If you’re looking to elevate your grilling game, Alabama White Sauce is a must-try. This tangy, creamy, and slightly spicy sauce originated in Northern Alabama and has become a beloved staple in barbecue cuisine. Unlike traditional barbecue sauces that are typically tomato-based, Alabama White Sauce is mayonnaise-based, creating a unique flavor profile that’s perfect for chicken, pork, and even vegetables. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or a cozy dinner, this sauce will add a delicious twist to your dishes.
Why This Recipe Is Reliable

This Alabama White Sauce recipe is straightforward and delivers consistent results every time. With simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you’ll find yourself whipping up this sauce in no time. It’s versatile, complementing grilled meats beautifully, while also serving as a tasty dip for veggies. The balance of flavors ensures that it enhances rather than overpowers your food, making it a crowd-pleaser.
What Goes In
To create this delectable Alabama White Sauce, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup apple juice
- 2 tsp prepared horseradish
- 2 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the sauce’s signature taste. The mayonnaise provides creaminess, while the vinegar and lemon juice add sharpness. The horseradish introduces a subtle heat, perfectly complemented by the spices.
Hardware & Gadgets
To make your Alabama White Sauce, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:
- Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl will work best for combining all the ingredients.
- Whisk or Spoon: You’ll need this for mixing the sauce until smooth.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect flavor.
- Storage Container: A sealable jar or container is essential for storing your sauce.
With just these simple tools, you’ll be ready to prepare an authentic Alabama White Sauce that will impress everyone at your table.
Alabama White Sauce (White BBQ Sauce) in Steps

Step 1: Gather Ingredients
Make sure you have all your ingredients measured and ready to go. This will streamline the process and make it easier to mix everything together.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, add the 2 cups of mayonnaise, 1 cup of white vinegar, and 1/2 cup of apple juice. These three ingredients form the base of your Alabama White Sauce.
Step 3: Add Flavorings
Next, include 2 teaspoons of prepared horseradish, 2 teaspoons of ground black pepper, 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. These will bring depth and complexity to your sauce.
Step 4: Whisk Until Smooth
Using a whisk or spoon, mix all the ingredients thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Make sure there are no lumps of mayonnaise left.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Give the sauce a taste. If you want more tang, add a little more vinegar. For extra heat, consider a dash more cayenne pepper. Adjust to your personal preference.
Step 6: Store and Chill
Transfer the sauce into a sealable container and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Budget & Availability Swaps

If you’re looking to save some money or use what you have on hand, consider these swaps:
- Mayonnaise: You can use Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- White Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can be a great substitute if you’re out of white vinegar.
- Prepared Horseradish: If unavailable, a mixture of ground mustard and a touch of hot sauce can mimic the heat.
- Apple Juice: If you prefer a different flavor, white grape juice can work as a substitute.
These swaps will ensure you can still enjoy Alabama White Sauce without compromising on taste.
Testing Timeline
When developing this Alabama White Sauce recipe, a few rounds of testing were conducted:
- Initial batch: Evaluated flavor balance.
- Adjusted spices: Tested different levels of horseradish and cayenne pepper.
- Chill time: Confirmed that resting enhances flavor.
After several iterations, the final recipe emerged, providing a perfect blend of creaminess and tang.
Prep Ahead & Store
This Alabama White Sauce is excellent for meal prep. Here are some tips for storing and serving:
- Make Ahead: This sauce can be prepared up to a week in advance. The flavors improve as it sits.
- Storage: Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Serving: Shake or stir well before each use, as ingredients may separate over time.
Having this sauce ready to go makes it an easy addition to any meal.
Popular Questions
Can I use Alabama White Sauce as a marinade?
Absolutely! Alabama White Sauce can serve as a marinade for chicken or pork, infusing them with delicious flavor before grilling. Just make sure to marinate for at least 2 hours for the best results.
How long does Alabama White Sauce last in the fridge?
When stored in an airtight container, Alabama White Sauce can last up to one week in the refrigerator. Always check for any changes in smell or texture before using.
Is Alabama White Sauce spicy?
The spice level can vary depending on how much cayenne pepper you use. The base sauce is tangy and creamy, with a mild kick from the horseradish and cayenne. Adjust the spices to suit your heat preference.
What dishes pair well with Alabama White Sauce?
This versatile sauce pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, particularly chicken and pork. It also makes a fantastic dipping sauce for fried foods or a dressing for salads like Bbq Ranch Chicken Flatbreads and Peach Bbq Pulled Chicken Sliders.
Explore More
If you enjoyed this Alabama White Sauce recipe, you might want to check out other delicious recipes:
Before You Go
The beauty of Alabama White Sauce lies in its versatility and ease of preparation. This sauce not only amplifies the flavor of grilled meats but also brings a refreshing twist to salads and sandwiches. Once you try it, you may find yourself reaching for it time and again, whether for summer barbecues or cozy dinners at home. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy the creamy, tangy goodness of Alabama White Sauce!

Alabama White Sauce (White BBQ Sauce)
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup apple juice
- 2 tsp prepared horseradish
- 2 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
Instructions:
- Step 1: Gather Ingredients - Make sure you have all your ingredients measured and ready to go.
- Step 2: Combine Ingredients - In a mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, white vinegar, and apple juice.
- Step 3: Add Flavorings - Include the prepared horseradish, ground black pepper, fresh lemon juice, salt, and cayenne pepper.
- Step 4: Whisk Until Smooth - Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Step 5: Taste and Adjust - Taste the sauce and adjust the vinegar or cayenne pepper to your preference.
- Step 6: Store and Chill - Transfer the sauce into a sealable container and refrigerate for at least an hour.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Storage container
Notes
- Make this sauce up to a week in advance for the best flavor.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Shake before use as ingredients may separate.
