When you think of BBQ sauce, you probably picture something red, thick, and sweet—but in Alabama, BBQ sauce breaks all the rules.
Welcome to the world of Alabama White Sauce, a creamy, tangy, mayo-based BBQ sauce that’s been coating smoked chicken for nearly 100 years.
What is it? Where did it come from? And why do people love it? Let’s dive into one of the South’s most unique BBQ sauces.
🔥 What Is Alabama White Sauce?
Alabama White Sauce is a tangy, creamy BBQ sauce made from mayonnaise, vinegar, black pepper, and spices. Unlike traditional BBQ sauces, which are tomato or mustard-based, this sauce is:
✅ Thin & tangy (thanks to the vinegar).
✅ Creamy & rich (from the mayo).
✅ Slightly spicy (from black pepper & cayenne).
✅ Perfect for smoked chicken (though it works on everything).
💡 Pro Tip: Unlike thick Kansas City BBQ sauce, Alabama White Sauce is more of a dipping sauce & marinade than a glaze.
🔥 The History of Alabama White Sauce
Alabama White Sauce was created in 1925 by Big Bob Gibson, a pitmaster in Decatur, Alabama.
🔥 How It All Started:
✔️ Big Bob Gibson’s BBQ joint became famous for whole smoked chickens.
✔️ Instead of serving them with traditional red BBQ sauce, he dunked them in a creamy, tangy white sauce.
✔️ The sauce kept the chicken moist & added a bold, zesty flavor.
💡 Fun Fact: Big Bob Gibson BBQ is still open today—and still serving legendary white sauce chicken.
🔥 How to Make Alabama White Sauce
Want to try this Southern BBQ secret at home? Here’s an easy, authentic recipe.
🥄 Ingredients:
✔️ 1 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s is the best choice!)
✔️ ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
✔️ 1 tbsp lemon juice
✔️ 1 tbsp horseradish (optional, but adds a kick!)
✔️ 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
✔️ 1 tsp black pepper
✔️ 1 tsp garlic powder
✔️ ½ tsp cayenne pepper
✔️ ½ tsp salt
🔥 Directions:
1️⃣ Whisk all ingredients together until smooth.
2️⃣ Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (it gets better as it sits!).
3️⃣ Serve over smoked or grilled chicken, pork, or even veggies!
💡 Pro Tip: Alabama White Sauce is best when used as a dipping sauce OR brushed onto meat just before serving.
🔥 What Meats & Dishes Work Best with Alabama White Sauce?
Unlike most BBQ sauces, Alabama White Sauce isn’t just for pork or ribs. Here’s what it works best with:
🍗 Smoked Chicken – The classic choice!
🍖 Pulled Pork – Adds a creamy, tangy kick.
🐟 Grilled Fish & Shrimp – Perfect for seafood lovers.
🥩 Beef Brisket – A surprising but delicious alternative to Texas-style BBQ sauce.
🥗 Coleslaw Dressing – Swap your usual slaw dressing for Alabama White Sauce!
🍟 Fries & Onion Rings – Dip them in for an unexpected twist.
💡 Pro Tip: If you love ranch dressing, you’ll love Alabama White Sauce—it has a similar creamy tang!
🔥 Where to Get the Best Alabama White Sauce BBQ
If you’re in Alabama, these BBQ joints are famous for their white sauce-smothered meats:
✔️ Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q (Decatur, AL) – The birthplace of Alabama White Sauce.
✔️ Miss Myra’s Pit Bar-B-Q (Birmingham, AL) – Known for smoked chicken & white sauce.
✔️ Saw’s BBQ (Birmingham, AL) – Modern BBQ with a classic white sauce twist.
✔️ Carlile’s Barbecue (Birmingham, AL) – A true hidden gem for white sauce lovers.
💡 Pro Tip: If you can’t make it to Alabama, Big Bob Gibson’s White Sauce is sold in bottles nationwide!
🔥 The Great Debate: White Sauce vs. Traditional BBQ Sauce
| Category | Alabama White Sauce | Traditional BBQ Sauce |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Mayonnaise & vinegar | Tomato, mustard, or vinegar |
| Texture | Creamy & thin | Thick & sticky |
| Flavor | Tangy, peppery, zesty | Sweet, smoky, or spicy |
| Best Meat | Smoked chicken, pork, seafood | Ribs, brisket, pulled pork |
| Best For | Dipping, marinating, basting | Glazing & coating |
💡 Final Verdict: If you want something bold, creamy, and tangy, give Alabama White Sauce a try!
🔥 Why Alabama White Sauce Deserves More Love
Even though Alabama White Sauce isn’t as famous as Kansas City, Texas, or Carolina BBQ sauces, it’s a must-try for any BBQ lover.
✅ It’s tangy, creamy, and full of flavor.
✅ It’s perfect for smoked chicken & pork.
✅ It’s a unique Southern BBQ tradition that more people should know about.
🔥 If you haven’t tried Alabama White Sauce, you’re missing out on one of the best-kept BBQ secrets in America!
🔥 Have You Tried Alabama White Sauce?
Do you love it or prefer traditional BBQ sauces? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 👇🔥