thought about traditional grilling! With a mayo base and tangy vinegar, this is a Southern favorite that is finger-licking good. It has just a hint of spice.
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A good sauce can make a meal, wouldn't you agree? When you slather it on bbq chicken, steak or pork - mmmm.... delicious! Or just have some nearby for dunking like this pollo tropical cilantro garlic sauce - YUM!
BUT.... have you ever tried Alabama White BBQ Sauce? If you love the tang of a great sauce, this will take your bbq to the next level!
Goes without saying it's great on BBQ, right? Chicken, pork chops, pork tenderloin, shrimp - you name it!!! BUT it's equally good on fries or as a salad dressing!
Let me tell you, this recipe is brilliant. It's a tangy, sweet, creamy, and perfect accompaniment to your next meal!
Ingredients you’ll need
Unlike your traditional bbq sauce recipe, this has a base of mayonnaise. Here are the basic ingredients for the Alabama White Sauce! Refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements.
- Mayonnaise - Greek Yogurt would be a lower-fat option and add a great tang.
- Apple cider vinegar - white vinegar would also be great.
- Mustard - I used yellow, but Dijon mustard or spicy brown mustard would also be delicious.
- Hot horseradish - creamy or prepared, either works!
- Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika - all spices you have on hand.
- Worcestershire sauce and fresh lemon juice - for a more tangy flavor.
- Hot sauce - just a dash or two! No hot sauce? Use a pinch or two of cayenne pepper.
Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar white or apple cider
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard Dijon or spicy brown optional
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons horseradish
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce optional
- 2 dashes hot sauce optional
Instructions
- Measure the ingredients.
- Add everything to a jar and whisk to combine.
- Refrigerate until use.
- Using a mop it's terrific sopped on bbq and great drizzled on a salad. Perfect as a dipper for fries and vegetables also!
Notes
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container, refrigerated up to three days.Love this recipe? Join the free membership group!
Nutrition
Step-by-step instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions, scroll down to the bottom! But honestly, this recipe doesn't get any easier; you're going to love how simple it is to make!
- Measure the ingredients.
- Place mayonnaise and all remaining ingredients in a screw top jar or a small mixing bowl.
- Whisk together and refrigerate!
- Mop it on the chicken breasts when you're grilling, dip your French fries - both potato or sweet potato fries are especially fabulous! Burgers, chicken wings, shrimp, you name it.
It lasts for 3-4 days in the days (in most kitchens....) but certainly not ours because we eat it quickly!
This rich Alabama BBQ Sauce is a bbq staple with rich flavor. Did I mention how amazing this is? Seriously, you should make this today!
FAQ’s
Unlike a traditional barbecue sauce recipe, this one starts with mayonnaise and tangy vinegar, it has a zippy flavor that's perfect for basting chicken, pork or shrimp.
It has a mayonnaise base, it's tangy, creamy, a little spicy and a little sweet. If you want to up your BBQ game, give this a try!
It was invented in northern Alabama by Robert Gibson at Big Bob Gibson bar-b-q. It's said that smoked chicken is pulled from the pit and smothered in a pool of sauce!
I definitely need to go visit!
Deb’s tips for the perfect dish
Make it ahead - this will last about three days. Just cover it and put it in the refrigerator.
- Use a dry rub first and then slather the chicken with sauce as you're grilling.
- Be sure to make extra and serve it alongside with plenty to pass. Whether it's in bowls or squeeze bottles, everyone will appreciate dousing and dunking!
More BBQ sauce recipes
- My go-to sauce for an easy tasty dip is Pollo Tropical Garlic Sauce.
- A little spicy this creamy Blooming Onion Dipping Sauce is great for French fries, fried onions and potato chips!
- Smashburger Sauce Recipe - great for hamburgers and terrific for dipping fries too!
- Another tangy sauce perfect for dipping tater tots, chicken fingers and more is the Red Robins Campfire Sauce Recipe. It's an easy recipe that comes together in minutes.
- And of course the Huli Huli Sauce - whether you use it for chicken, pork or seafood, it brings the flavor!
Perfect pairings: what to serve with
Use this tangy sauce on your favorite bbq - beef brisket, pulled pork or pork shoulder, delicious! Or slather it on bread for a great sandwich spread.
Serve it with a side of Deviled Egg Potato Salad and Baked Beans. A yummy coleslaw would be equally delicious!
If you're looking for some great recipes to try with this sauce, here are a few of my favorites:
- Chili Lime Chicken, smoked chicken or shredded - serve this drizzled over the chicken or use it for dipping chicken tenders, delicious!
- Use this amazing dunking sauce when you serve Crunchy Baked Ranch Chicken, yum.
- I love the simplicity of grilled shrimp, super quick and a great meal. Serve this homemade bbq sauce alongside to douse the shrimp in!
- Make these super tender Ribs on the Grill and serve the white bbq sauce alongside for dipping, delish!
- This tender bbq tri tip recipe is fabulous dunked in this sauce!
This is such a versatile condiment, it's even terrific for dipping fries, especially sweet potato fries!
For more amazing grilling recipes you can find a complete Summer Grilling Menu here!
If you’ve never tried Alabama-style white BBQ sauce, get ready for your taste buds to do a little happy dance. It’s tangy, creamy, and just the thing to drizzle, dip, or slather on everything from grilled chicken to pulled pork—and yes, even fries. Once you try it, you might never go back to regular BBQ sauce again!
Give it a whirl and let me know what you think! Drop a comment and a five-star rating below, and if you share your saucy creations, tag me on Instagram @bowl_me_over—I love seeing what’s cookin’ in your kitchen!
Linda says
I can’t stand horseradish. Is there anything I can substitute for it?
Debra Clark says
That's a tough one Linda. You could try wasabi, or Chinese hot mustard, but I don't know the amounts for the substitute. Hmmm... I hate to say this, but i think you'd be better off trying something different. How about the cilantro garlic sauce? https://bowl-me-over.com/cilantro-garlic-sauce/ It's a tasty, tangy sauce. Super yummy!
Caroline says
Honestly- when it’s all mixed up you cannot distinguish the horseradish 🙂
Sherri Rochester says
This is my favorite BBQ sauce! Hubby likes regular sauce. I let him BBQ the regular was and drizzle this beautiful sauce over my chicken. I also love to use it on a roast beef sandwich! Yum!
Julie says
I doubled all the ingredients and it’s very thin, like watery thin. I followed the recipe so I’m not sure what went wrong and I’m not sure how to fix it so I don’t waste it.
Bowl Me Over says
This is a thin sauce, so if you followed the recipe and simply doubled it - you are good to go. It's quite tangy and flavorful. I hope that helps!
Caroline says
This has decent flavor but it is definitely too thin- I just added more mayo- it did not dilute the flavor. Also the vinegar is extremely strong- like off putting- so I added 2 tablespoons of sugar and it made all the difference
Debra Clark says
I'm glad you adjusted it to your tastes Caroline.
Teacher of Fourth Graders says
I agree about the vinegar. It's too much. Other recipes only call for 1/4 or 1/3 cup.
Debra Clark says
Hello, Teacher of Fourth Graders, this is Deb, Blogger of Bowl Me Over. Question - did you try the recipe?
susan | the wimpy vegetarian says
I am so on this!! I can't wait to try it!
Bowl Me Over says
Wonderful, I hope you really enjoy it Susan!!!
Amy Nash says
We are OBSESSED with this bbq sauce! It's seriously the best! I love it on pulled pork sandwiches!
Bowl Me Over says
Ooh that sounds delicious, it will be what I try next Amy! Glad you're enjoying the sauce!!
Bobboy says
Are you able to can this sauce? If so, what method?
Bowl Me Over says
I've never canned the sauce. I'm sorry I can't provide directions.
Julie Menghini says
I love sauces and condiments, and this one sounds amazing. I can't wait to sauce up some chicken like you've done!
Bowl Me Over says
BBQ that chicken and sauce it up! This is just the best sauce and I think you guys will love it!!
Jennifer Stewart says
I never thought I would like a white BBQ sauce as I am more of a mustard based sauce lover myself, but I realize it's the vinegar/tang that I love about mustards sauce so it just goes to say that this is my favorite now! Greek yogurt really makes it even tangier! So glad you liked it!
Bowl Me Over says
My goodness, this is totally the best ever. Thank you for the opportunity to share such an amazing recipe with my readers - it's the BEST!!!
Sheila Thigpen says
There are so many delicious applications for this yummy sauce! My favorite is to slather it over grilled chicken kebabs — YUM!!
Bowl Me Over says
That sounds delicious Sheila!!
Erin Parker says
White BBQ Sauce was always something that confused me (as a Memphis girl, who has a particular affinity to a particular type of BBQ, haha.) BUT that said, I've tried this recipe and WOW, is it good! We'll be slathering this on our BBQ chicken from here to through the rest of time because it's everything I want in a sauce!
Bowl Me Over says
It has me sold too Erin! It's tangy and zest and I just love all of the flavors!!! I'm glad you love it too!
Liza says
What an awesome recipe, Debra! It's a must make this summer!
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks Liza, it's so fantastic - zippy and tangy - enjoy!!
michele says
I love this so much... my mom used to make something similar--- just no vinegar... we use it on spicy brisket. This is definitely going onto our roast chicken this weekend!
Bowl Me Over says
Wonderful, I know you'll love it! I can't wait to hear what you think!!
Angela says
Ive never had this type of sauce before but WOW!!! Absolute perfection! Thanks for sharing!
Bowl Me Over says
You should definitely give it a try Angela, I know you'll really enjoy it!
MICHAELA KENKEL says
This recipe is one I have always planned to try. you have totally inspired me and I am making it this weekend! YAY!! Looks fantastic!
Bowl Me Over says
Oh my goodness, you definitely need to give this a try! It is the BEST BBQ sauce ever. I'm quite sure it will be served with all our grilled meals this summer!
Kathy says
This is definitely a MUST try sauce! So good!!