Alabama White BBQ Sauce From Scratch
This Alabama white BBQ sauce is creamy, tangy, and a little smoky! It’s the perfect sauce for chicken, ribs, and even pulled pork. Ever since we moved to the South and discovered this sauce, there’s been a jar in the fridge. It’s that dang good! This recipe includes a video tutorial to walk you through each step!
This post may contain affiliate links of items I know and love. Read our disclosure policy for more information.
My husband and I first discovered this delicious creamy sauce at a local BBQ restaurant here in Tennessee right after we moved. We didn’t know what it was, let alone what it tasted like. But Tyler got a small cup to try with his chicken wings.
That was the beginning of our love of this Southern sauce! After trying many variations at local BBQ restaurants around Nashville and making different recipes out of Southern cookbooks, I made my own version with the flavors we loved most!
Batches of this recipe have been in our fridge ever since. When we run out, I make more! My husband even puts in on his mac and cheese. It’s that delicious!
What is Alabama White BBQ Sauce?
Alabama white sauce is a creamy, tangy, mayonnaise-based BBQ sauce. Most BBQ sauces are ketchup or vinegar based, but not this one!
It’s got savory spices with a little extra heat from the cayenne and hot sauce. Plus a smokiness from the smoked paprika and a little honey, to add a hint of sweetness!
What Makes Alabama White BBQ Sauce Unique?
Like I said above, this sauce has a mayonnaise base instead of the ketchup or vinegar base, which makes it white and creamy. Along with it’s tangy flavor profile that sets the sauce apart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- mayonnaise (I like Kroger’s Simple Truth)
- apple cider vinegar
- raw honey
- hot sauce (Franks is my favorite)
- smoked paprika
- salt
- garlic powder
- ground black pepper
- ground cayenne
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
How to Make Alabama White BBQ Sauce
Whisk all ingredients (smoked paprika and cayenne are optional) together in a small bowl and cover to refrigerate.
It’ll last 2-3 weeks in the fridge. It may separate so just stir it before using.
Double or triple recipe if desired.
Video Tutorial
How Can I Customize Alabama White BBQ Sauce?
- Make it Hot: You can add the sauce into a pan over low-medium heat to warm it up. Don’t let it start bubbling just warm slowly.
- Make it Cold: Pop the sauce in the fridge
- Add Extra Heat: If you want your sauce to have more of a kick, you can add a little extra cayenne. Just know this will turn your sauce more pink, which is okay.
- Make it More Smoky: If you want your sauce to be a little more smoky, add in a little extra smoked paprika. Just know this will cause the sauce to be more pink than white.
Tips for the Best Alabama White BBQ Sauce
- Make sure all the ingredients are incorporated and nothing is sticking to the bottom of the bowl.
- Measure carefully so you get the right consistency and taste!
- Stick with the recipe, it’s got the perfect ratios for the most delicious flavor.
How to Store Alabama White BBQ Sauce
Store it in the fridge covered for 2-3 weeks. It may separate, so stir it before using.
What to Serve with Alabama White Sauce
The beauty of this white BBQ sauce is that you can serve it with almost anything! Our personal favorites include fried chicken, smoked chicken sandwiches, pulled pork sandwiches, chicken wings, and even stirred into mac and cheese.
Recipe FAQs
Of course! Double this recipe as many times as you want to make a large batch!
You can serve it either way! Both are delicious!
I don’t recommend freezing this sauce. The texture will change a lot and the ingredients won’t stay together after thawing.
More Homemade Sauce From Scratch
- Easy BBQ Greek Yogurt Dipping Sauce
- Easy Homemade Buffalo Sauce Recipe
- Best Ranch Dressing From Scratch
- Cheese Sauce From Scratch
Did you make this recipe?
- Give it a 5-star rating in the comments below 👇🏼
- Share a photo of your BBQ sauce on Instagram or Facebook stories. Be sure to tag @plumbranchhome and use the hashtag #plumbranchhome so I can see it!
Recipe
Alabama White BBQ Sauce From Scratch
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise (I like Kroger’s Organic Simple Truth)
- 4 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp raw honey
- 1/2 tsp hot sauce (Franks is my favorite)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika OPTIONAL
- 1/4 tsp ground cayenne OPTIONAL
Instructions
- Whisk all ingredients (smoked paprika and cayenne are optional) together in a small bowl making sure all ingredients are completely combined and scraped off the bottom of the bowl.
- Cover to refrigerate. It’ll last 2-3 weeks in the fridge. It may separate so just stir it before using.
- Double or triple recipe if desired.
Video