Get ready for a whole new level of tangy, creamy barbecue bliss! If you’ve never tried Alabama White Sauce, you’re in for a treat—this Southern classic brings together smooth mayonnaise, punchy vinegar, and just the right gentle heat. Whether you want to take your grilled chicken or pulled pork up a notch, or you’re simply seeking an addictive dipping sauce, this recipe is about to become a staple at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unbeatable Creaminess: The combination of mayonnaise and buttermilk makes this Alabama White Sauce ultra-smooth and perfect for coating grilled foods or using as a dip.
Bold, Tangy Flavor: A lively mix of apple cider vinegar, spicy brown mustard, and horseradish gives every bite a memorable zing that lights up your taste buds.
Ridiculously Easy: Just whisk, chill, and you’re done! There’s no cooking involved—just simple ingredients blending together magically in minutes.
Versatility Galore: This sauce isn’t just for barbecue—it’s a game-changing salad dressing, sandwich spread, or even a dip for crispy fries and veggies.

Alabama White Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Alabama White Sauce is its simplicity: a handful of pantry staples come together to create something genuinely unforgettable. Each ingredient builds layers of flavor, and together they create a balance of creamy, tangy, and subtly spicy—it’s this gorgeous harmony that makes the sauce shine.

Mayonnaise: The rich, creamy base—opt for a quality mayo for the silkiest texture and satisfying mouthfeel.
Buttermilk: Adds Southern character and a gentle tang, keeping the sauce pourable and fresh.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Infuses the sauce with vibrant, lively acidity that complements grilled meats.
Granulated Sugar: A touch of sweetness rounds out the sharpness for crowd-pleasing balance.
Spicy Brown Mustard: Brings a subtle heat and complex undertone, making the sauce more lively.
Prepared Horseradish: Delivers a gentle punch—don’t worry, it’s not overwhelming, just zesty!
Worcestershire Sauce: Deepens the flavor profile with an almost smoky, umami complexity.
Kosher Salt: Essential for brightening and tying all the flavors together.
Garlic Powder: Adds subtle depth without overpowering the sauce’s bright notes.
Onion Powder: Soothes the tang and brings gentle savoriness.
Black Pepper: A little spark of earthiness to finish everything off.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

The magic of Alabama White Sauce is that it’s endlessly adaptable! You can easily tailor it to your taste preferences, what you have on hand, or dietary needs—so make it your own with these fun twists.

Extra-Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne for those who crave even more heat.
Lighter Version: Swap in light mayonnaise and low-fat buttermilk for a fresher, lighter sauce without losing that signature flavor.
Vegan Option: Use a plant-based mayo and your favorite dairy-free milk with a splash of lemon for tang—easy and delicious for everyone.
Herb-Forward: Fold in some freshly chopped dill, parsley, or chives for a garden-fresh twist that’s especially dreamy on fish or veggies.

How to Make Alabama White Sauce

Step 1: Whisk the Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and add all your ingredients—mayonnaise, buttermilk, apple cider vinegar, sugar, mustard, horseradish, Worcestershire, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk everything together thoroughly, making sure there are no lumps from the mayo and that the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Chill to Blend Flavor

Pour your Alabama White Sauce into a mason jar or any container with a tight-fitting lid. Pop it into the fridge for at least 1 hour. This chilling time is key—the flavors get a chance to meld, mellow, and become truly crave-worthy. If you can resist, longer chilling makes the sauce even better!

Step 3: Serve & Enjoy

When it’s time to eat, give the sauce a quick stir and slather, drizzle, or dunk away! Use generously over smoked chicken, grilled pork, or as a bold dip for veggies and fries—you’ll find new uses every time.

Pro Tips for Making Alabama White Sauce

Emulsify for Extra Creaminess: Whisk briskly or even use a handheld immersion blender if you want your sauce especially velvety and lump-free.
Let it Rest: Giving the sauce at least an hour—or even overnight—in the fridge deeply intensifies the flavor and silkiness. Don’t skip this step!
Fresh Horseradish for a Kick: Prepared horseradish from the refrigerated section has the brightest heat; if you love it spicy, try grating some fresh horseradish root.
Balance That Tang: Different brands of mayonnaise or vinegar can be punchier or milder, so taste and tweak if needed—a splash more sugar or vinegar can fine-tune your sauce perfectly.

How to Serve Alabama White Sauce

Garnishes

For a pop of color and flavor, sprinkle a pinch of freshly ground black pepper, chopped chives, or a dusting of smoked paprika right across the top. A little lemon zest also makes the sauce look and taste extra fresh!

Side Dishes

Alabama White Sauce is built for barbecue, so serve it with smoked chicken, tender pulled pork, or even drizzled over grilled vegetables. It absolutely loves to mingle with classics like cornbread, coleslaw, or creamy potato salad—so don’t be shy!

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Alabama White Sauce in a small pitcher for easy pouring, or spoon it into ramekins for dunking everything from chicken wings to crispy fries. For parties, set up a “sauce bar” with veggies, meats, and all your favorite dippables—watch how fast it disappears!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Alabama White Sauce in a tightly sealed container or a mason jar in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to a week—just stir before using, as some settling is totally normal.

Freezing

Because this sauce is so mayo-rich, freezing isn’t recommended—it can separate and lose its creamy magic once thawed. Luckily, it’s so quick and easy to whip up fresh whenever the craving strikes!

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Alabama White Sauce—just bring it out straight from the fridge! If it thickens up a bit, a quick whisk or a splash of buttermilk will bring it right back to its drizzle-ready consistency.

FAQs

Can I make Alabama White Sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead lets all those marvelous flavors meld together. Just keep it tightly sealed in the fridge, and it will taste even better the next day or two.
Is Alabama White Sauce spicy?

It has gentle warmth from the horseradish and spicy brown mustard, but it’s not overly hot. If you love more kick, simply add hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?

If you’re out of buttermilk, stir a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar into regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. It’ll be tangy and work just fine!
How long does Alabama White Sauce last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, it stays fresh and flavorful for up to one week. Give it a quick stir before serving each time.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a bold, unforgettable condiment to brighten up your next BBQ—or even your everyday sandwiches—Alabama White Sauce is your answer. Give it a try; I can almost guarantee you’ll find excuses to drizzle it on everything. Here’s to tangy, Southern goodness in every bite!

Alabama White Sauce Recipe