If you’ve never drizzled Alabama White Sauce over perfectly grilled chicken or dunked a crispy potato wedge into its creamy tang, you are about to discover your new favorite condiment. This irresistible Southern staple is zippy, peppery, and so much more than just another barbecue sauce—it’s a punchy, creamy, flavor-packed essential for anyone looking to elevate their next cookout or weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Signature Tangy Twist: The creamy mayo base meets a hit of vinegar and mustard, giving this sauce a refreshing zing, perfect for cutting through smoky, hearty barbecue flavors.
Quick & Easy: With less than 10 minutes of hands-on time and no cooking, it’s the ultimate last-minute sauce for any meal, planned or spontaneous.
Multipurpose Magic: Alabama White Sauce isn’t just for chicken—it’s fantastic as a dip, salad dressing, burger topping, or even a zesty marinade.
Customizable Heat: Dial the horseradish and mustard up or down to make it just as bold or mellow as your tastebuds desire.

Alabama White Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Alabama White Sauce lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient serves a special purpose—bringing tang, spice, smoothness, or depth to the sauce—so don’t skip a thing if you can help it! Here’s what you’ll grab from your fridge and pantry:

Mayonnaise: The luxurious, creamy backbone of the sauce—use your favorite high-quality mayo for best results.
Buttermilk: Adds a lovely, tangy silkiness and keeps the sauce pourable, not gloppy.
Apple Cider Vinegar: The secret to that zippy bite and essential for balancing the richness.
Granulated Sugar: Just a touch to round out the acidity and give your sauce irresistible balance.
Spicy Brown Mustard: Lays down some subtle heat and spicy depth—don’t substitute with yellow unless you really must.
Prepared Horseradish: Brings that signature peppery punch; adjust to taste if you want more or less zing.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami depth and rounds out the flavors.
Kosher Salt: Essential for amplifying all the other flavors without overpowering.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: A swoon-worthy combo for savory backbone and gentle aromatic warmth.
Black Pepper: For that final, unmistakable, peppery pop at the finish.

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

One of my favorite things about Alabama White Sauce is how forgiving and adaptable it is—don’t be afraid to play! Whether you’re working around pantry constraints or have a specific heat or sweetness level in mind, this sauce welcomes your tweaks.

Smoky Swap: Add a touch of smoked paprika or a dash of chipotle powder for a gentle, smoky undertone.
Low-Calorie Option: Try using light mayonnaise and switch the buttermilk for plain low-fat yogurt to lighten things up a bit.
Vegan Version: Use vegan mayo, plant-based milk with a splash of lemon juice (in place of buttermilk), and vegan Worcestershire for a completely plant-based sauce.
Extra Heat: If you love things fiery, toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or double down on the horseradish.

How to Make Alabama White Sauce

Step 1: Whisk It All Together

Grab a medium-sized mixing bowl and add every ingredient—mayonnaise, buttermilk, apple cider vinegar, sugar, spicy brown mustard, horseradish, worcestershire, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Use a hand whisk (not a fork—trust me), and mix until your sauce is smooth and lump-free. Don’t rush; the most important thing is making sure everything is fully incorporated.

Step 2: Chill and Let the Flavors Mingle

Pour the sauce into a mason jar or any lidded container and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. This downtime lets all the bold, tangy flavors come together and mellow into something magical. The longer you let Alabama White Sauce rest, the better it gets—so if you have time, make it ahead!

Pro Tips for Making Alabama White Sauce

Mayonnaise Matters: Opt for a good-quality, full-fat mayo—the flavor and texture of your Alabama White Sauce depend on it!
Chill Time Is Flavor Time: Don’t shortcut the chill; one hour in the fridge gives the flavors a chance to truly meld (even longer is better if you can wait).
Pepper It Up: Don’t be shy with freshly ground black pepper—the bite is part of what makes this iconic sauce irresistible.
Adjust to Taste: Taste before serving, then tweak with extra horseradish, vinegar, or sugar to suit your own flavor preferences—this sauce loves a bit of personality!

How to Serve Alabama White Sauce

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper or a dusting of smoked paprika takes your Alabama White Sauce from everyday to eye-catching. You could even add some finely chopped chives or parsley for a burst of color and a hint of herbal freshness—especially pretty when serving as a pour-over for grilled chicken.

Side Dishes

This sauce shines beside classic barbecue fare: coleslaw, baked beans, juicy grilled corn, or simple crispy fries all make mouthwatering pairings. Don’t be afraid to use Alabama White Sauce as a dip for roasted veggies or over a pile of crunchy potato chips at your next party.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Alabama White Sauce in little ramekins on a platter surrounded by smoked wings, drizzle it artistically over a main dish, or spoon into tiny mason jars for a rustic Southern touch at your cookout. For an unforgettable appetizer, serve as a dip with skewered grilled shrimp or crispy onion rings—it never fails to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Alabama White Sauce stores beautifully! Keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to a week. You’ll find the flavors continue to deepen after a day or two, making it even more crave-worthy with each passing meal.

Freezing

Technically, you can freeze Alabama White Sauce, but the texture may change once defrosted. The mayo and buttermilk base could separate or turn grainy, so I recommend enjoying it fresh from the fridge for the best creamy consistency.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t necessary for Alabama White Sauce—simply give it a good shake or stir before each use to restore that signature silky texture. Serve it cold, straight from the fridge, for the brightest flavor and classic Southern experience.

FAQs

Can I make Alabama White Sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making Alabama White Sauce a day in advance is ideal. The flavors get a chance to develop and harmonize, making for a richer, more balanced sauce when it’s time to serve.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk if I don’t have any?

If buttermilk isn’t on hand, use regular milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar stirred in and let it sit for a few minutes. This quick substitute will give your Alabama White Sauce just the right tang.
What foods does Alabama White Sauce taste best with?

It’s famously served with smoked or grilled chicken, but don’t sleep on pulled pork, grilled fish, steak, crispy potatoes, mixed roasted veggies, or even as a creamy salad dressing. The possibilities are nearly endless!
How spicy is traditional Alabama White Sauce?

Traditional Alabama White Sauce is mildly spicy, with a gentle heat from the horseradish and mustard. If you prefer a bigger kick, just add more horseradish or a dash of hot sauce; for less heat, dial those ingredients back.

Final Thoughts

If you try just one new sauce this year, make it Alabama White Sauce. It’s so easy, endlessly versatile, and impossibly delicious—once you taste its tangy magic, you’ll be hooked. I can’t wait for this classic Southern favorite to become a staple in your kitchen, too!

Alabama White Sauce Recipe