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Creamy Alabama White BBQ Sauce in a glass jar with a spoon nearby on a rustic surface.
Maryam

Alabama White BBQ Sauce

A tangy, peppery mayonnaise-based sauce that's legendary on smoked chicken but just as good slathered on pork, burgers, or fries.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Condiment, Sauce
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 240
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 1.5 cups mayonnaise full-fat, not light
  • 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp prepared horseradish drained, not creamed
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1.5 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp black pepper freshly ground, plus more to taste
  • 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste

Equipment

  • Medium Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Airtight container (for storage)

Method
 

Make the Sauce
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce until completely smooth and no lumps remain.
  2. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne (if using), and salt. Whisk vigorously for 30 seconds until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
  3. Taste the sauce and adjust as needed: more vinegar for tang, more horseradish for bite, more pepper for heat, or more salt to bring it all together. The sauce should be aggressively seasoned - it will mellow slightly as it sits.
  4. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using, or up to 1 hour for best flavor. The sauce will keep refrigerated for 1 week.

Notes

This sauce is traditionally served with smoked chicken, but do not sleep on it as a burger spread, dip for fries, or drizzle over pulled pork. For a thinner sauce that works better as a marinade or mop sauce, thin with 2-3 tablespoons of water or more vinegar. The black pepper is not optional here - use freshly ground and be generous; it defines this sauce's character.