This tangy, peppery, mayonnaise-based white BBQ sauce is a favorite in Alabama and pairs beautifully with grilled or smoked chicken and pork. Easy to make, low-carb and keto-friendly.
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When summer arrives, grills fire up across neighborhoods and backyard chefs pull out their best techniques to impress family and friends. A well-chosen dry rub and a standout BBQ sauce elevate grilled meats from good to unforgettable.
Most regions favor a sweet, tomato-based sauce, while others prefer a thin, vinegar-forward Carolina-style sauce. My husband grew up with a vinegar-based Carolina sauce, while I grew up on a slightly thicker, slightly sweeter Texas-style sauce with ground chiles and a bit of smoky heat.
Another classic you should try is Alabama white sauce. This mayonnaise-based BBQ sauce is sometimes mistaken for ranch at first glance, but its bright vinegar tang, peppery bite and horseradish notes set it apart. It’s traditionally used on grilled and smoked chicken but works well with pork, seafood and turkey too.
What is Alabama White BBQ Sauce?
Alabama white sauce—often shortened to “Alabama white”—is a mayonnaise-based condiment with a peppery tang. It originated in northern Alabama and is commonly credited to Big Bob Gibson’s BBQ in Decatur, where the sauce is typically poured over chicken just before serving. The result is a creamy, zesty glaze that brightens rich, smoky meats.
What’s in Alabama White BBQ Sauce?
Variations exist, but all authentic versions are mayonnaise-based. Common ingredients include white vinegar or lemon juice for acidity, prepared horseradish for heat, Creole or mustard-style mustard for depth, and black pepper and garlic for seasoning. Some cooks thin the sauce with water or additional vinegar to reach the desired consistency.
Traditional Alabama White Sauce (Simple Version)
If you want a more traditional, straightforward version, try this reader-supplied recipe from north Alabama. It’s bright, peppery and delicious on hushpuppies, chicken or fried fish.
- 1 ½ cups mayonnaise
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon coarse black pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
A Keto-Friendly Favorite
Because this sauce is mayonnaise-based and contains virtually no sugars, it’s an excellent choice for low-carb and ketogenic diets. Those eating low carb typically replace carbohydrates with healthy fats, and this rich, tangy sauce fits that approach perfectly.
Use it to top smoked chicken leg quarters, beer-can chicken, or grilled pork chops. It adds moisture and a lively, peppery finish that complements smoky flavors.
Alabama White BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 tablespoon chipotle mustard (or Creole mustard)
- 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon dill pickle juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or more to taste)
- ⅛ teaspoon granulated garlic (or more to taste)
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
- Thin with water to desired consistency
Instructions
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Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Add water, a teaspoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings.
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This makes about ¾ cup of sauce. A serving is roughly 2 tablespoons; thinning increases the number of servings slightly.
Notes
Calories from Fat 216
Nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 0.2g
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Fat: 24g
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Sodium: 303mg
Try this sauce with juicy smoked chicken leg quarters for a classic pairing.
It also pairs well with a simple BBQ dry rub for chicken and pork to balance smoky, savory flavors with creamy, tangy sauce.