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An Alabama White BBQ Sauce is a creamy, tangy, peppery, and flavorful mayonnaise-based BBQ sauce that'll have your taste buds dancing. It's perfect for any smoked meats, burgers, and seafood.
Here are some dishes you can use the white sauce on: Fried Green Tomatoes, Pan-Fried Okra, Southern Fried Fish, BBQ Chicken, and Grilled Chicken Sandwich.
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Alabama white sauce may be the BBQ sauce you never considered bringing to the backyard cookout. However, since you've come across this recipe, you'll be the person who informs your family and friends about this delicious BBQ sauce.
This creamy white bbq sauce can be used in potato salad, cole slaw, or as a salad dressing. Think of it as ranch dressing's little cousin.
Unlike traditional BBQ sauce, this creamy white sauce breaks all the rules by using mayonnaise instead of tomatoes as the base. It's a zesty, spicier sauce from the horseradish, but just like its sweeter cousin, you can use it as a basting sauce or sauce on the side.
The first time I heard of white barbecue sauce was in Alabama when I stopped to get gas and something to eat on my way to Atlanta. To my surprise, this white barbecue sauce over the pulled pork sandwich was bursting with flavor. Since that day, I have done my homework and developed my white bbq sauce recipe.
My white sauce recipe has a different twist. The original uses prepared horseradish and ground mustard powder, but my New Orleans roots made me think, why not use Creole mustard?
Since it's a spicy brown mustard with horseradish, it'll serve as a two-for-one. I also love combining two different vinegars: apple cider vinegar and white distilled.
They balance each other by adding a delicious, sweet, tangy combination, and the lemon juice balances everything out.
I love to serve it with my chicken sandwiches, but whenever I make smoked chicken leg quarters or grilled chicken wings, I make a batch of Alabama white sauce to dunk the chicken in. I can taste it as I write this. Anyway, let's jump into your new favorite BBQ sauce.
Who made the original Alabama White Sauce?
Since 1925, Robert Gibson "Big Bob Gibson" white sauce has been an bbq staple of Northern Alabama's barbecue tradition. This sauce uniquely blends mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
You can still eat at Big Bob Gibson's Bar-B-Q restaurants in Decatur, AL, or even get a bottle of his famous white sauce shipped to your house.
Here, freshly smoked chickens are artfully lifted from the pit and then ceremoniously immersed in a pool of his creamy white bbq sauce, fondly known as a "baptism."
Alabama White Sauce Key Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you'll need to make this white bbq sauce recipe successful.
Mayonnaise
You can make your mayonnaise or use your favorite store-bought version. However, be cautious about using sweeter versions like Miracle Whip. Alabama white BBQ sauce is supposed to be peppery and creamy, not sweet. However, if you like things on the sweeter side, use it.
Creole Mustard
Alabama locals will tell you it's not Alabama white sauce if there's no horseradish. I know many people don't like the zang of horseradish, but if properly blended, they'll never notice it. This is one reason why I use Creole mustard.
Apple Cider Vinegar
All apple cider vinegar is not made equal. The most popular is Bragg, but Heinz also makes a reliable version for half the cost. I like to add some distilled white vinegar, too, to balance out the sweetness.
Lemon Juice
A little fresh lemon juice goes a long way to balancing out the sauce.
Seasonings
You'll need sugar, granulated garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper.
How To Make Alabama White Sauce
There's no need to panic if you've never made Alabama white sauce. It's easy and ready in minutes.
In a medium bowl, whisk mayonnaise, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, sugar, lemon juice, Creole mustard, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth. Serve over smoked or grilled chicken, prime rib, or any grilled meats or as a dipping sauce for French fries—store sauce in an airtight container.
How To Store Alabama White Sauce
Keep the white barbecue sauce in a mason jar or airtight container in the fridge for 30 days.
Alabama White BBQ Sauce Cooking Tips
Here are some of my top substitutions, tips, and tricks to help you make Alabama white sauce fit your taste:
- If you make the sauce a day in advance and pop it in the fridge, the flavors will be ten times better because they will have married together. This is a great dipping or basting sauce. However, adding it to food while on the grill will cause it to burn.
- Using different vinegars can create new flavor combinations. Light brown sugar instead of granulated sugar will make a sweeter sauce.
- Make your sauce spicy by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce. You can also add onion powder and a few splashes of Worcestershire sauce.
- If you cannot find creole mustard in your area, dijon or yellow mustard will do, but I recommend another spicy brown mustard. If you dislike mayonnaise, try plain Greek yogurt or sour cream instead.
- You can add all the ingredients to a blender and blend for 30 seconds if you make a large portion.
FAQ
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about making Alabama white bbq sauce.
What is Alabama white sauce made of?
The foundation of Alabama white sauce is a blend of mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar. There's no one-size-fits-all recipe, and there are countless variations. Common additions to spice things up typically include prepared horseradish, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, a touch of white, brown sugar, honey, spices like garlic or onion powder, and a generous amount of black pepper.
Is Alabama white sauce like ranch?
Alabama white sauce is similar but not like your typical ranch. It packs a punch with a tangy vinegar flavor and strong black pepper, and the base is mayonnaise. On the other hand, ranches tend to focus on herbs and have a base of buttermilk.
What does Alabama white sauce taste like?
Alabama white barbecue sauce has a rich, tangy, and creamy flavor profile that distinguishes it from most BBQ sauces. While traditional bbq sauce relies on a tomato or ketchup foundation peppered with brown sugar, molasses, and a kick of cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy twist, Alabama white sauce stands out with its unique taste.
More Sauce Recipes
Here are some finger-licking dipping sauce recipes to add to your arsenal.
- Poblano Sauce
- Thai Peanut Sauce
- Sweet Chili Sauce
- Honey BBQ Sauce
- Hot Honey Sauce
- Easy Creole Sauce
- Tartar Sauce
- Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Cajun Ranch
- No Cook Pizza Sauce
- Chimichurri Sauce
Before You Begin
To begin, here are the steps I follow to get organized.
Step 1: Read the recipe once before pulling the ingredients out.
Step 2: Measure everything out into individual bowls.
Step 3: Start following the recipe and get ready for your new favorite white bbq sauce. Alabama white sauce is more than just a condiment; it celebrates unique, tangy flavors that elevate any barbecue dish. Once you've tried this creamy and peppery delight, your taste buds will beg for more, making every BBQ an unforgettable culinary adventure.
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📖 Recipe
5-Minute Alabama White Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Juice of 1 medium lemon
- 2 teaspoons Creole mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl combine mayonnaise, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, sugar, lemon juice, Creole mustard, garlic powder, kosher salt and black pepper until smooth. Store sauce in an airtight container.
Notes
- If you make the sauce a day in advance and pop it in the fridge, the flavors will be ten times better because they will have married together. This is a great dipping or basting sauce. However, adding it to food while on the grill will cause it to burn.
- Using different vinegars can create new flavor combinations. Light brown sugar instead of granulated sugar will make a sweeter sauce.
- Make your sauce spicy by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce. You can also add onion powder and a few splashes of Worcestershire sauce.
- If you cannot find creole mustard in your area, dijon or yellow mustard will do, but I recommend another spicy brown mustard. If you dislike mayonnaise, try plain Greek yogurt or sour cream instead.
- You can add all the ingredients to a blender and blend for 30 seconds if you make a large portion.
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