Get ready to add a tangy, creamy twist to your BBQ with this Alabama White Sauce. A Southern classic built on mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and horseradish or a savory rub, this sauce brings bright acidity and rich texture to smoked or grilled chicken and pork.
Homemade Alabama White BBQ Sauce
One of the best things about Alabama White Sauce is how quick and simple it is to make at home. With a handful of pantry staples—mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, a touch of sugar and mustard, plus aromatics like garlic and onion powder—you can turn ordinary grilled poultry or pork into something memorable.
This sauce is highly adaptable. You can dial up or down the horseradish or hot sauce to suit your heat tolerance. Some cooks add a rounded tablespoon of a savory rub in place of prepared horseradish for deeper, smokier notes; others prefer plain prepared horseradish for a sharper bite. Start small, taste, and adjust until it suits your palate.
Alabama White Sauce is excellent as a finishing sauce or dip. Brush it on during the final minutes of grilling, toss roasted wings in it right off the smoker, or serve it as a creamy condiment alongside pulled pork sandwiches. It keeps well in the refrigerator for several days, making it convenient for meal prep.
Where did Alabama White Sauce come from?
Alabama White Sauce originated in the northern part of Alabama and became a regional favorite for smoked chicken and other grilled meats. Its signature is the mayonnaise-and-vinegar base, which gives it a creamy texture balanced by bright acidity. Over time it has gained fans outside the region and now appears in many variations—some tangier, some spicier, and some with a hint of sweetness.
Many bottled versions are available, but homemade is notably fresher and more flexible. Mixing your own allows you to control seasoning levels and avoid unnecessary additives.
Try our Cherry Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce too!
Recipe Shopping List
You probably have most of these items already. Quantities and exact measurements are included in the recipe card below.
- Mayo
- Apple cider vinegar
- Dark brown sugar
- Spicy brown mustard
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Worcestershire sauce
- White Tuxedo rub or prepared horseradish (optional)
- Lemon juice
- Hot sauce (optional)
Try this on Traeger chicken leg quarters or your favorite grilled chicken.
How To Make This Recipe
A very short overview of the process—full details and exact amounts are provided below in the recipe card.
- Mix: Whisk all ingredients together until smooth.
- Meld: Chill the sauce in the refrigerator for at least an hour so the flavors blend.
- Enjoy: Serve with grilled or smoked chicken, pork, or as a zesty dipping sauce. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Traeger chicken wings are excellent with this sauce.
Recipe FAQ
Yes. White wine vinegar or champagne vinegar can be used if that’s what you have on hand, though apple cider vinegar is traditional and gives a familiar tang.
It can be. Adjust spice level by varying horseradish and hot sauce to suit your taste—leave them out for a milder sauce or add more for heat.
Stored in an airtight container, the sauce will keep for up to one week. Flavors often improve after a few hours chilled.
Absolutely. It pairs well with beef, fish, and roasted or grilled vegetables.
Yes. Preparing it a few hours or the night before allows the flavors to meld and makes serving easier on the day of your cookout.
More Recipes For The Grill
- Smoked London Broil
- Traeger Tri Tip
- Blackstone Tomahawk Ribeye
- Grilled Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
- Hanger Steak
- Smoked Brisket
- Traeger Pork Chops
- Smoked Meatloaf
- Smoked Beef Ribs
- Traeger Smoked Chicken Thighs
- 3-2-1 Ribs
Alabama White Sauce Recipe
Tangy, creamy, and versatile—this Alabama White Sauce is ideal for chicken, pork, wings, and as a vibrant dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon White Tuxedo rub or 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl until the sauce is smooth and uniform.
- Taste and adjust salt, acidity, or heat to your preference—add more vinegar for brightness, more sugar for balance, or extra hot sauce for spice.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature.
Nutrition Information (per serving, estimate)
Calories: 196 • Total Fat: 21g • Saturated Fat: 3g • Cholesterol: 12mg • Sodium: 205mg • Carbohydrates: 2g • Sugar: 1g • Protein: 0g
Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate.
© Or Whatever You Do