Skip to main content
Epicurious
Bon Appétit

Alabama White Sauce

By Bon AppétitPhotography by Cathy Crawford
Image may contain Bottle and Shaker
Cathy Crawford

Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q in Decatur, Alabama, is credited with introducing this mayo-based barbecue sauce to the world. Our recipe is loosely based on the version chef Sean Brock serves at his restaurant Husk in Charleston, South Carolina.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes about 1 cup

Ingredients

1 cup mayonnaise
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon hot chili paste (such as sambal oelek)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon celery seeds
¼ teaspoon Aleppo pepper or ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Whisk mayonnaise, vinegar, hot chili paste, Worcestershire sauce, celery seeds, Aleppo pepper, and cayenne in a small bowl; season with salt and pepper.

    Step 2

    Do Ahead: Sauce can be made 5 days ahead. Cover and chill.

TagsSauceCondimentSouthernAmericanQuickEasyDairy FreeNut FreeBon Appétit
Read More
31 Spring Cocktails for Warmer Days Ahead
Think a Hugo spritz, a gin basil smash, and plenty more patio-ready pours.
The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
The Most-Saved Recipes in the Epicurious App This Week
Like cottage cheese caramelize onion dip and a lentil barley salad.
Caramelized Onion Pasta
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
13 Types of Nuts and How to Cook With Them
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Miso-Peanut Hibachi Chicken
The magic of this hibachi chicken recipe comes from a combination of miso and peanut butter and how it beautifully caramelizes when it hits the grill.
Fufu
Fufu is a dish that has been passed down through many generations and is seen as a symbol of Ghanaian identity and heritage. Making fufu traditionally is a very laborious task; this recipe mimics some of that hard work but with a few home-cook hacks that make for a far easier time.
The Most-Saved Recipes in the Epicurious App in April
Like fattoush salad and strawberry shortcake roll.