Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Alabama White Sauce is not your average BBQ sauce. Its creamy base, paired with the sharp tang of vinegar, the heat from horseradish, and a perfect blend of spices, offers a unique flavor experience. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires no cooking, and can be customized to your taste preferences. Whether you’re using it for dipping, marinating, or grilling, this sauce adds a burst of bold flavor that complements everything from smoked chicken and grilled vegetables.
Ingredients
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1 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
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1 tbsp prepared horseradish
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp lemon juice
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp onion powder
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1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Mix the Ingredients:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, horseradish, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice until smooth.
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Add the Spices:
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Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
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Adjust Seasoning:
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Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Add more cayenne for heat or vinegar for tanginess.
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Chill:
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
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Serve:
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Use as a dipping sauce, marinade, or drizzle over grilled meats.
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Servings and Timing
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Servings: About 1 1/4 cups
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Prep time: 5 minutes
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Chill time: 1 hour
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Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of cayenne or add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
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Smoky Flavor: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to give the sauce a deeper, smoky profile.
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Sweeter Version: Stir in a teaspoon of honey or sugar for a slightly sweet balance.
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Herbed: Mix in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an herby twist.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
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Reheating: This sauce is best served cold or at room temperature. Avoid heating to preserve the creamy texture.
FAQs
What is Alabama White Sauce used for?
It’s traditionally used on grilled or smoked chicken , turkey, or as a dipping sauce for fries and vegetables.
Is this sauce spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat. Adjust the cayenne or horseradish to your preferred spice level.
Can I use Miracle Whip instead of mayonnaise?
For authentic flavor, mayonnaise is recommended. Miracle Whip will add sweetness and a tangier flavor.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it’s even better after chilling for a few hours as the flavors have time to meld.
Is Alabama White Sauce keto-friendly?
Yes, this sauce is low in carbs and high in fat, making it suitable for a keto diet.
Can I use this as a marinade?
Yes, it works great as a marinade for chicken .Just be sure to reserve some sauce for serving separately.
Can I freeze this sauce?
Freezing is not recommended due to the mayonnaise base, which may separate when thawed.
Is horseradish necessary?
Horseradish adds signature heat and zing. You can reduce or omit it, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just scale up the ingredients and mix in a larger bowl.
What makes this sauce white?
The mayonnaise base gives it its distinctive white color, which sets it apart from traditional BBQ sauces.
Conclusion
Alabama White Sauce is a bold, tangy, and creamy BBQ sauce that brings a unique flavor to your grilling game. Easy to make and incredibly versatile, it’s perfect for smoked chicken, sandwiches, or as a zesty dip. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or just want to try something new, this Southern classic is a delicious twist on traditional barbecue sauces that everyone will love.
Alabama White Sauce
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: About 1 1/4 cups
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
Alabama White Sauce is a tangy, creamy, mayo-based barbecue sauce that originated in Northern Alabama. Known for its zesty flavor and unique white color, this no-cook sauce is perfect for smoked chicken, grilled meats, dipping, or drizzling. Easy to whip up in minutes, it’s a bold and versatile Southern staple that brings a refreshing twist to your BBQ menu.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
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1 tbsp prepared horseradish
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp lemon juice
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp onion powder
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1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Mix the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, horseradish, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice until smooth.
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Add the Spices: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference—more cayenne for heat, more vinegar for tang.
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Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
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Serve: Use as a marinade, dipping sauce, or drizzle for grilled meats, especially smoked chicken.
Notes
For extra heat, add more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.Add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.Stir in honey for a touch of sweetness.Fresh herbs like parsley or dill give a unique herbal twist.Sauce thickens slightly as it chills.Best served cold or at room temperature.
