Alabama White Sauce 

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A luscious blend of mayo, vinegar, horseradish, and lemon juice creates a zesty and bright sauce that is perfect for dipping or your next barbecue. This Alabama White Sauce is unique, tangy, and easy to make!  

small glass jar of Alabama white sauce being spooned out with a golden spoon.

Alabama white sauce is not your average condiment! You will find this tangy sauce most often used for grilling or at barbecues to add a nice kick and unique flavor. The creamy blend of mayo, vinegar, and a touch of horseradish are the bold ingredients that set this sauce apart. You can also use Alabama white sauce as a dip or dressing.

My favorite thing about this recipe is the simple ingredients that are used, so I know I can make this any time I am looking for something new and exciting. This sauce will come together in a matter of minutes, but be sure to let it sit in the fridge for at least a few hours before use to get the best results! With its bold and tangy flavors, this sauce is always a crowd pleaser. 

small glass jar of Alabama white sauce with golden spoons to the side.

What is Alabama White Sauce?

Alabama white sauce originates from the heart of Southern tang and zest, and is a game changer in the world of grilling! This sauce includes bright flavors that blend together perfectly to create a creamy condiment. It is the mix of mayo, vinegar, and a bit of horseradish that gives your food a nice kick!

Sometimes called white BBQ sauce, it is used in similar ways but breaks away from a tomato base and uses mayo instead. This sauce will take your food to the next level and become a new backyard barbecue staple! 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Has a creamy texture with a zesty tang! The combination of vinegar and mayo creates a special balance that is smooth and flavorful.
  • Is quick and easy to make! With only a few household ingredients you can whip this sauce up in no time. 
  • Can be easily customized! One of the best parts of making sauce at home is you can add more spices or go easy on some of the ingredients to make it yours. 

Recipe Ingredients

Divided ingredients in bowls for Alabama white sauce.
  • Mayo—The creamy base to your sauce.
  • Apple cider vinegar—Adds a sharp sweetness that balances out the flavor of the horseradish.
  • Worcestershire sauce—For a pungent and deep, savory taste.
  • Horseradish—To give your sauce a unique and robust flavor profile.
  • Lemon juice—You can use freshly squeezed or bottled. 
  • Paprika—To add some subtle heat to the sauce and enhance the overall taste.
  • Salt—To balance the acidity of your sauce and tie all the flavors together.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How to Make Alabama White Sauce 

clear mixing bowl with Alabama white sauce recipe in progress.
clear mixing bowl with Alabama white sauce recipe in progress.

Step #1. Dump all of the ingredients into a small bowl.

Step #2. Use a fork to whisk the ingredients together until the sauce is smooth and homogenous. Serve and enjoy!

    Recipe FAQs

    Are ranch and Alabama white sauce the same?

    These two sauces are quite different! Ranch is more of a creamy dressing made with buttermilk and a variety of herbs and can have a taste that leans on the sweet side. Alabama white sauce, on the other hand, is more of a tangy sauce that includes bold and zesty flavors.

    Although these two sauces have their own distinct tastes, they are commonly used as a dipping sauce or dressing for many of the same foods. The choice between Alabama white sauce and ranch will depend on what flavor profile you are going for in your dish!

    Is this sauce spicy?

    Alabama white sauce definitely gives you a little bit of a kick, but the spice level is mild. The flavors are bright, tangy, and zesty, making for an irresistible dipping sauce. The horseradish is what gives this condiment the most heat, but it is more of a subtle warmth rather than intense spiciness. You can always change the spice level depending on your preferences by adding more paprika or tossing in a pinch of cayenne pepper! 

    What can I use Alabama white sauce for?

    The possibilities are truly endless with Alabama white sauce. This condiment can be used in many ways to enhance the flavor of your food. You can use it as a dip for a raw veggie tray, dressing over a salad, spread on pulled pork sandwiches, or as a marinade for grilled chicken. The versatility of this sauce makes it a nice addition to many meals and it might surprise you how well this sauce will go with practically anything!

    small glass jar of Alabama white sauce being spooned out with a golden spoon.

    How to Store Alabama White Sauce 

    You can store this sauce in the fridge for up to 2 weeks to use with a variety of dishes and foods. Simply cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the sauce into an airtight container. Give your sauce a quick stir before using it and you’re all set! 

    Expert Tips

    • For some extra tang to this sauce, you can add the zest of ½ lemon.
    • Feel free to tweak this recipe and use a different kind of vinegar, add some garlic powder, or fresh dill to make it unique to what you like.
    • The flavors in this sauce tend to stand out more and mingle together better the longer the sauce sits. As a result, this sauce is often better a day after it has been made. 
    • Pay attention to the consistency of the sauce! If you find it is too thick to use as a dip or dressing, try thinning it out with a teaspoon of milk at a time until you find the consistency you are looking for. 

    More Condiment Recipes To Consider

    small glass jar of Alabama white sauce being spooned out with a golden spoon.
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    Alabama White Sauce 

    A tangy mix of mayo, vinegar, horseradish, and lemon juice forms the delicious Alabama White Sauce, perfect for dipping or barbecues. It’s zesty, unique, and simple to whip up!
    Prep: 10 minutes
    Total: 10 minutes
    Servings: 16

    Ingredients 

    • 2 cups mayo
    • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
    • 1 tablespoon horseradish
    • Juice of ½ large lemon
    • ½ teaspoon paprika
    • 1 teaspoon salt
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    Instructions 

    • Dump all of the ingredients into a small bowl. Use a fork to whisk the ingredients together until the sauce is smooth and homogenous.
    • Serve and enjoy!

    Notes

    • You can store this sauce in the fridge for 2 weeks. Simply cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or transfer your sauce to an airtight container.
    • For some extra tang, you can add the zest of ½ lemon.
    • The flavors in this sauce tend to come out more the longer the sauce sits. As a result, this sauce is often better a day after it has been made.
    • The apple cider vinegar provides a sharp sweetness that helps balance out the flavor of the horseradish.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 193kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 0.3g, Fat: 21g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 12mg, Sodium: 341mg, Potassium: 21mg, Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 0.4g, Vitamin A: 50IU, Vitamin C: 0.4mg, Calcium: 4mg, Iron: 0.1mg
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