If you’ve never experienced the tangy, creamy delight of the White BBQ Sauce Recipe (Alabama White Sauce) Recipe, you’re in for a treat that will completely transform your BBQ game. This legendary Southern sauce is a luscious blend of mayonnaise, vinegar, and a punch of horseradish that offers a bright, zesty flavor unlike any traditional red BBQ sauce. Whether you’re grilling chicken, smoked pork, or even veggies, this sauce adds a unique twist that’s tangy, spicy, and irresistibly creamy all at once. Trust me, once you try this sauce, it becomes your go-to secret weapon for elevating your BBQ spread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this White BBQ Sauce Recipe (Alabama White Sauce) Recipe is its simplicity. Each ingredient is essential, contributing to the perfect balance of creaminess, acidity, sweetness, and spice that makes the sauce so memorable. You likely have most of these in your pantry already, making this an easy, no-fuss recipe.
- Mayonnaise: Provides the rich and creamy base that carries all the flavors together beautifully.
- White vinegar: Adds a sharp, tangy bite that cuts through the richness.
- Sugar: Balances the acidity with a touch of sweetness, rounding out the flavor profile.
- Prepared horseradish: Delivers a bold spice kick that wakes up your taste buds.
- Lemon juice: Brings brightness and freshness to lighten the sauce.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors to create harmony.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and earthiness.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like an extra dash of spicy warmth.
How to Make White BBQ Sauce Recipe (Alabama White Sauce) Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and pour in the mayonnaise, white vinegar, and lemon juice. Then add the sugar, prepared horseradish, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you’re opting for some extra heat. Using a whisk, stir the mixture vigorously until everything is smoothly blended and no lumps remain. This step ensures your sauce is luxuriously creamy and evenly flavored.
Step 2: Taste and Adjust Seasonings
After your initial mix, it’s crucial to taste your sauce. Every pantry is a little different, so feel free to tweak the salt, vinegar, or horseradish to suit your palate. Want it tangier? Add a splash more vinegar. Want a bolder bite? A little extra horseradish will do the trick. This stage lets you make the sauce truly yours.
Step 3: Let it Rest
So many people skip this but don’t make that mistake! Refrigerate the sauce for at least two hours before serving. This resting period lets all the bold flavors meld together beautifully, creating a vibrant harmony in every spoonful.
Step 4: Ready to Serve
Once your sauce is chilled and perfectly flavored, it’s ready to be the star of your BBQ table. Whether you’re painting it on grilled chicken or serving it as a dip, this White BBQ Sauce Recipe (Alabama White Sauce) Recipe shines brightest fresh but holds up well over time.
How to Serve White BBQ Sauce Recipe (Alabama White Sauce) Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like finely chopped fresh parsley or chives can add a pop of color and a mild herbal note that complements the boldness of this sauce. A sprinkle of smoked paprika also works wonderfully if you want to hint at smoky depth without overpowering the signature tang.
Side Dishes
This White BBQ Sauce Recipe (Alabama White Sauce) Recipe pairs magnificently with classic Southern sides such as creamy coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread. The cool creamy texture of coleslaw works especially well alongside the acidity and peppery zip of the sauce, creating a balanced BBQ feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t limit this sauce to just meat plates! Drizzle it over roasted vegetables or use it as a tangy sandwich spread for pulled pork sliders. It’s also fantastic as a dip for crispy fried green tomatoes or even a zesty dressing for potato salad. The possibilities are as infinite as your imagination!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After you’ve enjoyed your sauce, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to one week, allowing you to have this tangy, creamy goodness on hand whenever the BBQ mood strikes.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t typically recommended for mayonnaise-based sauces since the texture can separate upon thawing, if you must, freeze the sauce in a tightly sealed container. Thaw slowly in the fridge and whisk again well before serving, but expect slight changes in creaminess.
Reheating
This White BBQ Sauce Recipe (Alabama White Sauce) Recipe is best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it slightly warm, gently stir it into warm meats just before serving rather than heating the sauce alone to maintain its texture and flavor.
FAQs
What meats work best with Alabama White Sauce?
This sauce pairs perfectly with smoked or grilled chicken, pork, and even turkey. Its tangy and creamy profile also works well with grilled vegetables and fish.
Can I make this sauce without horseradish?
Absolutely! While horseradish adds a signature spicy kick, you can omit it if you don’t enjoy the heat or don’t have it on hand. You might want to compensate with a bit more black pepper or a dash of hot sauce for flavor complexity.
Is this sauce keto-friendly?
Yes! This White BBQ Sauce Recipe (Alabama White Sauce) Recipe is low in carbs, especially if you use a sugar substitute or reduce the sugar amount, making it suitable for keto diets.
How long should I refrigerate the sauce before serving?
At least two hours is ideal to allow the flavors to meld, though you can leave it overnight for even better depth of flavor.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Definitely! The cayenne pepper is optional, so you can leave it out entirely for a mild sauce or add more if you love the heat. The horseradish also contributes to the spice, so adjust that amount to your preference.
Final Thoughts
This White BBQ Sauce Recipe (Alabama White Sauce) Recipe is one of those delightful culinary discoveries that instantly feels like an old favorite. Its creamy tang and peppery bite make it a standout addition to any BBQ spread, whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a weekend warrior. I can’t recommend it enough for adding a uniquely delicious Southern charm to your meals—so grab your ingredients, whip it up, and watch how this sauce becomes a beloved staple at your table!
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White BBQ Sauce Recipe (Alabama White Sauce) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes plus at least 2 hours chilling
- Yield: About 1 3/4 cups (serves approximately 8 as a condiment)
- Category: Sauce
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This classic Alabama White Sauce is a tangy, creamy barbecue sauce made primarily from mayonnaise and vinegar with a kick from horseradish and spices. It’s perfect for serving alongside grilled or smoked meats, adding a zesty and flavorful twist to your barbecue.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, prepared horseradish, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce and make any adjustments to the seasoning to suit your preference, adding more salt, pepper, or cayenne if desired.
- Chill the sauce: Refrigerate the sauce for at least 2 hours before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and intensify for the best taste.
- Serve: Enjoy the Alabama White Sauce with grilled or smoked meats such as chicken, pork, or ribs to add a creamy and tangy complement to your barbecue dishes.
Notes
- For best results, allow the sauce to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- The cayenne pepper is optional but adds a nice spicy kick; adjust quantity to taste.
- This sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to one week in an airtight container.
- Use fresh horseradish for a sharper flavor or prepared horseradish from a jar for convenience.
