Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe

Alabama White BBQ Sauce is the only sauce recipe you will ever need to up your BBQ game! As a southern favorite, this tangy sauce is mayo-based and combined with apple cider vinegar and spices. This is the perfect finishing sauce for bbq chicken, ribs, wings, and other bbq dishes. Make this in 5 minutes to use immediately, or fridge overnight for even better flavor!

This is a versatile condiment that can be used for basting, at the end of cooking, or as a dipping sauce for chicken wings, french fries, drizzle over bbq sandwiches, or even as a salad dressing. This easy sauce is a BBQ staple!

Most people think of BBQ sauce as a sticky, sweet sauce that drenches pulled chicken or pork. This sauce recipe is much different from a traditional barbecue sauce recipe.

The flavors are punchy on the taste buds and vinegar forward. While this isn’t as spicy as other versions, this recipe has a distinct flavor that will leave you craving it with each plate of BBQ.

What is Alabama White Sauce?

Alabama White Sauce is a mayonnaise-based sauce whisked together with tangy apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and hot sauce. 

It’s closely related to North Carolina- style BBQ sauce with its vinegar tanginess.

Typically, this sauce is served as a finishing sauce or dipping sauce for smoked chicken, but it’s the perfect complement to any barbecued meat you are serving. 

Where did Alabama BBQ Sauce Originate?

Alabama White Sauce was originated from Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q in Decatur, Alabama (northern Alabama). Robert (Bob) Gibson comes from a long line of pitmasters with many awards and accolades for their barbecuing skills. 

Famous for the Original White BBQ Sauce, along with delicious smoked meats, Bob Gibson’s restaurant is widely recognized as one of the oldest and most prestigious barbecue restaurants in the world.

While this isn’t the original recipe, the following is my take on a southern favorite!

Tangy White BBQ Sauce vs. Traditional BBQ Sauce

The main difference between white barbecue sauce and regular bbq sauce recipes is the base. White sauce is made from a mayo base, while other bbq sauces are tomato-based.

White sauce is thinner in consistency to regular bbq sauce and is not nearly as sweet or sticky.

Definitely check out all of the different types of bbq sauces if you’re curious about the different flavors.

What is white bbq sauce made of? 

Here are the basic ingredients in summary:

• Mayonnaise: I prefer Duke’s Mayonnaise, but any brand of mayo is sufficient. Alternatively, you can replace the mayo with sour cream if desired.
• Hot Sauce: Many recipes call for cayenne pepper, but I prefer Frank’s Red Hot Sauce instead. This recipe is relatively mild, so increase the heat as desired.
• Seasonings: Other ingredients include Worcestershire sauce, onion and garlic powder, and kosher salt and black pepper.

Steps to Make White BBQ Sauce Recipe

Of course, you could buy this at your local grocery store or order online from Big Bob Gibson, OR you could make this version of the white barbeque sauce to keep on hand!

First, combine all of the ingredients into a medium-sized bowl.

Whisk together until all ingredients are well-combined. Then, transfer to a mason jar for easy pouring.

Your sauce is ready to use immediately; however, the flavors are even better once they’ve had a chance to marry.

I prefer to prepare the sauce, then allow the ingredients to marry for at least one hour or overnight so the flavors are even more intense.

The ingredients will separate during refrigeration, so give the jar a good shake just before using.

Now, all you need to do is to apply a dry rub to the meat and start the grill or smoker!

When do you add white bbq sauce?

Use this as a finishing sauce, a sandwich spread for bbq sandwiches, or a dipping sauce dunk chicken wings. 

If you are cooking with this sauce, I recommend using the sauce at the very end of your grilling to baste the meat as you are finishing the cook.

What goes with Alabama white sauce?

This tangy, creamy bbq sauce can be used to top any grilled, smoked, or barbecued meat, like:

• Pork Shoulder
• Pulled Pork Sandwiches
• BBQ Chicken
• Chicken Wings
• Pork Chops
• Ribs
• Beef Brisket

Don’t forget to add pickled red onions, deviled eggs, baked beans, and other bbq side dishes to your menu!

Recipe FAQ and Expert Tips

• Consistency: This sauce is thinner than traditional bbq sauces. You can stretch it with additional apple cider vinegar or thicken it with a little extra mayonnaise or sour cream.
• Mayonnaise: The mayo flavor is not super detectable but adds to the tangy flavors of the sauce. If preferred, sour cream can be used instead.
• Got leftovers? Use this as a salad dressing to top a big salad with pulled pork (or other meats), pickled or caramelized onions, and leftover veggies from your cookout.