1. Knowing the Words to “Sweet Home Alabama” (All of Them)
You’ll hear it at tailgates, cookouts, weddings, and probably even funerals—Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” is practically the state’s second anthem. Don’t just know the chorus; locals expect you to belt out the verses too. And yes, even if you weren’t born there, singing along is the fastest way to earn your stripes. Bonus points if you can throw in a little air guitar.
The song isn’t just about Alabama pride—it’s about Southern resilience, and everyone feels that. Not knowing the words might get you pegged as an outsider or worse, someone who doesn’t care. But if you can sing it with a little soul and a lot of volume? You’ll get your plate piled high with ribs.
2. Knowing How to Make or At Least Appreciate White BBQ Sauce
Forget your typical ketchup-based barbecue sauces—Alabama’s signature is white BBQ sauce, and it’s not up for debate. This tangy, mayo-based concoction was invented in Decatur by Big Bob Gibson and is best slathered on smoked chicken. If you’ve never tried it, don’t admit that at a cookout unless you’re ready for a full-blown culinary intervention. It’s practically a rite of passage in northern Alabama.
Folks are serious about their white sauce recipes, often passed down like family heirlooms. Bringing your own homemade batch might actually boost your cookout cred—just be sure it’s good. Turning your nose up at it, though? That’s a fast track to being labeled a Yankee.
3. Calling It “Supper” Not “Dinner”
In Alabama, the evening meal is “supper,” and if you call it “dinner,” you might as well announce you’re from New York. “Dinner” is sometimes reserved for Sunday afternoons or holiday meals. But on a regular Tuesday night, it’s always “supper,” and that’s what you’ll be invited to. It may sound like a small detail, but it tells locals you’re one of them.
Show up at someone’s house and ask what’s for “dinner,” and they might assume you’re fancy—or just confused. Using the right term shows respect for the rhythm of Southern life. Plus, saying “supper” feels a little cozier, doesn’t it? It rolls off the tongue with just the right amount of hospitality.
4. Saying “Roll Tide” or “War Eagle” Like You Mean It
In Alabama, college football isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life. Whether you’re an Alabama Crimson Tide or Auburn Tigers fan, your allegiance better be loud and proud. This isn’t just about rooting for your team; it’s about knowing the stats, the rivalries, and the game-day rituals. Pick a side early and stick to it—waffling will get you side-eyes at family functions.
At a cookout, yelling “Roll Tide!” will earn you an instant nod from fellow fans—or start a friendly (and loud) debate. On the flip side, cheering for both teams is blasphemy in the Heart of Dixie. Most Alabamians are born into their fandom, and switching sides is almost as scandalous as leaving church early. Respect the rivalry, or risk being uninvited to next year’s barbecue.
5. Frying Something—Preferably Catfish
In Alabama, frying isn’t just cooking—it’s a declaration of love. Whether it’s catfish, green tomatoes, okra, or even cornbread, knowing how to fry properly is an art form. At a cookout, you’re expected to either bring something fried or at least know which auntie makes the best batch. And yes, there will be debates about oil temperature and cornmeal ratios.
Catfish fries in particular are big social events, sometimes even larger than the cookout itself. They’re often held by lakes or rivers, with coolers full of beer and porch chairs lined up in rows. If you can clean a fish and drop it in a fryer without blinking, you’re in. But turn your nose up at fried food? That’s a good way to get uninvited next time.
6. Bringing Banana Pudding (Or Risk Losing Your Seat)
There are many desserts in Alabama, but banana pudding is the one that earns real respect. This isn’t just Jell-O pudding with Nilla Wafers—it’s a carefully layered masterpiece of custard, bananas, and whipped topping or meringue. Every family has their own secret version, and they guard it like gold. Showing up to a cookout without banana pudding is a missed opportunity for culinary glory.
If you bring store-bought pudding, just be prepared for polite smiles and real judgment. Homemade is the gold standard, and if it’s good, you’ll be getting requests for your recipe. Say you “don’t like banana pudding,” and you might as well say you hate front porches and sweet tea. Just try it. One bite and you’ll understand why it’s sacred.
7. Calling Everyone “Ma’am” and “Sir”
In Alabama, manners aren’t optional—they’re cultural currency. Saying “yes, ma’am” and “no, sir” is how you show respect, regardless of age or rank. It’s one of the first things kids are taught, and you’ll hear it at every table, including the cookout spread. Forgetting your “ma’am” and “sir” might not get you kicked out, but it’ll get noticed.
It’s less about hierarchy and more about hospitality and humility. Even if someone tells you not to bother with formalities, do it anyway—it’s considered polite to over-polite. It shows you were raised right, or at least that you’re trying. And trust me, Aunt Carolyn will absolutely remember whether you said it or not.
8. Showing Up With Something—Anything—in Hand
You don’t come to an Alabama cookout empty-handed. Ever. Even if the host insists they’ve got it covered, you bring a dish, drinks, ice, or at least a pack of Solo cups. Showing up empty-handed is a surefire way to look ungrateful—or worse, clueless.
It’s not about the value of what you bring, but about contributing to the gathering. This is a community, not a catered event. Bring deviled eggs, your favorite casserole, or even a store-bought pie—it’s the thought that counts. And if you bring something really good? You just earned yourself an automatic invite to the next one.
9. Knowing the Difference Between a Cookout and a BBQ
In Alabama, not all outdoor eating events are created equal. A “BBQ” involves smoked meats—ribs, pulled pork, maybe brisket—done low and slow, preferably over hickory. A “cookout,” on the other hand, is your hot dogs, burgers, and casual grilled fare. Confusing the two won’t get you disowned, but it will get you corrected—probably loudly.
Barbecue is serious business in this state, with pitmasters and competition teams practically treated like royalty. Calling a burger-on-the-grill session a “barbecue” can ruffle feathers fast. Know the terminology and use it wisely, and you’ll gain respect. Bonus points if you can name a few local BBQ joints without Googling.
10. Respecting the Church Crowd
Sundays in Alabama are for church, family, and then maybe—maybe—football. Don’t plan any major events on Sunday morning unless you want an empty turnout. And if you’re at a cookout and someone starts blessing the food, you better bow your head and keep quiet. Religion is deeply embedded in the culture, and it’s taken seriously.
Even if you’re not particularly religious, showing reverence matters. It’s not performative—it’s part of the rhythm of life down here. Cookouts often happen right after church, and showing up in your Sunday best with a casserole in hand is a total win. Just don’t bring up controversial topics like theology or politics unless you’re ready for a sermon.
11. Eating Grits Without Complaining
If you’re at a morning-after cookout brunch or a fish fry with sides, grits are probably on the table. Don’t ask for sugar unless you want the whole crowd to go silent. In Alabama, grits are usually savory—think butter, cheese, maybe a little garlic, but definitely not a dessert. They’re a staple, and people take pride in making them just right.
If you’ve never had them before, try a small spoonful first and smile—trust me, people are watching. Asking what grits are is a red flag; acting like they’re weird is even worse. You don’t have to love them, but you do need to respect them. Bonus points if you can whip up a batch that’s not lumpy.
12. Talking to Strangers Like They’re Family
In Alabama, it’s totally normal to strike up a conversation in the grocery line, on a front porch, or under the pecan tree at a cookout. People value friendliness and small talk, and being standoffish won’t win you any points. If someone asks how you’re doing, they actually want to know—at least a little. Eye contact, a warm smile, and a “how’s your mama?” go a long way.
At a cookout, expect to be hugged, teased, and drawn into conversations whether you know folks or not. It’s a beautiful kind of chaos, and if you lean into it, you’ll feel like family fast. Don’t sit in a corner scrolling your phone—Alabamians will think you’re either rude or homesick. Make the rounds, grab a plate, and join the conversation—it’s the heart of the whole event.
This post 12 Alabama Traditions That Will Get You Invited to a Cookout—or Disowned was first published on American Charm.
