If you’ve never experienced the tangy, peppery thrill of Alabama White Sauce, you’re in for an absolute treat. This iconic Southern condiment blends creamy mayonnaise with apple cider vinegar and a punchy batch of spices, creating a sauce that’s sharp, cooling, and utterly unforgettable. A classic partner for smoked chicken but shockingly versatile across your barbecue feast, Alabama White Sauce is about to be your new secret weapon for transforming simple meals into crowd-pleasing favorites.

Alabama White Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Alabama White Sauce calls for just a handful of pantry staples, each playing its own unique role in building up flavor and luscious texture. Don’t skip or substitute if you can help it—the magic is in the balance!

Mayonnaise: This forms the rich, creamy backbone of the sauce, giving it that classic silky texture.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings the all-important tang and a bit of fruity depth that cuts through the creaminess.
Prepared Horseradish: Adds a mild heat and signature zing that sets Alabama White Sauce apart from other BBQ sauces.
Dijon Mustard: Provides a gentle kick and sharpness, helping round out the flavors.
Worcestershire Sauce: Offers savory umami depth for a more complex taste profile.
Garlic Powder: Infuses the sauce with warm, aromatic notes—never underestimate its power.
Onion Powder: Layers in subtle sweetness and savoriness to complement the sharpness of the vinegar.
Salt: Essential for brightening and tying all the flavors together.
Black Pepper: Adds a mild, earthy heat and speckled character.
Cayenne Pepper (optional): Crank this up for even more kick, or omit if you prefer it mellow.

How to Make Alabama White Sauce

Step 1: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Grab a medium mixing bowl and start by whisking together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Make sure to whisk vigorously until everything looks smooth and cohesive—the base of Alabama White Sauce should be glossy and pourable at this stage.

Step 2: Add the Spices

Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, a dash of cayenne pepper. Whisk again so all the seasonings dissolve into the sauce, enhancing both flavor and aroma. This step ensures every spoonful packs a perfectly blended punch.

Step 3: Chill and Meld Flavors

Transfer the sauce to an airtight container or simply cover your bowl. Let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This pause is key—chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making Alabama White Sauce so much more vibrant and harmonious.

Step 4: Stir and Serve

When ready to use, give the sauce a good stir to reincorporate anything that may have settled. Now you’re set: pour, dip, or drizzle to your heart’s content. The sauce will be perfectly creamy, tangy, and lively after its short fridge vacation!

How to Serve Alabama White Sauce

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, try topping your Alabama White Sauce with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a tiny pinch of chopped fresh parsley. If you like heat, an extra dusting of cayenne right before serving adds bold color and spice.

Side Dishes

Pair this sauce with classic barbecue companions like cornbread, coleslaw, or baked beans. Alabama White Sauce is especially outstanding with smoked chicken or pork, but don’t underestimate how delicious it is as a dip for roasted veggies or crispy potato wedges.

Creative Ways to Present

Ditch the typical gravy boat and serve Alabama White Sauce in mason jars for that Southern charm, or drizzle it from a squeeze bottle over platters of grilled meats for a modern twist. For parties, pour into individual dipping cups or drizzle onto sliders and wraps—it’s as versatile as your imagination.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Alabama White Sauce chilled in an airtight container, and it’ll stay fresh for up to one week. Always use a clean spoon to scoop, and don’t let it sit out at room temperature any longer than necessary.

Freezing

Mayonnaise-based sauces like this one aren’t ideal for freezing—the texture can separate and become watery after thawing. For best results, make just what you’ll use within the week and enjoy it fresh and creamy.

Reheating

Alabama White Sauce doesn’t need to be heated; it’s at its best served cold or at cool room temperature. If it’s been in the fridge, just give it a hearty stir before serving to restore its smooth consistency.

FAQs

Can I make Alabama White Sauce less spicy?

Absolutely! Feel free to leave out the cayenne pepper or reduce the amount of horseradish if you prefer a milder flavor. The beauty of homemade sauces is you can tailor them exactly to your taste.

Is there a substitute for mayonnaise?

If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, try using Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and mayonnaise. While it changes the flavor and texture a bit, you’ll still get a deliciously tangy and creamy result.

What meats does Alabama White Sauce pair with best?

Traditionally, it shines on smoked or grilled chicken, but it’s also amazing on pulled pork, turkey, or even brisket. Don’t hesitate to experiment—it adds zesty punch to just about any protein.

Can I make Alabama White Sauce ahead of time?

Yes, and in fact, it’s even better after a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. The extra time allows all the flavors to mingle, resulting in a deeper, more rounded taste.

How can I make Alabama White Sauce more tangy?

Simply add a little extra apple cider vinegar or increase the Dijon mustard for more tang. Taste and adjust gradually so you don’t overpower the other flavors.

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistibly fun about introducing friends and family to the bold, tangy world of Alabama White Sauce. Whether you spoon it over grilled meats or dream up new ways to enjoy it, give this saucy staple a try—you’ll never look at barbecue the same way again!

Alabama White Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 5 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Alabama White Sauce is a tangy, mayonnaise-based barbecue sauce with a hint of spice, perfect for dipping, marinating, or as a finishing touch on grilled and smoked meats. This versatile sauce adds a unique flavor to your dishes and is a staple in Southern barbecue traditions.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Alabama White Sauce:

1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

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Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, horseradish, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.

Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Whisk again until fully combined.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Stir well before using.

Notes

Use as a dipping sauce, marinade, or finishing sauce for grilled chicken, pork, or smoked meats.
Adjust horseradish and vinegar to taste for more kick or tang.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Condiment
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American (Southern)