Alabama white barbecue sauce is a tangy and creamy twist on traditional barbecue sauces. This unique sauce, originating from Northern Alabama, is perfect for adding a zesty kick to grilled meats, especially chicken. Its rich and flavorful profile makes it a versatile addition to any barbecue spread.
Some of the ingredients in this recipe might not be staples in every kitchen. Prepared horseradish adds a spicy kick and can usually be found in the condiment aisle. Dijon mustard provides a tangy depth and is typically located near other mustards. Make sure to check the labels to get the right type of mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar for the best results.

Ingredients for Alabama White Barbecue Sauce
Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the sauce, providing richness and texture.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to balance the creaminess.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for a bright, acidic note.
Prepared horseradish: Gives the sauce a spicy kick and depth of flavor.
Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy and slightly sharp taste.
Garlic powder: Provides a subtle garlic flavor without overpowering the sauce.
Onion powder: Adds a mild onion flavor to complement the other ingredients.
Sugar: Balances the acidity and adds a touch of sweetness.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the sauce.
Black pepper: Freshly ground for a bit of heat and complexity.
Technique Tip for Making This Sauce
When preparing Alabama White Barbecue Sauce, ensure that the mayonnaise is at room temperature before mixing. This helps the apple cider vinegar and other ingredients blend more smoothly, resulting in a creamier texture. Additionally, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly ground black pepper for a more vibrant flavor. For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor similar to mayonnaise but with fewer calories and more protein.
apple cider vinegar - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar has a similar acidity and flavor profile, making it a good alternative to apple cider vinegar.
freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor, making it a suitable replacement for lemon juice.
prepared horseradish - Substitute with wasabi paste: Wasabi paste provides a similar pungent heat and flavor, though it is slightly more intense than horseradish.
dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard has a similar tangy flavor and texture, making it a good alternative to dijon mustard.
garlic powder - Substitute with granulated garlic: Granulated garlic has a similar flavor and can be used in the same quantity as garlic powder.
onion powder - Substitute with dried minced onion: Dried minced onion provides a similar flavor and can be used in slightly larger quantities to match the intensity of onion powder.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds sweetness with a slightly different flavor profile and can be used in a 1:1 ratio.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a similar flavor and can be used in the same quantity as regular salt.
freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor but with a slightly different color, making it a good alternative to black pepper.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Sauce
How to Store or Freeze This Sauce
- To store your Alabama White Barbecue Sauce, transfer it to an airtight container. Mason jars or resealable plastic containers work perfectly.
- Place the container in the refrigerator. The sauce will keep well for up to two weeks, maintaining its tangy and creamy flavor.
- Before using, give the sauce a good stir to ensure all ingredients are well combined. The mayonnaise and vinegar might separate slightly during storage.
- If you wish to freeze the sauce, pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
- Label the container with the date and contents. This helps you keep track of how long it has been stored.
- When ready to use, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to maintain food safety.
- After thawing, whisk the sauce again to restore its smooth consistency. The texture may change slightly, but the flavor will remain delightful.
- For best results, use the thawed sauce within three months. This ensures the horseradish and dijon mustard retain their zesty kick.
- Remember, always use clean utensils when scooping out the sauce to prevent contamination and extend its shelf life.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Microwave Method:
- Transfer the Alabama White Barbecue Sauce to a microwave-safe bowl.
- Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or a plate to prevent splatters.
- Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
- Stir the sauce thoroughly to ensure even heating.
- Repeat the heating process in 10-second intervals, stirring in between, until the sauce reaches your desired temperature.
Stovetop Method:
- Pour the Alabama White Barbecue Sauce into a small saucepan.
- Place the saucepan over low heat.
- Stir the sauce continuously to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Heat until the sauce is warmed through, usually about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Double Boiler Method:
- Fill a medium-sized pot with about 1-2 inches of water and bring it to a simmer.
- Place a heatproof bowl on top of the pot, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.
- Add the Alabama White Barbecue Sauce to the bowl.
- Stir the sauce occasionally as it warms up, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once heated, carefully remove the bowl from the pot and serve.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).
- Transfer the Alabama White Barbecue Sauce to an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the sauce from drying out.
- Place the dish in the oven and heat for 10-15 minutes.
- Stir the sauce halfway through the heating process to ensure even warming.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
Best Tools for Making This Sauce
Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine all the ingredients together.
Whisk: A utensil to blend the ingredients until smooth and well combined.
Measuring cups: Tools to measure the mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar accurately.
Measuring spoons: Tools to measure the lemon juice, horseradish, dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, salt, and black pepper precisely.
Refrigerator: An appliance to chill the sauce for at least 1 hour before serving.
Spatula: A tool to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
How to Save Time on Making This Sauce
Use pre-minced garlic and onion: Save time by using pre-minced garlic and onion powder instead of chopping fresh ingredients.
Measure ingredients in advance: Measure out all ingredients before you start mixing to streamline the process.
Use a food processor: Combine all ingredients in a food processor for a quick and smooth blend.
Make in bulk: Double or triple the recipe and store extra sauce in the fridge for future use.
Use a whisk attachment: Attach a whisk to your mixer for faster and more efficient blending.

Alabama White Barbecue Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon Horseradish prepared
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients.
- Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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