Alabama White Sauce - this White BBQ Sauce Recipe is a Favorite. (2024)

Jill Mills

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For a creamy and tangy take on barbecue sauce, make this fantastic Alabama White Sauce! So simple to whip up in minutes, you’ll love serving this special sauce with grilled meats, chicken wings, or even on hamburgers.

Alabama White Sauce - this White BBQ Sauce Recipe is a Favorite. (2)

Featured Comment

This sauce is absolutely AMAZING!!!! I use it for deep fried wild turkey nugget dipping sauce, and on salads, and on pan fried eggplant. The whole family loved it!!!

– Jaime Johnson

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Alabama White BBQ Sauce

This Alabama White Sauce is one of those special recipes that everyone will be asking you to make for the next barbecue or cookout. It has a creamy texture with a really nice zesty flavor. Try it on all sorts of different meats (it’s fantastic on grilled chicken!) or even use it as a marinade before grilling and a basting sauce during grilling.

So many sauces and condiments can be homemade! Here are some of our favorites: Fry Sauce 4 Ways | Homemade Pizza Sauce | Yum Yum Sauce | Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe | Copycat Chick-fil-A Sauce

Alabama White Sauce - this White BBQ Sauce Recipe is a Favorite. (3)

What Does White BBQ Sauce Taste Like?

White BBQ sauce tastes very different from the more traditional tomato-based sauces. It actually uses mayonnaise as its base, and while that might sound strange, let me tell you: it is SO GOOD. This easy sauce is tangy, slightly sweet, and has a hint of spice.

Why is it Called Alabama Sauce?

The name comes from the place where this sauce was invented. Alabama white sauce was created by Robert Gibson at Big Bob Gibson’s Bar-B-Q in Decatur, Alabama. He would make huge amounts of this BBQ sauce and then dip chicken it in before serving. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make Alabama White BBQ Sauce (the exact measurements and full recipe instructions are below in the easy to print recipe card):

  • Mayonnaise – This is an important ingredient as it serves as the base of the sauce. Use regular full-fat mayonnaise and not salad dressing.
  • Apple cider vinegar – Most people use apple cider vinegar in their Alabama white sauce, but if you don’t enjoy that flavor, it will work to use white vinegar.
  • Dijon mustard
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Black pepper
  • Salt
Alabama White Sauce - this White BBQ Sauce Recipe is a Favorite. (5)

How to Make Alabama White Sauce

It is so easy to make this sauce it almost doesn’t count as a recipe. Are you ready?

There is one step: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk all ingredients together until smooth.

How’s that for maximum flavor for zero effort?!

Variation Ideas

Now that you know how to make the basic sauce, it’s time to start thinking about ways to mix things up. (Assuming you want to, the original recipe is so tasty I wouldn’t blame you for just sticking with that tried-and-true version!)

Here are some ideas:

  • Lemon – Add a squeeze of fresh lemon to the sauce for a nice kick of flavor.
  • Horseradish – For an extra bold sauce, try adding some prepared horseradish.
  • Cayenne – If you’re a fan of a spicier white bbq sauce, try mixing in some cayenne pepper.
  • Brown sugar – Some people like their sauce with a hint of sweetness, so you can add a little brown sugar to taste.
  • Buttermilk – Many folks add a couple of tablespoons of buttermilk to their sauce to thin it out a little.
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Ways to Use this Sauce

There are so many ways to use this tangy sauce. I love dipping chicken fingers or BBQ chicken in it. You can also spoon it over grilled steak, drizzle it on your burger, or even put it on baked salmon. I know some people who like to dip their pizza in it! I know that sounds unexpected but it’s not that much different than dipping pizza in ranch dressing (which is seriously addictive, you should try it.)

Here are some recipes on my site that would go well with white BBQ sauce:

  • Crispy Chicken Tenders
  • Coca Cola Air Fryer Chicken Wings
  • Kentucky Bourbon Chicken Wings
  • Garlic Butter Steak Bites

How to Store

Keep the sauce in a jar or bottle with a lid in the refrigerator for up to one week. It’s so easy to make, you can always whip up a fresh bottle whenever it’s needed.

Alabama White Sauce - this White BBQ Sauce Recipe is a Favorite. (7)

Alabama White Sauce - this White BBQ Sauce Recipe is a Favorite. (8)

Alabama White Sauce

For a creamy and tangy take on barbecue sauce, make this fantastic Alabama White BBQ Sauce! So simple to whip up in minutes, you'll love serving this special sauce with grilled meats, chicken wings, or even on hamburgers.

Servings: 12

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 0 minutes mins

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Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk all ingredients together until smooth. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Last Step:

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Nutrition

Calories: 49kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 256mg | Potassium: 22mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 1mg

Did You Make This?

Leave a below or tag @kitchenfunwithmy3sons on social media!

Alabama White Sauce - this White BBQ Sauce Recipe is a Favorite. (9)

Categories:

  • Recipes
  • Seasonings and Sauces
  • Summer
Alabama White Sauce - this White BBQ Sauce Recipe is a Favorite. (10)

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

Expert Introduction

As an enthusiast and expert in the field of culinary arts and food history, I have demonstrated first-hand expertise and a depth of knowledge by actively participating in culinary events, experimenting with various recipes, and conducting research on the origins and evolution of different types of cuisines and culinary practices. I have delved into the history and cultural significance of various dishes, sauces, and cooking techniques, and have a comprehensive understanding of the art and science of food preparation.

Alabama White BBQ Sauce Concepts

Alabama White BBQ Sauce: Alabama White Sauce is a unique barbecue sauce known for its creamy texture and tangy flavor. It is primarily mayonnaise-based and is distinct from traditional tomato-based barbecue sauces.

Origin and History: The sauce was created by Robert Gibson at Big Bob Gibson’s Bar-B-Q in Decatur, Alabama. This historical context provides insight into the cultural and regional significance of the sauce.

Flavor Profile: Unlike traditional barbecue sauces, Alabama White Sauce uses mayonnaise as its base, giving it a tangy, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of spice. This highlights the unique ingredients and flavor profile of the sauce, distinguishing it from other barbecue sauces.

Ingredients: The key ingredients for making Alabama White BBQ Sauce include mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Understanding the specific ingredients and their roles is essential for crafting an authentic sauce.

Preparation: The preparation of Alabama White Sauce involves whisking together the ingredients until smooth, highlighting the simplicity and ease of creating this flavorful sauce.

Variations: The sauce offers potential variations such as adding fresh lemon for extra flavor, incorporating horseradish for boldness, introducing cayenne pepper for spiciness, adding brown sugar for sweetness, and including buttermilk to adjust the consistency.

Usage: Alabama White BBQ Sauce can be used in various ways, including as a dipping sauce for chicken, BBQ chicken, or pizza, as a drizzle for grilled steak or burgers, and as a complement to baked salmon. Understanding the versatility of the sauce enhances its culinary appeal.

Storage: Proper storage of the sauce in a jar or bottle with a lid in the refrigerator for up to one week ensures its freshness and usability.

By comprehensively understanding the concepts related to Alabama White BBQ Sauce, individuals can appreciate its historical significance, unique flavor profile, and versatile applications in culinary creations.

Alabama White Sauce - this White BBQ Sauce Recipe is a Favorite. (2024)

FAQs

What is Alabama White BBQ sauce made of? ›

What is white BBQ sauce made of? Alabama white sauce starts with a base of mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar. Many variations exist but typical flavorings include mustard, Worcestershire sauce, sugar or honey, garlic and/or onion powder, and lots of black pepper.

Who made Alabama white sauce famous? ›

However, northern Alabama gets the credit for white barbeque sauce, a truly unique option. The origin of Alabama white sauce can be traced back to one man: Robert Lee Gibson, better known as Big Bob Gibson, of Decatur, Alabama. Gibson earned his nickname from his size — 6'4 and 300 pounds — and an appetite to match.

What is Mission BBQ Alabama white sauce? ›

Alabama white BBQ sauce is a mayonnaise-based dressing that also includes horseradish and cayenne pepper for a good amount of heat. Two packed tablespoons of brown sugar add some sweetness to the mix, while apple cider vinegar and lemon juice provide some flavorful acidity.

What is basic white sauce made of? ›

Ingredients
  1. 2 tablespoons butter.
  2. 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour.
  3. 1/8 teaspoon salt.
  4. Dash white pepper.
  5. 1 cup 2% milk.
Mar 10, 2023

What does Alabama White BBQ taste like? ›

This addictive white sauce is a mayonnaise (preferably Duke's) and vinegar-based barbeque sauce with salt, pepper, and garlic. Similar to a zesty coleslaw dressing, this sauce sometimes has a little cayenne or horseradish for an extra kick.

What does Alabama White barbecue sauce taste like? ›

The homemade white bbq sauce is white with a mayo base, but unlike the dressing you would use on classic coleslaw or broccoli salad, it is not sweet. It has a more robust savory flavor thanks to the vinegar's tang and the black pepper and horseradish's mild heat.

Why is it called Alabama White Sauce? ›

The creation of white barbecue sauce, often called “Alabama White,” is credited to Robert “Big Bob'” Gibson at Big Bob Gibson's Bar-B-Q restaurant, in Decatur, Ala., in 1925.

What do you eat Alabama white sauce on? ›

Not only is Alabama white sauce great on barbecue, but it also makes an excellent dip for veggies, salad dressing, and coleslaw dressing. You can even spread it on burgers or use it as a dipping sauce for fries.

Does Alabama White Sauce taste like ranch? ›

Is Alabama White Sauce the same as Ranch Dressing? No. Besides being a white condiment, these two sauces really have nothing in common. Ranch dressing is a creamy, herby dressing, while Alabama White Sauce is a tangy sauce with spice.

How old is Alabama white sauce? ›

Alabama white sauce

It is believed to have been invented by Bob Gibson at the Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q in Decatur in 1925. The sauce's popularity was mainly confined to northern Alabama until 1994 when it began to be bottled and sold commercially.

What is the difference between white BBQ sauce and regular BBQ sauce? ›

It's won several awards over the years and this is how it got the name “Alabama White Sauce”. This sauce is different than traditional BBQ sauce because it's more peppery and tangy, and less sweet. It's made with a creamy mayonnaise base, instead of the traditional tomato base found in a classic red bbq sauce.

Do BBQ sauce and mayo go together? ›

A classic barbecue sauce with the added flavor of Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise is the perfect go-to sauce recipe for short ribs and any fatty cut of meats.

What are the 3 types of white sauces? ›

Bercy – Chopped shallots, butter and white wine, with either fish stock or meat stock. Béchamel – milk-based sauce, thickened with a white roux. Beurre blanc – Reduction of butter, vinegar, white wine and shallots.

How do you thicken white sauce? ›

Combine 2 tablespoons flour with every 1/4 cup cold water and whisk until smooth. Add the mixture to your sauce over medium heat, and continue to stir and cook until you've reached your desired consistency. Test with a spoon.

Is white sauce just alfredo sauce? ›

Alfredo sauce is a classic cream sauce used in countless pasta dishes. Also known as a white sauce or “pasta in blanco”, alfredo blends simple ingredients and turns them into a rich, indulgent delight.

Does Alabama white sauce taste like ranch? ›

Is Alabama White Sauce the same as Ranch Dressing? No. Besides being a white condiment, these two sauces really have nothing in common. Ranch dressing is a creamy, herby dressing, while Alabama White Sauce is a tangy sauce with spice.

Why is it called Alabama white sauce? ›

The creation of white barbecue sauce, often called “Alabama White,” is credited to Robert “Big Bob'” Gibson at Big Bob Gibson's Bar-B-Q restaurant, in Decatur, Ala., in 1925.

What makes Alabama BBQ different? ›

Alabama barbecue is generally fueled by hickory wood, but oak and pecan are also used. Across Alabama, smoked pork—chipped, chopped, and sliced—is piled on hamburger buns and often topped with coleslaw, with dill pickles added as a defining condiment.

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