White BBQ Sauce (Alabama White Sauce)

Discover the bold flavors of Alabama White BBQ Sauce! Tangy, peppery, and irresistible-perfect for wings, sandwiches, veggies, and more!

black tray of chicken wings, hand picking up one wing

What is white BBQ sauce?

White BBQ Sauce, also known as Alabama White Sauce, is a deliciously savory, mayonnaise-based sauce made with apple cider vinegar, horseradish, and spices. It's a welcome alternative to traditional tomato-based barbecue sauces. If you haven't tried this yet, be prepared to excite your taste buds! Slather it on Game Day Wings, Baby Back Ribs, or grilled veggies.

Why this recipe works

Sure, you can buy a White BBQ Sauce at any grocery store. But they just don't taste that good. Some store bought sauces are too acidic, some too tangy, some aren't creamy enough, and some don't taste like white sauce at all. So we've done the work for you, and it only takes a few minutes make it.

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Ingredients

ingredients for white BBQ sauce in bowls on marble surface
  • Mayonnaise: we like to use real mayonnaise (Hellman's Mayonnaise or Dukes Mayonnaise). Light mayo works as well.
  • Apple cider vinegar: apple cider vinegar is tangy and sweet
  • Horseradish: for a little kick
  • Garlic: crushed garlic cloves
  • Smoked paprika: adds a nice kick of flavor
  • Garlic powder: garlic powder spice
  • Red pepper flakes: crushed red pepper flakes
  • Ginger: fresh ginger or ginger paste works
  • Salt: kosher salt or sea salt
  • Black pepper: freshly ground black pepper

*see recipe card for quantities.

🔪Top Tip

For optimum flavor, store sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for at least 15 minutes (up to overnight) before serving. This allows the flavors to marry and be more pronounced.

black tray of chicken wings + 2 wings on white plate with bowl of white BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. In a small mixing bowl, add dry spices and cider vinegar and mix. Allow to sit for 2 minutes.
  2. Add remaining ingredients and whisk together.
  3. Store in covered container in fridge for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to marry.

🍗 Serving Suggestions

man in brown apron holding tray of chicken wings with sauce

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Substitutions and Variations

  • SPICY: add more horseradish and or red pepper flakes
  • MILD: go easy on the red pepper flakes. Add more mayonnaise
  • TANGY: Add some more apple cider vinegar
  • LIGHT: substitute half of the mayo for light sour cream

Storage

  • Refrigerate before serving: refrigerating the sauce mixture for at least 15 minutes before serving allows the flavors to marry for a better flavored sauce.
  • Store sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator of up to 7 days.
  • Do not freeze.
black tray of chicken wings drizzled in White BBQ Sauce with greens

FAQ

What is white BBQ sauce?

White BBQ sauce is a tangy, creamy barbecue sauce made with mayonnaise, vinegar, and spices. Originating in Alabama, it's a unique twist on traditional BBQ sauces.

How is Alabama white BBQ sauce different from traditional BBQ sauce?

Unlike traditional BBQ sauces, which are tomato-based and sweet, Alabama white BBQ sauce is mayonnaise-based, tangy, and peppery, offering a completely different flavor profile.

Can you make white BBQ Sauce ahead of time?

Yes! We recommend it because the sauce needs to be refrigerated for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. Make it the night before your barbecue for optimum flavor!

What foods pair well with white BBQ sauce?

White BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with smoked or grilled chicken, pork, ribs, wings, sandwiches, and roasted vegetables. It's also great as a dipping sauce!

Is Alabama white BBQ sauce gluten-free?

Yes, our white BBQ sauce recipe is gluten-free, but it's important to check the labels on ingredients like mayonnaise and vinegar to ensure they are certified gluten-free.

🍅 making this recipe?

  • Please feel free to reach out with questions. We're happy to help.
  • If you enjoyed it, please leave us a comment with ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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white BBQ sauce on chicken wings in black pan

White BBQ Sauce recipe

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5 from 1 review

Discover the bold flavors of Alabama White BBQ Sauce! Tangy, peppery, and irresistible-perfect for wings, sandwiches, veggies, and more!

  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 Cups 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 C light mayonnaise 
  • C horseradish
  • 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 3 garlic cloves crushed
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp ginger paste
  • 1 tsp crush red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. In a small mixing bowl, add dry spices and cider vinegar and mix. Allow to sit for 2 minutes
  2. Add remaining ingredients and whisk together.
  3. Store in covered container in fridge for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to marry.*
  4. Serve over chicken wings, grilled chicken, pulled pork, or as a dipping sauce for meat & veggies.

Notes

  • Storing in fridge (step 3) is optional, but the flavors will be more pronounced if you have time.
  • White BBQ Sauce can be stored for 2 weeks covered and refrigerated.
  • Author: Superman Cooks
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: sauces and dips

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
  • Calories: 254
  • Sugar: 0.4 g
  • Sodium: 431.2 mg
  • Fat: 27.6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 0.9 g
  • Protein: 0.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 15.5 mg

One Comment

  1. I am totally addicted to this stuff! It is a nice alternative to traditional barbecue sauce, and it's so easy to make!

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