Alabama White Sauce

Name: Alabama White Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Isabella

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Alabama White Sauce is a tangy, creamy, and flavorful barbecue sauce that originates from Alabama. It’s a unique twist on traditional BBQ sauces, often used for chicken, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of meats. With its mayonnaise base, this sauce offers a cooling contrast to the heat of grilled or smoked meats, making it a favorite for BBQ lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s different from the typical BBQ sauces I usually make. The base of mayonnaise, combined with vinegar, mustard, and a few simple spices, creates a perfect balance of creaminess and tang. It’s incredibly versatile and can be used on grilled chicken, turkey, or even as a dipping sauce for fries and vegetables. The sauce is easy to whip up, and I always have the ingredients on hand.

Ingredients

1 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using).

Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and well combined.

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or cayenne if desired.

Once the sauce is ready, transfer it to a jar or airtight container.

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 1 1/2 cups of Alabama White Sauce, which should serve 4-6 people, depending on how much sauce you like to use. The preparation time is about 10 minutes, and I recommend letting the sauce chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor.

Variations

Add Herbs: If I want to make the sauce a bit more unique, I add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor.

Spicy Version: I sometimes increase the cayenne pepper or add a bit of hot sauce if I want more heat.

Garlic: For a stronger garlic flavor, I add a small amount of minced garlic or garlic paste instead of garlic powder.

Vegan Version: To make a vegan-friendly version, I substitute the mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative like vegan mayo.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftover Alabama White Sauce in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will keep for up to 1 week. This sauce is great when made in advance, as the flavors continue to develop over time. When it’s time to use it again, I give it a good stir and serve it cold. There’s no need to heat it up, as the cool sauce is perfect as a topping for grilled meats or veggies.

Related Recipes:

Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce

FAQs

Can I use Alabama White Sauce for other meats besides chicken?

Yes! While it’s often used with chicken, Alabama White Sauce works wonderfully with other grilled or smoked meats like turkey, pork, or even beef. I’ve also used it as a dip for fries and veggies!

Is Alabama White Sauce spicy?

It can be! The base recipe isn’t very spicy, but I can adjust the heat by adding more cayenne pepper or hot sauce to suit my taste. If I prefer a milder version, I just leave out the cayenne.

How long does Alabama White Sauce last in the fridge?

This sauce will last about 5-7 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. It’s great to make in advance and have on hand for multiple meals.

Can I make Alabama White Sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! I find that the sauce actually gets better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours, or even overnight. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together.

Is Alabama White Sauce the same as ranch dressing?

Although they both have a creamy texture, Alabama White Sauce is quite different from ranch dressing. Ranch has herbs and a more pronounced buttermilk flavor, while Alabama White Sauce is tangy, vinegary, and has a mustard base. It’s a unique sauce in its own right!

Conclusion

Alabama White Sauce is a delicious and versatile addition to any BBQ. I love how simple it is to make and how it adds a refreshing, tangy twist to grilled meats. Whether I’m serving it with chicken, turkey, or just using it as a dip, it’s always a hit. This sauce brings a creamy, flavorful alternative to the usual tomato-based BBQ sauces and is a perfect way to switch up my grilling game.

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