Alabama White Sauce
Alabama White Sauce is a creamy and tangy barbecue sauce that elevates grilled or smoked chicken and ribs. This unique sauce, originating from Alabama, showcases a delightful blend of ingredients that make it perfect for summer cookouts or any gathering. Its versatility allows you to use it as a dip, marinade, or a finishing sauce, ensuring your dishes are bursting with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This Alabama White Sauce takes just 5 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous barbecues.
- Flavorful Profile: The combination of mayonnaise, buttermilk, and vinegar creates a rich, tangy flavor that complements various meats perfectly.
- Versatile Use: Perfect for grilled chicken, smoked ribs, or as a dipping sauce for veggies and fries.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can easily prepare this sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather the essential tools that will help you create this delicious Alabama White Sauce with ease.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Mason jar (for storage)
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients smoothly without spills.
- Whisk or spoon: These tools ensure that the ingredients are well blended for a consistent texture.
- Mason jar: Ideal for storing leftover sauce; its airtight seal keeps the sauce fresh longer.
Ingredients
This white BBQ sauce starts off with mayonnaise to give it a creamy base. The sauce turns out sweet, tangy, and perfect for slathering over grilled or smoked chicken and ribs.
For the Base
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk
Flavor Enhancers
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
How to Make Alabama White Sauce
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
To prepare the white sauce:
1. In a mixing bowl or mason jar, combine all of the ingredients listed above.
2. Stir well until everything is mixed thoroughly.
3. Taste the mixture. Adjust flavors by adding more vinegar, salt, or sugar according to your preference.
Step 2: Chill Before Serving
Once combined:
1. Cover the bowl or seal the mason jar tightly.
2. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using. This allows flavors to meld nicely.
Step 3: Store Your Sauce
To keep your Alabama White Sauce fresh:
1. Ensure it’s tightly covered in the fridge.
2. It can be stored for up to one week without losing flavor. Enjoy it on your favorite grilled meats!
How to Serve Alabama White Sauce
Alabama White Sauce is a versatile addition to many dishes, especially grilled or smoked meats. Its creamy texture and balanced flavor make it an excellent condiment for summer cookouts and casual meals.
On Grilled Chicken
- Serve generously on grilled chicken pieces for a deliciously creamy contrast to the smoky flavors.
With Ribs
- Slather over slow-cooked or smoked ribs to enhance their taste with a tangy kick.
As a Dipping Sauce
- Use as a dip for fresh vegetables or crispy fries, offering a unique twist to traditional condiments.
In Sandwiches
- Spread on sandwiches with pulled pork or chicken for added moisture and flavor.
With Salads
- Drizzle over coleslaw or potato salad for an extra layer of creaminess that complements the crunch.

How to Perfect Alabama White Sauce
To make the best Alabama White Sauce, consider these simple tips that will elevate your recipe.
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Adjust the tang: If you prefer a sharper flavor, increase the vinegar slightly.
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Mix it well: Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined for a consistent texture and taste.
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Chill before serving: Refrigerating the sauce for at least 30 minutes allows flavors to meld and enhances its taste.
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Experiment with spices: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika for an extra kick if you enjoy some heat.
Best Side Dishes for Alabama White Sauce
When serving Alabama White Sauce, pairing it with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:
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Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a crunchy contrast and pairs well with the creamy sauce.
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Coleslaw: A classic side that balances the richness of meats with its refreshing crunch.
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Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad brings comfort and makes a hearty pairing with any barbecue dish.
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Baked Beans: These sweet and savory beans offer a perfect contrast to the tangy flavor of Alabama White Sauce.
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Macaroni Salad: This cool and creamy dish serves as a delightful complement to grilled meats.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned and roasted veggies provide color and nutrition, working beautifully with any white sauce dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Alabama White Sauce, there are a few common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Using Low-Quality Mayonnaise: The base of this sauce is mayonnaise, so using a low-quality brand can lead to an inferior taste. Choose a good-quality mayonnaise for the best flavor.
- Not Adjusting Seasonings: Everyone has different taste preferences. Failing to taste and adjust vinegar, salt, or sugar can result in a sauce that doesn’t suit your palate. Always taste as you go.
- Skipping Refrigeration Time: If you skip the refrigeration time, the flavors won’t meld properly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for a better-tasting sauce.
- Storing Improperly: Leaving Alabama White Sauce uncovered in the fridge can lead to it absorbing other odors. Always store it in a tightly sealed container.
- Ignoring Freshness: Using old ingredients can compromise the taste of your sauce. Check expiration dates on your condiments before using them.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Alabama White Sauce in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freezing Alabama White Sauce
- Freezing is not recommended as it may change the texture of mayonnaise.
- If necessary, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 2 months.
Reheating Alabama White Sauce
- Oven: Preheat your oven to low heat and warm the sauce gently to avoid separation.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (10-15 seconds) until warm, stirring frequently.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat while stirring continuously to maintain consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Alabama White Sauce that might help you:
What is Alabama White Sauce?
Alabama White Sauce is a creamy barbecue sauce made primarily from mayonnaise, vinegar, and seasonings. It’s perfect for grilled meats.
How do I customize Alabama White Sauce?
You can add additional spices or herbs according to your preference. Try adding smoked paprika or hot sauce for extra kick!
Can I use this sauce for other dishes?
Absolutely! Alabama White Sauce works well as a dip for vegetables or chips and adds flavor to sandwiches and wraps.
Is Alabama White Sauce gluten-free?
Yes, most ingredients in Alabama White Sauce are gluten-free. Just ensure that your mayo and other condiments are certified gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Alabama White Sauce is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for slathering over grilled chicken or ribs, making it an excellent addition to your summer cookouts. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or even try different acid sources like lemon juice for a unique twist. Enjoy experimenting with this creamy delight!
Alabama White Sauce
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: About 8 servings 1x
Description
Alabama White Sauce is a creamy, tangy barbecue sauce that hails from the heart of Alabama. This unique condiment is perfect for elevating grilled or smoked chicken and ribs, making it a must-have for summer cookouts and gatherings. With its delightful blend of mayonnaise, buttermilk, and vinegar, this versatile sauce can also double as a dip for veggies or fries, ensuring your dishes are bursting with flavor. Easy to prepare in just five minutes, Alabama White Sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge to enhance your meals all week long.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl or mason jar, combine all ingredients.
- Stir well until thoroughly mixed and adjust flavors as desired.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 30g
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg







