Healthy Balsamic Glaze Recipe - Evolving Table (2024)

Making a Healthy Balsamic Glaze recipe, without loads of added sugar, is as easy as reducing balsamic vinegar over low heat on the stovetop! With a few simple ingredients and tricks up your sleeve, you can have a naturally sweet, delicious glaze ready to use as a sauce or salad dressing!

Healthy Balsamic Glaze Recipe - Evolving Table (1)

Best Balsamic Glaze Recipe

What makes this the absolute best homemade balsamic glaze recipe?

It’s a simple recipe with a tangy flavor and the perfect balance of sweetness.

And you only need ONE ingredient. (Yup, it’s just as easy as buying a store bought bottle!)

By purchasing a good, high-quality and authentic balsamic vinegar of Modena, you can quickly and easily have a homemade glaze ready to enjoy without any added sugar.

Not only is this the best way to make it, but it’s also great for those on a Whole30, keto, or low-carb diet.

You can drizzle it on Caprese Skewers with a bit of olive oil, top your Tomato Bruschetta or Chicken Bruschetta with it, or store it in an airtight container and use if for weeks! (That is, if it lasts that long!)

What is the difference between a balsamic glaze and a balsamic reduction?

A balsamic glaze and a balsamic reduction are essentially the same thing: a reduction of balsamic vinegar. It’s made by simmering balsamic vinegar, sometimes with added sugars or honey, in a saucepan over low-heat until it has thickened into a syrup-like consistency.

Table of Contents

  • Best Balsamic Glaze Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • How to Make a Healthy Balsamic Glaze
  • How to thicken Balsamic Glaze?
  • FAQs
  • Recipe Tips
  • More Sauce Recipes
  • Healthy Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Healthy Balsamic Glaze Recipe - Evolving Table (2)

Ingredients

  • Balsamic vinegar. The best type of balsamic vinegar to get is one from the Modena region. (Also known as a “balsamic vinegar of Modena.) More affordable brands at the grocery store are made from wine vinegar and grape musts instead of the more expensive types made from pressed grapes. Choose a brand you like the taste of and can afford. Some of the best, easy-to-find ones are Ottavio, Alessi, Bertolli, Roland, and Mazzetti.
  • Sweetener. If you’d like, you can add a little brown sugar (dark brown is delish!), or a sugar substitute such as pure maple syrup or honey. Avoid using corn syrup. This ingredient is totally optional, though, and you don’t need any additional sugar if you get a good quality vinegar!

How to Make a Healthy Balsamic Glaze

Please see the recipe card below for ingredient amounts and more detailed instructions.

1. Add to a Saucepan

Select amedium-sized stainless steel or enameled cast-iron saucepan. A small saucepan will work for a single serving batch.

Add the balsamic vinegar to the saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat

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2. Simmer Until Reduced

Reduce the heat to low. Let balsamic vinegar simmer over low heat for 12-15 minutes, or until reduced by ½ to ⅔.

The reduction is done when you dip the back of a spoon into the liquid and it slowly drips off. You’re looking for a syrupy consistency.

How to thicken Balsamic Glaze?

If your balsamic glaze has not thickened up to your desired consistency, simply allow it to simmer longer until it does. The longer you simmer it, the thicker it will get.

Healthy Balsamic Glaze Recipe - Evolving Table (4)

3. (Optional) Sweeten it Up

If you were unable to find a higher quality balsamic vinegar, you may need to add a touch of sweetener to it. To do this, simply add 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite sweetener of choice, white or brown sugar, honey, or pure maple syrup all work great, when you add the vinegar to the saucepan.

To Store:Once cooled, transfer the balsamic glaze to an airtight container, a clean glass jar is my favorite to use, and store for up to two weeks at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 1-2 months.

Healthy Balsamic Glaze Recipe - Evolving Table (5)

What can I use Balsamic Glaze on?

This syrupy glaze will liven up just about any meat, vegetable, or appetizer.A few dishes you might want to top with it:

  • Caprese skewers or a caprese salad
  • Skillet Bruschetta Chicken and Asparagus
  • Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Filet mignon or Baked Pork Chops.
  • Over fried goat cheese or with a cheese plate
  • Drizzle on these Brussels Sprouts with Bacon.
  • Fresh fruit or vanilla ice cream (surprising, but try it!)

FAQs

Does balsamic glaze need to be refrigerated?

Store bought and homemade balsamic glaze recipes do not need to be refrigerated. However, refrigerating them will extend their shelf life.

Is balsamic glaze healthy?

Homemade balsamic glaze, without any added sugars, is a relatively heart-healthy addition to add to dishes. Avoid store bought glazes with too much additional sugar.

Can I reduce balsamic vinegar too much?

Yes, you absolutely can reduce balsamic vinegar too much. The result will be a hard or gooey lump when it cools. If this happens, try reheating it slowly, adding a little bit of water at a time to loosen it up.

Healthy Balsamic Glaze Recipe - Evolving Table (6)

Recipe Tips

  • Be picky. Choose a a traditional balsamic vinegar from Modena.
  • Just a little. Only add a small amount of sweetener and then taste.
  • Watch it. If you allow the vinegar to reduce too long it will harden when cooled.
  • Make extra. This balsamic reduction recipe is perfect to make a large batch of and store for future use.

More Sauce Recipes

Do you love adding more flavor without adding extra sugar and unhealthy ingredients? Try one of these delicious sauce recipes next.

You might like this Balsamic Vinaigrette, Honey Mustard, Avocado Pesto, and Remoulade Sauce.

Of course, Secret Sauce, Chick-fil-A Sauce, and Spicy Sriracha Mayo are tasty, as well.

Tap stars to rate!

5 from 3 votes

Healthy Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Making a Healthy Balsamic Glaze recipe, without loads of added sugar, is as easy as reducing balsamic vinegar over low heat on the stovetop! With a few simple ingredients and tricks up your sleeve, you can have a naturally sweet, delicious glaze ready to use as a sauce or salad dressing!

Healthy Balsamic Glaze Recipe - Evolving Table (7)

Yield 15 servings

Prep 2 minutes mins

Cook 13 minutes mins

Total 15 minutes mins

Print Pin Comment

Ingredients

  • 1 cup balsamic vinegar of Modena
  • 1-2 Tbsp. honey or maple syrup, optional

Instructions

  • Add balsamic vinegar (and sweetener, if using) to a medium-sized saucepan. Bring ingredients to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer.

    1 cup balsamic vinegar of Modena, 1-2 Tbsp. honey

  • Simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes, or until balsamic vinegar has reduced by ½ to ⅔. Simmer longer for a thicker glaze and shorter for a thinner glaze.

  • Let balsamic reduction come to room temperature before storing in an airtight container. Enjoy!

Tap stars to rate!

5 from 3 votes

Notes

  • Serving size is for 2 teaspoons of balsamic reduction without added sweetener.

Meal Prep and Storage

    • To Store:Once you have finished making your reduction of balsamic vinegar, let it come to room temperature completely before storing. Store it in an airtight jar at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the refrigerator for 1-2 months. Make sure you bring it to room temperature before serving if stored in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Calories: 14kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Sodium: 3mg, Potassium: 19mg, Sugar: 2g, Calcium: 5mg, Iron: 0.1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Made this recipe?Leave a comment below!

Categorized as:
Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Low-Carb, Low-Fat, Lunch, Nut-Free, Paleo, Recipes, Refined Sugar-Free, , Soy-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian, Whole30

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Healthy Balsamic Glaze Recipe - Evolving Table (2024)

FAQs

Is balsamic vinegar glaze healthy? ›

Healthy Digestive System:

Acetic acid, which comprises probiotic bacteria strains, is the principal active ingredient in balsamic glaze. These probiotics aren't just good for preserving food, they can also help with digestion and intestinal health.

What is the difference between balsamic vinegar and balsamic glaze? ›

Both start with a grape 'must', balsamic vinegar undergoes traditional ageing, whilst balsamic glaze takes a shortcut by infusing flavours. Read on to learn more about the origins of each and how to use them.

Is balsamic vinegar good for gut health? ›

Balsamic vinegar is fantastic for gut health. In fact, it's one of the best foods you can eat if you have digestive disorders or problems with food intolerances. The enzymes in balsamic vinegar help with digestion and absorption of nutrients, making this an excellent addition to any diet plan.

Can I use balsamic vinegar instead of balsamic glaze? ›

Substituting one for another depends on the recipe you're making. Balsamic vinegar glaze has the consistency of syrup and is sweeter than the vinegar because of the cooking process therefore usually it's best not to use balsamic vinegar in place of the glaze.

Can too much balsamic vinegar be harmful? ›

This versatile vinegar may enhance skin health, support healthy weight maintenance by increasing satiety, promote digestive health, lower blood pressure and improve blood sugar control. However, overconsumption may damage tooth enamel and lead to acid reflux or heartburn.

Does balsamic glaze raise blood sugar? ›

Balsamic is one of several types of vinegar thought to limit spikes in blood glucose levels.

Does balsamic glaze need to be refrigerated? ›

We recommend storing our Balsamic Glaze at room temperature.

What can I substitute for balsamic glaze? ›

For every 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar, substitute 1 Tbsp. cider vinegar or red wine vinegar plus ½ tsp. sugar.

How long will balsamic glaze last in the fridge? ›

You don't have to babysit the pot, but stick around so you don't forget about it. When the balsamic glaze is thick and syrupy and has reduced by half (about 20 to 30 minutes), remove the pot from the burner and allow it to cool. Store your balsamic glaze in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Is it OK to eat balsamic vinegar every day? ›

Balsamic vinegar is low on calories, which makes it a great way to add flavor to healthy dishes without adding fat or sodium. Not unless you chug a bottle or two daily, as that will give you a tummy ache.

Does balsamic vinegar act as a laxative? ›

One of the amazing properties of balsamic vinegar is acetic acid. This active compound is made up of probiotic strains that promote healthy digestion. Plus, these probiotics also help the good intestinal transit and thus avoid constipation.

Can diabetics eat balsamic vinegar? ›

When incorporated into a balanced diet, balsamic vinegar can help manage blood sugar levels, maintain muscle and nerve function, and even boost energy. The condiment can not only benefit diabetic patients but can provide much-needed nutrients to all people.

Why is balsamic glaze so expensive? ›

It takes 12 years to make the best, aceto balsamico tradizionale (traditional balsamic vinegar), and at least 25 to make the finest, extra Vecchio. Because of traditional balsamic vinegar's painstaking artisanal production process, supplies are limited, and it tends to be rather pricey.

What cancels balsamic vinegar? ›

- Add some sugar or honey to the dish. Sugar and honey can counteract the sourness of vinegar and add some sweetness to the dish. You can start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste.

What's good with balsamic glaze? ›

Some of my favorite ways to serve it are with Gorgonzola cheese and green onions; on pasta, portobello mushrooms, or grilled beets and carrots; with salmon or pork; or as a dressing on a salad with toasted nuts, dried cranberries, or fresh strawberries.

Is balsamic glaze high in calories? ›

1 tbsp of balsamic glaze (Reduced - Trader Joe's) contains 40 Calories. The macronutrient breakdown is 100% carbs, 0% fat, and 0% protein. This has a relatively high calorie density, with 267 Calories per 100g.

Is balsamic glaze high in carbs? ›

Gia Russa Balsamic Glaze (1 tbsp) contains 9g total carbs, 9g net carbs, 0g fat, 0g protein, and 35 calories.

Is balsamic glaze anti inflammatory? ›

Last but not least, consuming balsamic vinegar can have an anti-inflammatory effect as well. Long-term, high levels of inflammation can be extremely detrimental to your health, and research shows inflammation plays a role in whether you develop chronic conditions, diseases, and even cancer.

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