If you’ve only ever had tomato-based barbecue sauce, you’re missing out on one of the South’s best kept secrets: white BBQ sauce.
Creamy, tangy, and peppery, this Alabama classic is the perfect finishing sauce for grilled chicken, smoked meats, sandwiches, and even fries. Unlike traditional barbecue sauces, white barbecue sauce starts with mayonnaise instead of tomatoes, giving it a rich, creamy texture balanced by vinegar and spices.
The result? A bold sauce that’s bright, savory, and completely addictive.
Once you make this easy homemade version, you’ll want to keep a jar in the fridge at all times.
What Is White BBQ Sauce?
White BBQ sauce—also known as Alabama white sauce—is a tangy mayonnaise-based barbecue sauce that originated in Decatur, Alabama in the 1920s. It was created by pitmaster Bob Gibson, who used it to coat smoked chicken at his famous barbecue restaurant.
The sauce quickly became a Southern barbecue staple because the creamy base helps keep smoked chicken moist while adding a bright, peppery flavor.
Today, white barbecue sauce is used for:
It’s especially famous with smoked chicken, where the tangy sauce cuts through the smoky richness perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This White BBQ Sauce
This homemade version is:
✔ Ready in 5 minutes
✔ Creamy and tangy
✔ Perfect for chicken and barbecue
✔ Better than store-bought sauces
✔ Made with simple pantry ingredients
It’s also incredibly versatile. Use it as:
- a BBQ finishing sauce
- a marinade
- a sandwich spread
- a dip for chicken tenders
Ingredients for White BBQ Sauce
This easy Alabama white sauce is made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
You’ll need:
- mayonnaise
- apple cider vinegar
- lemon juice
- prepared horseradish
- Worcestershire sauce
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- black pepper
- cayenne pepper
- salt
The balance of mayo and vinegar creates the signature creamy yet tangy flavor that makes white barbecue sauce unique.
How to Make White BBQ Sauce
Making this sauce couldn’t be easier.
Step 1 – Add ingredients
Add mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon juice, horseradish, and Worcestershire sauce to a bowl.
Step 2 – Season
Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne.
Step 3 – Whisk
Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy.
Step 4 – Chill
For the best flavor, refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes so the spices can meld together.
That’s it. Your homemade white BBQ sauce is ready to serve.
What Does White BBQ Sauce Taste Like?
White barbecue sauce tastes like a creamy, tangy cross between barbecue sauce and a bold coleslaw dressing.
Flavor notes include:
- tangy from vinegar and lemon
- creamy from mayonnaise
- peppery and slightly spicy
- savory and garlicky
The balance of fat from mayonnaise and acidity from vinegar creates a bright sauce that pairs beautifully with grilled meats.
White BBQ Sauce (Alabama White Sauce)
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 1/2 CUPS 1x
Description
This creamy Alabama White BBQ Sauce is tangy, peppery, and incredibly easy to make in just minutes. Made with mayonnaise, vinegar, and spices, this Southern barbecue sauce is perfect for grilled chicken, smoked meats, wings, sandwiches, and dipping.
Ingredients
-
1 cup mayonnaise
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepperOptional garnish: chopped parsley
Instructions
-
Add the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, horseradish, and Worcestershire sauce to a medium bowl.
-
Whisk until smooth and creamy.
-
Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
-
Whisk again until fully combined.
-
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
-
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
-
Serve with grilled chicken, smoked meats, wings, sandwiches, or use as a dipping sauce.
Notes
• For a thinner sauce, add an extra tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
• Add more horseradish or cayenne for extra heat.
• This sauce tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: CONDIMENT
- Cuisine: Grilling/BBQ, SOUTHERN
The Best Ways to Use White BBQ Sauce
Once you try it, you’ll start putting it on everything.
Some of the best uses include:
Classic Southern uses
- smoked chicken
- grilled chicken thighs
- pulled pork sandwiches
Unexpected but amazing uses
- chicken wraps
- roasted vegetables
- burgers
- chicken tenders
- fries
It also works as a creamy sandwich spread for barbecue chicken sandwiches.
Tips for the Best White BBQ Sauce
Use good mayonnaise
This sauce is mayo-based, so a high-quality mayonnaise makes a big difference.
Adjust the heat
Add more cayenne or horseradish if you want a spicier sauce.
Let it rest
White BBQ sauce tastes best after chilling so the flavors meld.
Thin if needed
Add a splash of vinegar if you want a thinner, pourable sauce.
How to Store White BBQ Sauce
Store homemade white BBQ sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It will keep for:
5–7 days refrigerated
Because it contains mayonnaise, it should always be stored cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is white BBQ sauce spicy?
It has a mild kick from black pepper, cayenne, and horseradish, but you can adjust the spice level.
Can you use white BBQ sauce as a marinade?
Yes. It works great as a marinade for chicken before grilling.
What meat goes best with white BBQ sauce?
Smoked or grilled chicken is the classic pairing, but it’s also excellent with pork and turkey.
Is white BBQ sauce the same as Alabama white sauce?
Yes. They are the same sauce, named after the region where it originated.
Final Thoughts
White BBQ sauce is one of those recipes that surprises people the first time they try it. It’s creamy, tangy, bold, and completely different from traditional barbecue sauces.
Once you drizzle it over grilled chicken or dip crispy chicken tenders into it, you’ll understand why this Southern classic has been loved for nearly a century.
Make a batch today and keep it in the fridge—you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.
