White Bbq Sauce Recipe

I’ve found that the best way to get kids excited about grilled chicken is to offer them a new, flavorful sauce to dip it in. This white bbq sauce recipe, with its creamy texture and tangy bite, has quickly become a new favorite in my house. The combination of smoked paprika and roasted red pepper gives it a beautiful, warm orange hue and a flavor profile that’s so much more interesting than a standard white sauce. It’s incredibly easy to make with common pantry ingredients and takes less than 10 minutes of hands-on time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or summer cookouts. Forget store-bought options; this homemade sauce elevates your grilling game instantly, offering a simple and healthy alternative to heavy, sugar-laden sauces.

Ingredients

• Mayonnaise (250 g / 1 cup): The creamy base for the sauce; choose a good-quality, full-fat mayonnaise for the best texture and flavor. The richness of the mayo helps balance the tang of the vinegar and lemon juice, so avoid low-fat versions, which can sometimes split when blended with high-acid ingredients.
• Apple Cider Vinegar (60 ml / 1/4 cup): Provides the essential tang and sharpness characteristic of classic white BBQ sauce. This ingredient cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise to create a balanced flavor profile.
• Fresh Lemon Juice (30 ml / 2 tablespoons): Adds a bright, zesty note that complements the apple cider vinegar; always use fresh-squeezed juice for the best possible flavor.
• Honey (15 ml / 1 tablespoon): A small amount of honey (or brown sugar if that’s what’s available) balances the acidity and adds a touch of sweetness. This helps round out the flavors and makes the sauce more palatable for families.
• Roasted Red Pepper (75 g / 1/2 cup): The star ingredient that adds natural sweetness and a beautiful orange hue to the sauce; jarred peppers are fast and easy, but freshly roasting them adds even deeper flavor. Make sure to drain jarred peppers well before use to avoid watering down the white bbq sauce.
• Smoked Paprika (7 g / 1 tablespoon): Provides a deep, smoky undertone without requiring a smoker; essential for achieving that backyard BBQ flavor. The color also adds to the sauce’s unique appearance.
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder (5 g / 1 teaspoon each): These fine powders distribute evenly throughout the sauce, providing foundational savory depth without adding large chunks or rough textures.
• Cayenne Pepper (2 g / 1/2 teaspoon): Optional for heat, adds a gentle kick; omit for a milder sauce, or increase to taste if you prefer a spicier white BBQ sauce.
• Fine Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper (3 g / 1/2 teaspoon each): Essential seasonings to enhance the overall taste; use fine salt to ensure it dissolves completely during blending.
• Fresh Chives (15 g / 1 tablespoon): A vibrant garnish for a burst of fresh flavor and color; sprinkle on top just before serving.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Roasted Red Pepper: If using fresh red peppers, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes until the skin is blistered and charred; transfer to a bowl, cover, and steam for 10-15 minutes to loosen the skin for easy peeling. Peel, core, and deseed before use; if using jarred peppers, drain well.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, honey, roasted red pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper to a blender or food processor. Ensure all ingredients are measured accurately to maintain the flavor balance; scrape down the sides of the blender to ensure everything is included.
3. Blend Until Smooth: Blend on high speed for 30-60 seconds, or until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy with no large chunks remaining. For a truly smooth consistency, avoid stopping too soon; continue blending until the sauce reaches a uniform color and texture. If the mixture looks too thick to blend easily, I recommend adding a tablespoon of water or extra lemon juice to get it moving.
4. Taste and Chill: Taste the white BBQ sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or honey if desired for balance; transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and develop, and the sauce to thicken slightly, creating a richer feel.
5. Garnish and Serve: Serve the chilled sauce in a small bowl; garnish generously with chopped fresh chives and a light dusting of smoked paprika over the top just before serving. This enhances the visual appeal and highlights the key flavor components, especially when paired with grilled chicken or high-protein meals.

How to Use This Sauce: Serving Suggestions

This white BBQ sauce recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of proteins and sides, especially those with smoky flavors. Use it as a marinade for chicken thighs or beef skewers before grilling, or apply it as a finishing sauce after cooking for maximum flavor impact. Drizzle it over pulled beef sandwiches, use it as a dipping sauce for onion rings or french fries, or spoon it generously over smoked brisket.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This homemade white BBQ sauce recipe keeps well and can be prepared in advance, making meal prep easy. Prepare the sauce fully and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. We do not recommend freezing this sauce, as mayonnaise-based sauces often separate upon thawing due to changes in the emulsion. If the sauce separates or looks grainy after refrigeration (unlikely with this recipe), stir well or blend again briefly before serving.

FAQs

What is white BBQ sauce?

White BBQ sauce (often called Alabama white sauce) is a creamy, tangy, and peppery barbecue sauce traditionally made with mayonnaise, vinegar, and black pepper; this version adds red pepper and paprika for extra flavor. The combination creates a rich, complex flavor profile that complements a variety of grilled foods.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce actually improves after a day or two in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld fully. I typically make this white bbq sauce recipe on a Sunday night so it’s ready to go for easy weeknight dinners later in the week.

Is this sauce spicy?

The cayenne pepper adds a gentle warmth; omit it entirely if you prefer a non-spicy sauce, especially for children. For those who enjoy a little heat, I recommend starting with the specified amount and increasing only if desired. This makes it a family-friendly sauce.

What kind of mayonnaise works best for white bbq sauce?

Use full-fat, high-quality mayonnaise for the best texture and flavor. Low-fat versions may separate more easily when mixed with the acid from the vinegar. A good quality mayonnaise provides a necessary richness that balances the acidity, which is crucial for this specific white bbq sauce recipe.

Can I make a vegan version of this sauce?

Yes, simply swap the traditional mayonnaise for a good-quality vegan mayonnaise. Be sure to use a non-honey sweetener like agave nectar or brown sugar if following a strict vegan diet. The texture will be very similar, and the flavor will remain delicious.

How do I store leftover white BBQ sauce?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator; it will keep for about 5-7 days. To reheat, allow it to come slightly closer to room temperature, or enjoy it chilled, depending on your preference and the meal.

Conclusion

This easy white bbq sauce recipe with smoked paprika and roasted red pepper offers a fantastic change of pace from traditional tomato-based sauces. It’s quick, versatile, and adds a delicious gourmet twist to any meal, whether you’re grilling chicken for a family dinner or hosting a barbecue. Try this recipe on your next cookout, and don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest for easy access during your next meal prep session.

white bbq sauce recipe

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• Author: Liana Brooks
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 1.5 cups (12 servings) 1x
• Diet: General

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Description

A creamy, tangy white BBQ sauce enhanced with roasted red pepper and smoked paprika, perfect for grilling; takes less than 10 minutes to prepare.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 0.5 cup roasted red pepper, drained
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare Red Pepper: If using fresh peppers, roast, peel, core, and deseed; drain well if using jarred peppers.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon juice, honey, roasted red pepper, paprika, and seasonings to a blender or food processor.
3. Blend until Smooth: Blend on high speed for 30-60 seconds until creamy and uniform; add a splash of water or lemon juice if needed to reach desired consistency.
4. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish with chives and paprika before serving.

Notes

The sauce improves in flavor if chilled for a day or two. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Do not freeze, as the emulsion may separate upon thawing.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Condiment
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
• Calories: 155 calories
• Sugar: 1.5g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: white bbq sauce, alabama white sauce, sauce, dip, grilling, smoked paprika, roasted red pepper, easy, quick, condiment