Alabama White Sauce
Have you ever heard of Alabama White Sauce? This creamy, tangy sauce is a gem from the heart of Alabama, and it’s making waves beyond its home state. Unlike the usual tomato-based barbecue sauces, Alabama White Sauce is mayonnaise-based, making it a unique and delicious addition to your grilling repertoire. It pairs wonderfully with smoked chicken, roasted vegetables, or even as a dip for crispy fries. Today, I’ll guide you through the wonderful world of Alabama White Sauce with a recipe that is not only easy to make but also brings a burst of flavor to any dish.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
Alabama White Sauce is the perfect blend of creamy and tangy flavors, providing a delightful contrast to smoky meats. It offers an exciting alternative to traditional barbecue sauces and is incredibly versatile. This sauce is not only incredibly easy to whip up with just a few simple ingredients, but it also keeps well in the fridge, making it an ideal condiment for backyard barbecues, family gatherings, and weeknight dinners. The balanced flavors of mayonnaise, vinegar, and spices create a standout sauce that enhances your favorite dishes without overpowering them.
Ingredients
To make the best Alabama White Sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups mayonnaise
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey mustard
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon horseradish
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
How To Make Alabama White Sauce
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Begin by collecting all of your ingredients and measuring them out. It’s always easier to gather everything beforehand to streamline the preparation process.
Step 2: Mix Mayonnaise and Vinegar
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the 1 ½ cups of mayonnaise and the ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar. Stir gently until both ingredients are well blended.
Step 3: Add Flavorful Ingredients
Next, add the 2 tablespoons of honey mustard, 1 tablespoon of packed light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of horseradish, and 1 teaspoon of salt into the bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and the brown sugar is fully incorporated.
Step 4: Introduce the Spices
Now, add ½ teaspoon of lemon juice, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper to the mayonnaise mixture. Mix thoroughly to ensure that all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
After mixing, give your sauce a taste test! If you prefer a little more tang, feel free to add a dash more apple cider vinegar. If you love a bit more sweetness, a pinch more brown sugar will do the trick.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Alabama White Sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully together. Serve it alongside your favorite grilled meats or vegetables, and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Use high-quality mayonnaise for the creamiest flavor. If you prefer a healthier version, you can opt for a light mayonnaise without sacrificing creaminess.
- For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to your liking.
- Let your sauce sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving, as this allows the flavors to develop and intensify.
- This sauce can be used as a marinade—just make sure to reserve some for dipping after it’s cooked!
Variations and Customizations
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an extra layer of freshness.
- Replace the horseradish with grated fresh ginger for a different kind of heat.
- For a smoky flavor, try adding a dash of smoked paprika or liquid smoke.
- Make it vegan by substituting the mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative, like cashew or soy mayonnaise.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftover Alabama White Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Make sure to keep it covered to maintain freshness. Before using leftovers, give the sauce a good stir, as some separation may occur while it sits.
FAQ
Can I use Alabama White Sauce for grilling?
Absolutely! Alabama White Sauce is an excellent marinade for chicken and beef. Just apply it before grilling, and then serve the remaining sauce on the side for a flavorful dipping option.
Is Alabama White Sauce spicy?
The spice level of Alabama White Sauce can be adjusted according to your preference. The cayenne pepper provides some heat, but you can make it milder by reducing the amount or using milder spices.
Can I freeze Alabama White Sauce?
While it is technically possible to freeze mayonnaise-based sauces, the texture may change upon thawing. It is best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for a week.
What should I serve Alabama White Sauce with?
Alabama White Sauce pairs exceptionally well with smoked chicken, grilled vegetables, or even as a creamy dressing for salads and coleslaw. It’s versatile enough to enhance a variety of dishes, making it a fantastic condiment to have on hand.
Conclusion
Alabama White Sauce is a delicious and easy-to-make condiment that is sure to impress at your next barbecue gathering. With its unique taste and creamy texture, it truly adds a special touch to grilled meats and vegetables. Give this recipe a try; it might just become your new go-to sauce for all things grilled! Whether you’re smothering it on chicken or using it as a dip, this Alabama White Sauce is destined to elevate your meals. Enjoy the flavor explosion and let your taste buds celebrate the tangy goodness of this delightful sauce!

Alabama White Sauce
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Mayonnaise
- 0.25 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Honey Mustard
- 1 tablespoon Light Brown Sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon Horseradish
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Lemon Juice
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 0.25 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients. Begin by collecting all of your ingredients and measuring them out.
- Step 2: Mix Mayonnaise and Vinegar. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar. Stir gently until well blended.
- Step 3: Add Flavorful Ingredients. Add honey mustard, light brown sugar, horseradish, and salt into the bowl. Stir until smooth.
- Step 4: Introduce the Spices. Add lemon juice, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Step 5: Taste and Adjust. Taste the sauce and adjust flavors as needed.
- Step 6: Chill and Serve. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.