This creamy white BBQ sauce successfully breaks you out of the routine of the usual tomato-based BBQ sauce. Southerners are BBQ experts, so it’s no surprise they’ve created a sauce perfect for every occasion! It goes great with smoked chicken, grilled steak, or mouthwatering ribs and turns any ordinary cookout into a party.
Honestly, the first time I heard about white barbecue sauce, it didn’t quite jam with me. I kept thinking about that deep tomato-red sauce with smoky overtones that I love on smoked ribs. But then, BBQ sauce has so many different varieties; why wouldn’t it work with mayo?
It just goes to show that we never stop learning. (Or stop eating.) Of course, that meant I had to figure out my own twist on it. My homemade mayo created the base, and then I played with the traditional ingredients until I found the balance that worked for us. I’m happy to share the results with you.
What Is White BBQ Sauce?
In the 1920s, Bob Gibson, the owner of Big Bob Gibson’s Bar-B-Q in Decatur, AL, invented his exquisite Alabama white sauce recipe to smother smoked chicken. His ingenuity has become a symbol of all that represents delicious southern food unique to northern Alabama.
Basically, the same spices used in traditional barbecuing are added to mayonnaise instead of the tomato base. The best part about this sauce is not having to spend hours over the stove, leaving you more time to concentrate on your cookout. The finger-licking goodness of this mix-and-go white BBQ sauce is super easy.
What White BBQ Sauce Tastes Like
How would I describe the taste? Imagine an entire orchestra bouncing exuberantly from one taste bud to another, producing an exquisite symphony of flavor. The creaminess of mayonnaise, tang of vinegar, acidity of lemon, sweetness of brown sugar, the pungency of mustard, the heat of cayenne, and zing of lemon all create an explosion of flavor that complements any backyard barbecue.
How to Make White BBQ Sauce
- Mix – In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, brown sugar, horseradish, minced garlic, vinegar, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and Creole seasoning. (Photo 1)
- Adjust seasonings with salt, pepper, and vinegar if desired. (Photo 2)
- Use immediately or store in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
Other Ways to Use White BBQ Sauce
Slathering this sauce on a chicken sandwich instead of the classic mayo is amazing. And since it has horseradish in it, it’s perfect with grilled beef.
Another way I’ve enjoyed it is in the dressing for my potato and tuna macaroni salads. Dipping grilled wings and French fries in this sauce is so much better than ketchup.
More Easy Sauce Recipes to Enjoy
This blog post was originally published in May 2021 and has been updated with additional tips and beautiful photos.
Leave a Reply