Alabama White Sauce Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sauce is incredibly easy to make with simple pantry ingredients. It’s tangy, peppery, and slightly sweet, making it an excellent complement to smoky meats. Alabama White Sauce also works beautifully as a marinade, dip, or dressing. Its versatility and bold, creamy flavor make it a must-have at any cookout or barbecue.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

mayonnaise
apple cider vinegar
prepared horseradish
Dijon mustard
lemon juice
brown sugar
garlic powder
onion powder
salt
black pepper
optional: cayenne pepper or hot sauce (for heat)

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
2. Add the horseradish, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, brown sugar, and spices.
3. Whisk until fully combined and smooth.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a dip.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 1½ cups of sauce and takes approximately 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes of chilling time.

Variations

• Spicier version: Add more horseradish, cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Sweeter version: Increase brown sugar or add a little honey or maple syrup.
• Low-fat option: Use a light mayonnaise or a mix of mayo and Greek yogurt.
• Garlic-lovers: Add fresh minced garlic or double the garlic powder.
• Smoky flavor: Stir in a dash of smoked paprika for depth.

Storage/Reheating

Store Alabama White Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Do not freeze, as the mayonnaise base can separate. This sauce is served cold or at room temperature—no reheating is necessary.

FAQs

What is Alabama White Sauce made of?

It’s a mayonnaise-based sauce flavored with vinegar, horseradish, mustard, lemon juice, sugar, and spices.

Is it spicy?

It has a mild kick from horseradish and black pepper, but the heat level is easy to adjust.

What does it taste like?

It’s tangy, creamy, slightly sweet, and peppery with a sharp vinegar bite that complements grilled meats.

What foods pair well with Alabama White Sauce?

It’s perfect with grilled chicken, pulled pork, ribs, turkey, sandwiches, roasted vegetables, or as a dipping sauce for fries.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, and it’s even better after sitting for a few hours to let the flavors develop.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all your ingredients (especially mustard and mayonnaise) are certified gluten-free.

Can I use this as a marinade?

Absolutely. It works well as a marinade for chicken or pork and adds a tangy flavor during grilling.

Can I use vegan mayo?

Yes, plant-based mayonnaise works well if you want to make this sauce vegan.

How long does it last in the fridge?

Up to 1 week in an airtight container.

Can I freeze Alabama White Sauce?

It’s not recommended. The mayo base may separate and change texture when thawed.

Conclusion

Alabama White Sauce is a bold and tangy twist on traditional barbecue sauces. With its creamy texture and zesty flavor, it’s a versatile addition to any meal—whether you’re grilling, dipping, or drizzling. Easy to whip up and packed with personality, this Southern staple is sure to become a favorite in your sauce collection.

Alabama White Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Alabama White Sauce is a tangy, creamy, mayonnaise-based barbecue sauce from Northern Alabama, perfect for grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a dip.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes (includes chilling)
• Yield: 1.5 cups
• Category: Sauce
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
2. Add the horseradish, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Whisk until fully combined and smooth.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature with your favorite grilled dishes.

Notes

• The sauce gets better after chilling—make it ahead of time if possible.
• Adjust the heat by adding more horseradish or hot sauce to taste.
• Great as a dip, sandwich spread, or marinade for chicken and pork.
• Use vegan mayo to make the sauce plant-based.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
• Calories: 110
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 190mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 5mg