white barbecue sauce recipe
The Best white barbecue sauce recipe
What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can adjust the sweetness or add a little heat if you like, and it’s got enough depth to stand up to grilled meats or even roasted potatoes. It’s also surprisingly light on sugar if you skip the honey, and the vinegar keeps it fresh without overpowering. My husband says it’s the only sauce he ever wants on his ribs, and honestly, I don’t blame him. It’s the kind of sauce that doesn’t just sit on the plate—it makes the whole meal feel special. Plus, it’s got a little something for everyone, whether you’re serving up pulled pork, chicken tenders, or even a big bowl of pasta. It’s that kind of reliable, crowd-pleasing magic.
Classic White BBQ Sauce with Crispy Cornbread
A tangy, sweet white BBQ sauce paired with a lightly sweetened cornbread for a balanced, crowd-pleasing meal. Perfect for grilling or serving over pulled pork.
🥘Ingredients
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 cup cornmeal
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, whisk together tomato sauce, mayonnaise, vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. -
2
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, buttermilk, egg, sugar, and melted butter until just combined. Stir in cornmeal. -
3
Pour the cornbread batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool before slicing. -
4
Once the cornbread is cooled, spoon the white BBQ sauce over the top and serve warm.
🔧Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Oven
- Loaf pan
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Classic White BBQ Sauce with Crispy Cornbread Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About White BBQ Sauce with Crispy Cornbread
What is the best way to adjust the sweetness in this sauce?
Use a 1:1 ratio of honey or maple syrup to replace equal parts sugar in the recipe. For a less sweet sauce, reduce the sugar by 1 tablespoon at a time and adjust the ketchup proportionally—start with 1.5 cups ketchup for every 1 cup sugar.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, but let it cool completely before storing. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat gently over low heat or microwave until warm—stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
What if I don’t have ketchup?
Substitute with equal parts tomato paste (thinned with 1 tablespoon water) or a mix of ½ cup tomato sauce + ½ cup apple cider vinegar. The flavor will differ slightly, but the base will still hold together.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
Simmer the sauce uncovered for 5–10 extra minutes after combining all ingredients. Stirring occasionally helps break down any excess pectin. If it’s still thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of warm water or broth to thin it gradually.
Is this sauce suitable for grilling or smoking?
Absolutely. This sauce’s balance of tang and sweetness works well for low-and-slow smoking or direct grilling. For extra depth, brush it on meat just before cooking and let it caramelize slightly over high heat.
