Easy Alabama White Sauce Recipe

Among the crown jewels of barbecue sauces, there’s one that stands out with its distinctive tanginess and creamy texture – the Alabama White Sauce. And my family LOVES it!

JUMP TO RECIPE

Back when my husband had a work car and free gas, we’d take trips to see my family in Florida. One time, driving through Birmingham, we needed to find a spot to eat. And when you’re in the South, you eat barbecue. We pulled up the internet, and it pointed us straight to Saw’s Soul Kitchen. That’s where I fell in love with Alabama White Sauce, and now it’s my go-to for chicken, pulled pork, fries—pretty much anything that needs a sauce. It’s tangy, spicy, and makes everything better. Give this super easy Alabama white sauce recipe a try, and you’ll see why I think it’s the bomb diggity… do people even say that anymore, or is it just me getting old?

Alabama White Sauce

Frequently Asked Questions

Alabama White Sauce is a unique barbecue sauce that originated in Northern Alabama. The sauce is characterized by its mayonnaise base which results in a creamy texture, and tangy flavor profile. The sauce is great as a marinade or dipping sauce for grilled chicken, turkey, and other meats.

It was first popularized by Big Bob Gibson’s Bar-B-Q in Decatur, Alabama. Legend has it that it was created by the restaurant’s founder, Big Bob Gibson, in the 1920s. Since then, Alabama White Sauce has gained popularity and has become a distinctive element of barbecue culture, especially in the northern regions of Alabama.

It’s tangy, creamy, and has a unique combination of flavors from the mayonnaise, vinegar, and other ingredients.

It would make an absolutely amazing salad dressing. It kind of reminds me of a caesar dressing.

I would call it more tangy, then spicy. You can add as much or as little cayenne pepper to it as you want to adjust the flavor profile.

This sauce will last 5 days to up to a week if stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

  • Spicy Alabama White Sauce:
    • Some people like to add heat to their white sauce by incorporating ingredients like hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes. This variation adds a spicy kick to the tangy and creamy base.
  • Mustard-Based Alabama White Sauce:
    • A variation might include the addition of mustard, providing a different tanginess and depth of flavor. Mustard-based white sauces can be a bit thicker than the traditional ones.
  • Garlic Alabama White Sauce:
    • Garlic lovers might add minced or roasted garlic to the sauce, giving it a savory and aromatic twist. This variation complements the tangy and creamy elements with the rich flavor of garlic.
  • Horseradish Alabama White Sauce:
    • Adding horseradish can bring a bold and pungent flavor to the sauce. It gives the white sauce a unique kick and pairs well with grilled meats.
  • Herb-infused Alabama White Sauce:
    • Some variations include fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives. This adds a layer of freshness and complexity to the sauce, enhancing its overall flavor profile.
  • Citrusy Alabama White Sauce:
    • Citrus zest or juice, such as lemon or lime, can be added to brighten up the flavor of the sauce. This variation adds a refreshing and tangy citrus twist.
  • Smokey Alabama White Sauce:
    • Smoked paprika or other smoky elements can be incorporated to give the sauce a subtle smokiness, enhancing its compatibility with grilled or smoked meats.
  • Sweetened Alabama White Sauce:
    • Some variations include sweeteners like honey or maple syrup to balance out the tanginess. This creates a sweet and savory profile, adding a different dimension to the sauce.
  • Yogurt-based Alabama White Sauce:
    • For a lighter version, some recipes replace or mix mayonnaise with yogurt. This variation maintains the creaminess but with a different flavor and texture.
  • Asian-inspired Alabama White Sauce:
    • Experimenting with ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, or sesame oil can create a fusion-style Alabama White Sauce with Asian flavors.
Alabama White Sauce

Georgie’s Tips

  • This sauce gets better as it sit and the sugar has time to dissolve. Its good for a week in the fridge. Mix up a batch and plan on meals that it will go well with that week.

🌟 Love this recipe? Spread the love by leaving a star review or dropping a comment below! I’d really love to hear what you think. If this recipe hit the spot for you, you’d be helping me out big time by sharing it on Pinterest or Facebook! 💬✨

Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them (It won’t cost you extra, promise). This helps support my work and allows me to continue creating content—thank you for your support! Rest assured, I only recommend products I personally use and love.

Alabama White Sauce

Easy Alabama White Sauce

Among the crown jewels of barbecue sauces, there's one that stands out with its distinctive tanginess and creamy texture – the Alabama White Sauce. And my family LOVES it!
5 from 1 vote
Share on Facebook Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Resting Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Servings 2 cups
Calories 160 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions
 

  • Whisk all the ingredients together until well combined.
  • Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings according to your preference. If you prefer it spicier, you can add more cayenne pepper. If you like it tangier, add more vinegar.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the sauce to a jar or airtight container. Refrigerate the Alabama white sauce for at least a few hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Once ready, use the sauce as a marinade, basting sauce, or dipping sauce for grilled or smoked chicken, turkey, or other meats.
Nutrition
Calories: 160kcal
Barbeque Sauce
Tried this recipe?Tag @god_given_ingredients on Instagram so we can admire your chef’s kiss!

Know your ingredients

It’s important to understand the ingredients you are cooking with so you can make good flavor choices for recipes and choose God given ingredients that nourish your body. Which leads to less cravings, more energy and a healthy relationship with food. Here I will talk about the main ingredients in this dish, how they add to the recipe and how they are healthy for you and me. If you have any questions, post a comment.

Including these ingredients in your cooking not only enhances flavor but also offers various nutrients and potential health benefits, depending on their unique properties.

Avocado Mayonnaise

Avocado mayonnaise, a healthier alternative to traditional mayonnaise, is made with avocado oil. It offers a creamy texture and a subtle avocado flavor. Avocado oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which may contribute to heart health, and the presence of vitamins E and K adds to its nutritional profile. Be careful you don’t choose one that also has seed oils in it.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar, fermented from apple juice, adds tanginess to dressings, marinades, and beverages. Known for its potential to aid digestion and balance blood sugar levels, apple cider vinegar has been associated with various health benefits. It’s essential to use it in moderation due to its high acidity.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice, extracted from fresh lemons, brightens flavors in both sweet and savory dishes. Its acidity enhances the taste of foods and can act as a natural preservative. Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C, providing antioxidant properties that support immune health and skin vitality.

Horseradish

Horseradish, a root vegetable with a sharp, pungent flavor, is often used as a condiment or seasoning. Its intense heat clears sinuses and adds a zesty kick to sauces and spreads. Horseradish is rich in antioxidants and may have antibacterial properties, contributing to potential health benefits such as improved digestion and immune system support.

Garlic Powder

Garlic powder, made from dehydrated garlic cloves, is a convenient way to incorporate garlic flavor without the hassle of peeling and chopping fresh cloves. Known for its aromatic and pungent profile, garlic powder is a versatile ingredient in many cuisines. Garlic is renowned for its potential health benefits, including immune system support, cardiovascular health, and antimicrobial properties.

Onion Powder

Onion powder, a dehydrated form of onions, imparts a savory and slightly sweet flavor to dishes without the bulk of fresh onions. Widely used in seasoning blends, soups, and sauces, it adds depth to the overall taste. Onions contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to potential health benefits such as heart health and immune support.

Cayenne Powder

Cayenne powder, derived from dried and ground cayenne peppers, adds a fiery kick to dishes. Commonly used in various cuisines, its heat level is measured by Scoville Heat Units. Beyond its spice, cayenne is believed to boost metabolism, aid digestion, and provide a good source of vitamins A and C.

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating