Slow-Smoked Brisket with Alabama White Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender slow-smoked brisket served with a tangy Alabama-style white barbecue sauce that highlights Southern flavors. This southern american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 380 minutes blends pounds beef brisket, hickory wood chips, tablespoons kosher salt into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 8, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 360 min Serves 8 Southern American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your smoker to 225°F and add 2 cups of hickory wood chips to create smoke. Meanwhile, mix 2 tablespoons kosher salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon paprika, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder in a bowl. Rub this spice mix all over the 4 pounds beef brisket evenly.
  2. Step 2: Place the brisket fat side up in the smoker and smoke for approximately 6 hours, maintaining 225°F, until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat is tender.
  3. Step 3: While the brisket smokes, prepare the Alabama white sauce by whisking together 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon sugar in a bowl until smooth and tangy.
  4. Step 4: Once the brisket is done, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 30 minutes covered loosely with foil to retain juices.
  5. Step 5: Slice the brisket against the grain into 1/4-inch thick pieces and serve with the Alabama white sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Smoked Brisket with Alabama White Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 380 minutes (20 min prep + 360 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Smoked Brisket with Alabama White Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Smoked Brisket with Alabama White Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Smoked Brisket with Alabama White Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Smoked Brisket with Alabama White Sauce?

Southern American bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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