White Barbecue Sauce – It’s creamy, tangy, versatile, and the perfect dip or spread. Pair this White BBQ Sauce with fried or grilled chicken, pork, fries, sandwiches, or as a base for chicken salad. It’ll jazz up any piece of meat.
Additionally, I marinate with it, use it to baste, and use it as an all-purpose table sauce. The possibilities are endless!
White Barbecue Sauce
White Barbecue Sauce is a regional favorite. A traditional Alabama BBQ sauce, this vinegar-based sauce has quickly become a favorite with anyone that’s tried it. It’s not what you envision when you think of barbecue sauce. At all. It’s white and not sweet. It has a vinegar base, not a tomato base like most barbecue sauces. However, with all the differences it sure is good!
It’s ridiculously easy to make. You just whisk everything together in a bowl until smooth, then pour into a jar and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. It’s so simple, but so, so good.
What is White Barbecue Sauce Made of?
This sauce starts with mayonnaise and is thinned out with vinegar. Next, it gets a flavor kick from lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
What does Alabama White Sauce taste like?
It’s creamy and tangy and has a good ‘dose’ of freshly ground black pepper giving it just enough kick. You’ll definitely want to use freshly ground pepper, it makes a world of difference with the flavor!
Is Alabama White BBQ Sauce the same as Ranch dressing?
No. Ranch is creamy with dill. Alabama White Sauce is tangy with a black pepper flavor.
More sauces
Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary based on the products used. Nutritional information is total for this recipe.

White Barbecue Sauce
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Save To Your Recipe BoxIngredients
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper tablespoon is correct
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine all ingredients.
- Whisk until smooth. Transfer to an air-tight container and refrigerator for 2 hours before serving.
- Refrigerate leftover in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
Nutrition

April says
I appreciate this recipe since so many white BBQ sauces include horseradish and I despise the stuff. This recipe is good. I added paprika and just a little dijon mustard for some extra kick, but that caused it to not stay so “white” (which is fine by me!). Yum. I normally hate pepper, but I didn’t mind this at all.
gizli kamera says
this flavor is super but a bit heavy for those with cholesterol.
Vicki says
Have you ever tried a mix of sour cream and mayonnaise to reduce a few calories. Know it must be great just as the recipe is written. I’m always trying to cut calories. Seems like I gain weight just looking sat food. Ha
Paula says
I haven’t tried it with sour cream and mayo. It would prob be good.
Belinda says
Can regular white vinegar be used?
Paula says
I think regular would really be too strong. If that’s all you have, cut down on the amount you use.
ETR says
what is the green slivers in the sauce? Dill? Chive? no mention in the chicken recipe either.
Paula says
It’s chives, I didn’t mix them in the sauce but sprinkled over the pic for flavor after the sauce.
ikincielkombiservisi says
These pictures are enormous. I’ll share friends on my blog
Pigskin Barbeque says
I tried Alabama White Sauce for the first time last year and it took a little getting use to but I enjoy it now.
I’ve never made it myself but I will give your recipe a try.
Thanks for sharing!
Michael says
I didn’t have any white wine vinegar so I substituted red wine vinegar. This stuff is the BOMB!
I got a salad dressing recipe (ranch type) from my little sister a few months ago that was to die for. This is the same. Matter o’ fact… this would be tasty on a salad, for pete’s sake!
tablet bilgisayar says
These pics are amazing. i will share them on my blog here:
huckleberry muckelroy says
I throw a heaping teaspoon of fresh-ground horseradish in that White BBQ Sauce. BTW, then add a good bit of sweet relish, and it makes a fine base for deviled eggs.
mad sad says
looks delicious
Juanita Yoder says
I love love LOVE white bbq sauce! I can’t wait to try this recipe cause you can’t get it in Tx. It is soo good on smoked shredded chicken sandwiches. Ahhh I miss my AL home 🙂
Thomas says
Paula by all means I do not wish to create a flame war. Do you have a preference an opinion on brands or variety? I have been using the kind with olive oil with crack pepper for everything. The taste is good and fat savings is awesome but I’m concerned I won’t get the true taste of this sauce by altering.
Thomas says
Paula by all means I do not wish to create a flame war. Do you have a preference or opinion on brands or variety? I have been using the kind with olive oil and crack pepper for everything. The taste is good and fat savings is awesome but I’m concerned I won’t get the true taste of this sauce by altering.
Paula says
HI Thomas, the only brand I prefer is Blue Plate mayo other than that, I don’t.
V says
Where is the recipe? And the ingredients?
carla says
Where can i find the actual recipe for this sauce? I tried to create a recipe box and the link is no longer active / supported HELP PLEASE! I want to try it so badly. thanks in advance
Elise @frugalfarmwife.com says
Whoah! I never knew about white barbecue sauce, but I love the looks of this! Almost like a coleslaw dressing. My Texas husband would probably call blasphemy (;)), but I want to try it!
Paula says
He’ll like it, Elise. He may refuse to call it ‘bbq sauce’ though 🙂
Thanks for stopping by!
Claire @ A Little Claireification says
I LOVE white BBQ sauce!! Pinned!
Paula says
Thanks Claire!
Serena | Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch says
Love this dip! Delicious!
Paula says
Thanks Serena!
Maggie says
Easy recipe and sounds so yummy! I’m totally agree with using freshly ground pepper. I do it all the time and it really makes a different!
Paula says
Plus, my boys LOVE to grind it for recipes for me 🙂 I love when they get involved.
Ashlee says
I’ve never heard of white barbecue sauce but now I really want to try it! I’m pinning this one for future reference 🙂
Paula says
Thanks Ashlee, it must be a Southern thing, lmk how you like it
Elizabeth Lund says
Yum!! It looks and sound delish!! Pinned and can’t wait to try!
Paula says
Thanks Elizabeth!
Melissa Hopper says
Sounds really good. I will have to be trying it soon considering we consume a lot of chicken around here.
Paula says
Same here, Melissa. lmk how you like it! Thanks for stopping by!
Shaina says
Stopping by from Foodie Fridays! This is interesting, I’ve never had nor heard of “white” BBQ sauce before! Sounds garlicky and super yummy. I love to dip french fries in regular BBQ…this would be even tastier!
Paula says
gosh, this is so good, I knew it was a “Southern thing” but I’m surprised at how many people have never heard of it.I almost always keep it in the fridge for grilled chicken, fries, spread for sandwiches. Thanks for stopping by!
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says
I’ve never had this before, but I like mayo and I love vinegar. Sounds wonderful! Pinning.
Paula says
It’s so good, thanks for pinning.
Bobbi says
Wow…great thinking!! Looks pretty good 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
Christine @ A Sprinkle of This and That says
Paula,
Oh my goodness this White BBQ Sauce looks so yummy! I can’t wait to try it on football Sundays! My football fans will LUV it! Thanks for sharing! I found you through the Cast Party at Lady Behind the Curtain. Have a great day!
Paula says
Thanks so much Christine. It’s been a big hit with my football crowd, hope they love it! Thanks for stopping by
Lisa @ Cooking with Curls says
White and creamy, I’m in!! I have to try it, it’s so different. 🙂
Paula says
Sounds like we like the same type sauces, Lisa.
Heather says
Thanks for this … Looks interesting. pinning to try later 🙂
Paula says
Thanks Heather, it’s my fav sauce!
Peter @Feed Your Soul Too says
Fun combo. Isn’t this also known as Alabama sauce? and that is coming from a yankee.
Paula says
It may be referred to as that, it originate in AL
Becca @ Crumbs and Chaos says
I’m absolutely intrigued by this combo! Can’t wait to try it 🙂
Paula says
Thanks Becca, it’s too good, I really just want a little chicken and lot of sauce when I eat it.
Matt Robinson says
I never knew this existed, what an awesome idea!
Paula says
It’s a Southern thing, I think. So good.
amanda @ fake ginger says
Oooh, I love white barbecue sauce! To me it’s like the sauce you put on cole slaw but better. Now I want some!
Paula says
I agree, Amanda, the only eat the chicken so I can have more sauce
Susan says
Pinterest pin doesn’t work. Bah Humbug!!!!!
Paula says
The ‘pin it’ button my on my site doesn’t work? trying to figure out exactly which one you mean so I can try to fix. Here’s a pin that you can repin if you want https://www.pinterest.com/pin/105693922481825784/