Alabama White Sauce Is the Perfect Companion for All Your Grilled Meats

While red is the color most often associated with barbecue sauce, my favorite sauce lands at a different mark on the color wheel. Allow me to introduce you to the tangy punch of Alabama white sauce.

When it comes to barbecue sauces, I’m definitely Team Vinegar, so it’s no surprise that I’m a huge fan of Alabama white sauce. Whereas traditional sauces generally use a tomato or ketchup base, the foundation of Alabama white sauce is mayonnaise cut with a generous amount of apple cider vinegar. 

Throw in some freshly cracked black pepper, and you have the makings of an unforgettable, lip-puckering condiment. 

The Origins of Alabama White Sauce

As the name clearly states, this tangy white sauce hails from Alabama—northern Alabama, to be precise. Since the 1920s, Big Bob Gibson’s Bar-B-Q in Decatur, just south of the Tennessee state line, has been using the white sauce on everything from chicken to pork. It’s available for purchase, but the recipe is a secret 100 years in the making.

As if a widely sought-after barbecue sauce wasn’t enough, the Big Bob’s team also went on to win multiple Grand Champion titles at both the Memphis in May and American Royal BBQ competitions. So you know the Big Bob’s team knows their stuff!

My Take on Alabama White Sauce

My version of this beloved sauce embraces vinegar tanginess and pepper punch. A healthy dose of prepared horseradish brings the heat. The last time I made a batch of this sauce, I also smoked a chicken, which is probably the best way to enjoy it. I stood at my kitchen counter, dunking the freshly carved chicken into the sauce without ever sitting down—it’s that irresistible of an experience.

Unlike traditional barbecue sauces, Alabama white sauce is added after the protein has been cooked—not basted on during grilling or smoking. The application of heat during the cooking process will break down the sauce and cause it to separate, leaving an oily wake. The sauce is best used as a condiment served with the meal for dunking or drizzling.

Ways To Use Alabama White Sauce

In addition to serving it with smoked or grilled chicken, Alabama white sauce also lends itself to a lot of other uses. It can work as a dressing for coleslaw or a salad and is perfect for dipping into with smoked chicken wings and crispy French fries.

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