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If you’re craving a tangy, creamy sauce that perfectly complements smoky grilled meats, you have to try this White BBQ Sauce (Alabama White Sauce) Recipe. This Southern classic brings a bold twist to your barbecue experience with its unique combination of mayonnaise, tangy vinegar, and a touch of horseradish that delivers a punch of flavor you won’t forget. It’s incredibly simple to make but packs a complex flavor profile that elevates everything from chicken to pork with its vibrant, zesty goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This White BBQ Sauce (Alabama White Sauce) Recipe uses a handful of everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each component plays a vital role — from the creaminess of the mayonnaise to the sharp acidity of white vinegar, balancing sweetness from sugar, and the subtle heat from horseradish and cayenne pepper.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Provides a rich, creamy base that makes the sauce irresistibly smooth.
- 1/2 cup white vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy kick essential for that signature tartness.
- 1/4 cup sugar: Balances the acidity with a hint of sweetness for harmony in every bite.
- 1/4 cup prepared horseradish: Brings a spicy heat that perfectly complements smoky flavors.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Enhances freshness and sharpens the overall taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Elevates all the flavors, making each ingredient shine.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle depth and warmth without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a little extra heat, this is the perfect touch.
How to Make White BBQ Sauce (Alabama White Sauce) Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Start by placing all the ingredients in a medium bowl. Using a whisk, blend everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The mayonnaise forms the perfect base, while the white vinegar and lemon juice add that unmistakable tanginess.
Step 2: Taste and Adjust
Give your sauce a quick taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Maybe you want a little more horseradish for a bolder bite or an extra pinch of sugar if you like it slightly sweeter. Tailor it to suit your own palate — this is your sauce after all!
Step 3: Chill for Flavor Harmony
Refrigerate your sauce for at least two hours before serving. This resting time is crucial because it allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, deepening the complexity and mellowing any harsh edges.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once chilled, your White BBQ Sauce (Alabama White Sauce) Recipe is ready to be served. It’s the perfect partner for grilled or smoked meats, adding a creamy, tangy twist that’s truly addictive.
How to Serve White BBQ Sauce (Alabama White Sauce) Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or finely sliced green onions on top of the sauce when serving. These garnishes add a pop of vibrant color and a pleasant freshness that complements the rich, creamy texture.
Side Dishes
This sauce pairs wonderfully with classic barbecue sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or crispy fries. Its tangy creaminess balances smoky flavors beautifully and can even bring a new dimension to simple roasted vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t just limit yourself to dipping — try drizzling this White BBQ Sauce over pulled chicken sandwiches, roasted potatoes, or even grilled vegetables. You can also use it as a tangy salad dressing or a zesty topping for baked sweet potatoes for a delicious twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover White BBQ Sauce (Alabama White Sauce) Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to one week, making it handy for quick meals throughout the week.
Freezing
This sauce isn’t the best candidate for freezing due to its creamy mayonnaise base, which can separate when frozen and thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.
Reheating
Because this sauce is served cold or at room temperature, there’s no need to reheat it. If you prefer it less chilled, simply take it out of the refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving and give it a quick stir to refresh its texture.
FAQs
What meats go best with White BBQ Sauce?
This sauce shines brightest with smoked or grilled chicken, pork ribs, and even turkey. Its tangy creaminess cuts through rich, smoky flavors perfectly.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, letting the sauce rest for a few hours or overnight in the fridge enhances the flavor, so making it ahead is encouraged.
Is there a spicy version of this sauce?
Yes! Adding cayenne pepper or extra horseradish will give it a nice kick, perfect for those who like some heat in their barbecue sauces.
Can I use regular vinegar instead of white vinegar?
White vinegar is best for its clean, sharp flavor, but apple cider vinegar can be a good substitute, offering a slightly fruitier undertone.
How long does the sauce last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, this sauce will last about a week without losing its flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
This White BBQ Sauce (Alabama White Sauce) Recipe is one of those magic sauces that can transform your entire barbecue game with minimal effort. Its bright, creamy, and slightly spicy flavor makes it an unforgettable complement to grilled meats and so much more. I encourage you to whip up a batch, share it with friends, and watch how quickly it becomes a dinner table favorite in your home too.
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White BBQ Sauce (Alabama White Sauce) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes preparation plus 2 hours chilling
- Yield: 1 cup (about 1 serving)
- Category: Sauce
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Alabama White Sauce is a tangy and creamy barbecue sauce made primarily from mayonnaise and vinegar, delivering a bold and unique flavor perfect for grilled or smoked meats. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, it offers a zesty twist on traditional barbecue sauces.
Ingredients
White BBQ Sauce 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 optional cayenne pepper until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the sauce carefully and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or cayenne to your preference to balance the tanginess and heat.
- Chill the Sauce: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to fully meld and develop a richer taste.
- Serve: Use the Alabama White BBQ Sauce as a flavorful accompaniment to grilled or smoked meats, such as chicken or pork, for an authentic Southern BBQ experience.
Notes
- Refrigerating the sauce for a minimum of 2 hours enhances the flavor by allowing the ingredients to meld together.
- The cayenne pepper is optional; omit or reduce for a milder sauce.
- This sauce is not cooked and should be stored refrigerated, consumed within a week.
- Perfect served chilled with grilled or smoked chicken and pork dishes.
