Name: Alabama White Sauce: A Tangy Twist for Your Grilled Meats
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Jump to Recipe

Alabama White Sauce is a tangy, creamy barbecue sauce that originates from the Southern state of Alabama. Unlike traditional tomato-based sauces, this unique white sauce is made with mayonnaise as its base, creating a rich and velvety texture that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, particularly chicken and pork. Its distinctive flavor comes from the addition of apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and a hint of cayenne pepper for a mild kick. Easy to whip up in just a few minutes, Alabama White Sauce is perfect for marinating, dipping, or drizzling over your favorite barbecued dishes. Whether you’re grilling at a backyard barbecue or looking to add a new twist to your weeknight meals, this sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy to Make

With only a few ingredients and no cooking required, this sauce comes together in just 5 minutes, making it an ideal addition to any meal.

2. Tangy and Creamy Flavor

The combination of mayonnaise with vinegar, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce creates a perfectly balanced flavor that complements grilled meats beautifully.

3. Versatile Usage

You can use Alabama White Sauce as a marinade, dipping sauce, or even drizzle it over cooked meats for an extra burst of flavor.

4. Perfect for Grilled Meats

This sauce is particularly delicious on grilled chicken, pork, and even vegetables, giving your barbecue a unique and delicious Southern twist.

5. Customizable Heat

Adjust the level of heat by adding more or less cayenne pepper, allowing you to make it as mild or spicy as you prefer.

Ingredients

Mayonnaise
Apple cider vinegar
Lemon juice
Worcestershire sauce
Salt
Black pepper
Cayenne pepper
Garlic powder

Variations

Add Fresh Herbs: For a fresh twist, add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or dill to the sauce.
Make it Spicy: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Smoky Flavor: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to give the sauce a deeper, smoky flavor that complements grilled meats.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Chill

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and intensify.

Step 3: Serve

Use the Alabama White Sauce as a marinade for your grilled meats, or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side for chicken, pork, or even vegetables.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Chill the Sauce: Be sure to refrigerate the sauce for a couple of hours to enhance the flavors. The longer it sits, the better it tastes.
Adjust the Heat: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your heat preference. For a milder sauce, you can reduce or omit the cayenne.
Make it a Little Zesty: If you want a more zesty version, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a dash of hot sauce.

How to Serve

Alabama White Sauce is best served with grilled chicken, pork, or even on burgers. It also pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables or as a dipping sauce for fries, making it a versatile addition to any BBQ meal. For an extra kick, drizzle it over coleslaw or use it as a sandwich spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Alabama White Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors continue to develop over time, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

While this sauce can be frozen, the mayonnaise base may separate slightly upon thawing. For the best texture and flavor, it is recommended to use the sauce fresh or store it in the fridge.

Reheating

Alabama White Sauce is served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. Simply take it out of the fridge and give it a good stir before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, in fact, making it ahead of time is recommended! The sauce tastes better after sitting in the fridge for at least a couple of hours as the flavors have time to meld together.

2. Can I use low-fat mayonnaise?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat mayonnaise for a lighter version of this sauce, though it may slightly affect the texture and richness.

3. How long can I store Alabama White Sauce?

You can store the sauce in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Be sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

4. Can I use this sauce on other meats?

Absolutely! While it’s traditionally used on chicken and pork, it’s also delicious on turkey, burgers, or even grilled vegetables.

5. Can I make this sauce spicier?

Yes! Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to suit your taste for spiciness.

6. Is Alabama White Sauce the same as ranch dressing?

No, Alabama White Sauce is different from ranch dressing. It’s tangier with a vinegar-based kick and is typically made with mayonnaise, not buttermilk.

7. Can I use this sauce as a salad dressing?

Yes, Alabama White Sauce can also be used as a unique salad dressing, especially for coleslaw or potato salad.

8. Does this sauce work as a marinade?

Yes, Alabama White Sauce is perfect as a marinade for grilled chicken or pork, giving the meat a tangy, creamy coating.

9. Can I make this sauce vegan?

Yes, you can make a vegan version by using a vegan mayonnaise substitute, and the rest of the ingredients should be suitable.

10. Can I add other spices to this sauce?

Feel free to customize the sauce by adding additional spices such as smoked paprika, onion powder, or mustard for different flavor variations.

Conclusion

Alabama White Sauce offers a tangy, creamy, and flavorful twist to your grilled meats. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a must-have condiment for your next BBQ. Whether you use it as a marinade, dipping sauce, or drizzle it over your favorite dishes, this sauce will elevate your cooking with its unique Southern charm. Perfect for all your grilling needs, Alabama White Sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.