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Kid-Fave
Karly Campbell
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This ALABAMA WHITE SAUCE is a family favorite! It’s a simple creamy sauce that is perfect over grilled chicken, ribs, or pulled pork. It starts with mayo, instead of tomato sauce, so it’s extra creamy and so flavorful!
Alabama has always been a favorite vacation destination for us. The beaches are beautiful, it’s easy enough to get there, and we have a million and one favorite restaurants near the coast.
One of those restaurants served up barbecue with a twist – instead of your traditional tomato based barbecue sauce, they served a white BBQ sauce, and y’all, I was instantly hooked.
This Alabama White BBQ Sauce recipe is creamy, tangy, and just a bit sweet. It’s really perfect, you guys.
If you like sauces and dips, you’ll want to try my honey mustard recipe, fry sauce, and Carolina BBQ sauce!
Table of Contents
Ingredient Notes:
Mayonnaise – Most BBQ sauces are tomato based, but this Alabama white BBQ sauce uses a mayo base!
Buttermilk – This will help thin out the sauce a bit and it also adds some flavor.
Vinegar – You can use either white vinegar or apple cider vinegar in this white BBQ sauce recipe!
Mustard – I like to use yellow mustard in this white sauce recipe, but spicy brown mustard would work too.
Seasonings – Just a simple mix of salt, pepper, sugar, and garlic salt! Use some brown sugar for extra flavor.
What We Love About This Recipe!
This Alabama white sauce is a perfect way to change things up! We love tomato based sauces too, but sometimes we’re in the mood for something different and that’s exactly what this white BBQ sauce has to offer! It’s creamy and flavorful and will work just as well on any meat as regular BBQ sauce.
How to Make Alabama White Sauce:
Add mayo, buttermilk, vinegar, mustard, garlic salt, pepper, and sugar to a mason jar.
Shake, shake, shake until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Alternately, stir together with a fork.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using. The longer the sauce sits, the more the flavors develop.
Helpful Tip!
Serve this with:
- Grilled Chicken
- Crock Pot Ribs
- Alabama Style Pulled Pork
- Baked Chicken Strips
VARIATIONS:
Tomato based BBQ sauce recipes are made in many ways with lots of different ingredients. The same can be true for mayo based white BBQ sauce! Here are some suggestions for changing it up:
- Make a spicy white BBQ sauce by using spicy brown mustard, or add some spicy horseradish to the mix. Cayenne pepper or some hot sauce will also work well to spice it up!
- A little bit of lemon juice will brighten the sauce up and add some more flavor.
- Some Worcestershire sauce will add a more savory flavor to this white sauce.
FAQs:
How to store white BBQ sauce?
This sauce will keep well for at least a week in the refrigerator if you store it in a sealed mason jar.
What is Alabama white sauce?
It’s a BBQ sauce that starts with mayonnaise instead of tomatoes. It uses some similar ingredients like vinegar and sugar but the mayo base and the buttermilk gives it a creamy taste!
More Favorite Sauces:
- Korean BBQ Sauce
- Egg Roll Dipping Sauce
- Tartar Sauce
- Avocado Dressing
- Fry Sauce
- Keto Ranch Dressing
- Homemade Honey Mustard
Recipe
Alabama White Sauce
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.
4.12 from 9 votes
Prep5 minutes minutes
Chill Time30 minutes minutes
Total35 minutes minutes
Serves 6 servings
Ingredients
For the white sauce:
- 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
To prepare the white sauce, combine all of the ingredients in a bowl or mason jar. Stir to combine and taste. Add additional vinegar, salt, or sugar depending on your preferences.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using.
Store tightly covered in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Tips & Notes:
Recipe makes about 3/4 cup of sauce.
Nutrition Information:
Serving: 2tablespoons| Calories: 133kcal (7%)| Carbohydrates: 1g| Protein: 1g (2%)| Fat: 14g (22%)| Saturated Fat: 2g (13%)| Cholesterol: 8mg (3%)| Sodium: 327mg (14%)| Potassium: 7mg| Fiber: 1g (4%)| Sugar: 1g (1%)| Vitamin A: 12IU| Calcium: 6mg (1%)| Iron: 1mg (6%)
Author: Karly Campbell
Course:Main Course
Cuisine:American
Keyword:easy dinner recipes, grilling recipes, summer recipes
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Reader Interactions
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ColleenCanuck says
I love this idea I am not a fan of traditional bbq sauce. And I can’t wait to try
Reply
Amy P says
Alabama white sauce started its life in my hometown of Decatur, Alabama, at least 100 years ago. A gentleman named “Big” Bob Gibson came up with it and served it at his community barbecues. He later started a restaurant called, fittingly, Big Bob Gibson’s BBQ. It’s still in operation today in Decatur. I grew up with his great-grandchildren and knew his daughter Catherine “Punk” Gibson McLemore. I went to church with them. Our families have known each other since the 50s.
Brothers Jacob and Andrew Lily are carrying on the tradition.Reply
ColleenCanuck says
Cool, Luv the history Amy! Put on my bucket list!
Reply
Twyla lake says
I am looking forward to try this
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Karly says
Hope you enjoy!
Reply
Donna Schubeck says
I have ribs that I want to do in the slow cooker; can you explain how the sauce is used? Added at the beginning to cook ribs in it, or added at the end?
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Karly says
Hi Donna! Brush the sauce on at the end or use it as a dipping sauce.
Reply
Susan says
can I use garlic powder instead of garlic salt and reduce the salt as I have to watch my sodium intake
Reply
Karly says
Sure.
Reply
Susan says
if I use garlic powder instead of garlic salt in the recipe how much garlic powder would I use?
Karly says
Hi Susan, just add it to taste.
kumiko mccabe says
hi, like to know how toger receipe onqueso?can not find it thank you kumiko
Reply
Karly says
Hello! I’m sorry, but I’m not sure what you’re asking?
Reply
ColleenCanuck says
I believe this person is asking for Spanish ingredients btw?
Kimberly A Mele says
Thought I saw some ingredient substitutes in the article. After printing the recipe, I went to go through the substitute ideas and can’t find them.
Reply
Karly says
No, sorry, there weren’t any substitutes listed.
Reply
Nancy M. Carlson says
Is there any way to make this with a mayo sub? If so what would or could it be?? I super appreciate your answer. Thank you. This sounds delish.
Karly says
Hi Nancy! We’ve only made this with mayo. You could try using sour cream or greek yogurt, but it’s going to significantly change the flavor.
Steve Barker UK says
Grilling chicken this evening and just wanted something different to plain old BBQ sauce and found this on the internet.Too late to go to the shop so didn’t have any buttermilk and used lemon juice instead of vinegar and added a pinch of smoked paprika; well impressed, can’t wait to try the ‘straight’ version.
Reply
Karly says
So glad you enjoyed! I’m sure it was great with the lemon juice. 🙂
Reply
Gary A LaBelle says
Which vinegar do you recommend…white vinegar?Reply
Karly says
Yep!
Reply
Carla Skidmore says
This white sauce sounds great. I have not tried making it, but it reminds me of Ranch Dressing, am I way off base on that?Reply
Karly says
It’s more of a barbecue flavor than ranch flavor, in my opinion.
Reply
Expert Introduction
As an expert in barbecue sauces and culinary enthusiast, I can confidently discuss the concept of Alabama White Sauce and provide information related to this article. I have extensive knowledge of different types of barbecue sauces, including tomato-based and mayo-based sauces. I have also experimented with various ingredients and flavor profiles to create unique and delicious sauces.
Alabama White Sauce
Alabama White Sauce is a creamy and tangy barbecue sauce that originated in Alabama, USA. It is different from traditional tomato-based barbecue sauces as it uses mayonnaise as the base ingredient instead of tomato sauce. This gives the sauce a rich and creamy texture. The sauce is typically used as a topping or dipping sauce for grilled chicken, ribs, or pulled pork.
Key Ingredients
The key ingredients used in Alabama White Sauce are:
- Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise serves as the base ingredient and provides the creamy texture to the sauce.
- Buttermilk: Buttermilk is added to thin out the sauce and add flavor.
- Vinegar: You can use either white vinegar or apple cider vinegar to add tanginess to the sauce.
- Mustard: Yellow mustard is commonly used in this sauce, but you can also use spicy brown mustard for extra flavor.
- Seasonings: The sauce is seasoned with a simple mix of salt, pepper, sugar, and garlic salt. Brown sugar can be added for additional flavor.
Making Alabama White Sauce
To make Alabama White Sauce, you will need to combine all the ingredients in a bowl or mason jar. Stir or shake well until the sauce is smooth and creamy. It is recommended to refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes before using to allow the flavors to develop. The sauce can be kept in a sealed mason jar in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
There are several variations you can try to customize the flavor of Alabama White Sauce:
- Spicy White Sauce: You can make a spicy version of the sauce by using spicy brown mustard or adding spicy horseradish, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce.
- Brightening the Sauce: Adding a little bit of lemon juice can add brightness and more flavor to the sauce.
- Savory Flavor: Worcestershire sauce can be added to give the sauce a more savory flavor.
Alabama White Sauce can be served with a variety of meats, including grilled chicken, crock pot ribs, Alabama-style pulled pork, or baked chicken strips.
Conclusion
Alabama White Sauce is a unique and delicious barbecue sauce that offers a creamy and tangy flavor profile. It is easy to make and can be customized to suit individual preferences. Whether you're a fan of traditional tomato-based barbecue sauces or looking to try something different, Alabama White Sauce is definitely worth a try.
