Mission BBQ Alabama White Sauce Recipe

Barbecue sauce is a must-have in my kitchen, but the Mission BBQ Alabama White Sauce Recipe takes things to a whole new level. This creamy, tangy sauce has its roots in Alabama, where Robert “Big Bob” Gibson first created it in 1925 at his legendary restaurant in Decatur. Originally made for smoked chicken, it’s become a Southern staple loved across the country.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to make using everyday ingredients. It’s perfect for adding a bold flavor to chicken, ribs, or even as a dipping sauce. Mission BBQ’s version captures the authentic taste of Alabama white sauce while making it easy to enjoy at home.

Why You Will Love BBQ Alabama White Sauce

1. Simple to Make: This sauce comes together quickly with basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
2. Customizable Flavor: Adjust the tanginess, creaminess, or heat to suit your personal taste.
3. Unique Twist: Unlike traditional barbecue sauces, Alabama white sauce offers a creamy texture with a tangy kick and a hint of cayenne pepper heat.
4. Versatile Usage: Perfect for grilled meats, especially chicken, but also works as a dipping sauce, salad drizzle, or even a topping for roasted veggies.
5. Bold and Balanced: The flavor is zesty and robust, enhancing the taste of any dish without overpowering it.
6. Kitchen Favorite: Once you try it, this sauce will likely become a regular in your cooking rotation for its ability to elevate everyday meals.

What’s in Mission BBQ Alabama White Sauce Recipe?

• 1 cup mayonnaise (this forms the base of the sauce)
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (adds tang)
• 2 tablespoons mustard (for a bit of sharpness)
• 1 tablespoon horseradish sauce (gives it that spicy kick)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (balances out the tang)
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for heat, optional depending on your spice preference)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (adds freshness)

Ingredient Alternatives and Flexible Substitutions

• Mayonnaise: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. It will still give you a creamy texture but with fewer calories.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: You can swap it with white vinegar if that’s what you have on hand.
• Cayenne Pepper: If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the cayenne or leave it out altogether.
• Horseradish Sauce: If you don’t have horseradish, a small amount of prepared mustard can be used as a substitute, but it won’t provide the same sharp flavor.

Kitchen Appliances and Tools

1. Whisk: To mix the sauce and combine all ingredients thoroughly.
2. Measuring Cups & Spoons: To measure your ingredients accurately.
3. Storage Container: For refrigerating the sauce overnight to allow the flavors to meld.

How to Make Mission BBQ Alabama White Sauce

Step 1 | Combine Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, apple cider vinegar, horseradish sauce, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

Step 2 | Whisk Together

Use a whisk to mix all the ingredients together until smooth. Ensure there are no lumps and that the sugar is dissolved.

Step 3 | Refrigerate

Transfer the sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to blend together and intensify.

Step 4 | Serve

After 24 hours, give the sauce a good stir and it’s ready to serve with your favorite grilled meats, especially chicken. Enjoy the creamy, tangy goodness!

Pro Tips for Alabama White Sauce

• Flavor Enhancement: For the best flavor, let the sauce rest in the refrigerator for 24 hours. This gives the ingredients time to blend together, creating a deeper and more balanced taste.
• Adjusting Thickness: If the sauce becomes too thick after chilling, simply stir in a small amount of water or vinegar until you achieve the desired consistency.

Sauce Variations and Customizations

1. Smoky Alabama White Sauce: Add 1-2 teaspoons of smoked paprika to the sauce to give it a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled meats.
2. Herb-Infused Alabama White Sauce: Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an herby twist. This variation works great with grilled chicken and vegetables.
3. Spicy Alabama White Sauce: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a splash of hot sauce if you like more heat in your sauce.

Perfect Pairings for Your Sauce

Grilled Chicken: Alabama white sauce was originally created for chicken, and it’s fantastic with grilled or smoked chicken. You can brush it on during the last few minutes of grilling or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.

Pulled Pork: This tangy sauce is also great with pulled pork. Drizzle it over the meat for added flavor or use it as a topping for pork sandwiches.

Veggies: You can also serve this sauce with grilled vegetables like corn on the cob, mushrooms, or zucchini. It adds a creamy, zesty flavor that complements the smoky taste of grilled veggies.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover Alabama white sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce will stay fresh for about a week. If it thickens up after a few days, just add a little water or more vinegar to loosen it up. Be sure to stir it well before serving.

Mission BBQ Alabama White Sauce FAQs

1. What’s the origin of Alabama White Sauce?

Alabama White Sauce originated in Northern Alabama, particularly associated with barbecue joints in Decatur. It was popularized by Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q restaurant in the 1920s. The sauce was traditionally used on smoked chicken and became a staple of Alabama barbecue culture, offering a tangy alternative to traditional tomato-based barbecue sauces.

2. What’s the difference between this and ranch dressing?

While both are creamy, Alabama White Sauce is:

• More tangy
• Less herbal
• Has a distinct vinegar kick
• Specifically designed for barbecue
• More regional in its flavor profile

3. How spicy is this sauce?

The sauce has a mild, subtle heat from cayenne pepper. It’s more about flavor complexity than intense spiciness. You can easily adjust the heat by:

• Reducing cayenne pepper
• Adding more for extra kick
• Incorporating hot sauce
• Using milder pepper alternatives

4. Can I use this sauce for meal prep?

Yes! This sauce is great for meal prep. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. It’s perfect for:

• Preparing ahead of time
• Adding to lunch boxes
• Quick dinner additions
• Versatile condiment for multiple meals

5. What if the sauce is too thick?

If the sauce seems too thick, you can:

• Add a little more apple cider vinegar
• Thin with a splash of water
• Mix in a bit more lemon juice
• Whisk thoroughly to incorporate

6. Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh is always best, but bottled lemon juice works in a pinch. Just ensure it’s 100% lemon juice with no added preservatives.

Conclusion

The Mission BBQ Alabama White Sauce is a flavorful and tangy barbecue sauce that elevates any grilled dish with its creamy texture and bold flavors. Easy to make with common ingredients, this sauce offers a unique twist on traditional barbecue sauces and is perfect for a wide variety of dishes. With simple ingredients, customizable heat, and the ability to make it ahead of time, it’s sure to become a kitchen staple that enhances meals for the whole family.