Skip to Content

How to Make Balsamic Glaze Without Added Sugar

Balsamic glaze adds a ton of flavor without too much effort. Even people who don’t care for veggies might enjoy them when you add a little of this delicious sauce.

It’s so easy to make balsamic glaze that there’s no reason to purchase it from the store. Use it on a caprese salad or drizzle it over your favorite meat. It’s delicious on fish, pork chops, chicken, and many other savory dishes. We also like it on some desserts, like ice cream.

jar and bowl of balsamic glaze

Homemade Balsamic Glaze

This glaze is also known as a balsamic reduction recipe. We like for it to have the consistency of a high quality maple syrup. 

spoon of thick balsamic glaze

However, if you like it thinner or thicker, you can get your preferred results. For a thinner glaze, remove it from the heat sooner. For a thicker glaze, leave it on the heat a couple of minutes longer.

Although you can get a bottle of balsamic glaze, it’s much more cost effective to make it yourself. It’s easy to make, so why not?

There are different ways to make balsamic glaze. You can make it separately and drizzle it over the food. Or you can make it as you cook the food, like I did with this balsamic glazed zucchini

The intense flavor can perk up any food. And the syrup-like consistency adds texture.

Ingredients

This recipe for balsamic glaze is one of the easiest ways to add flavor to quite a few dishes. Here is what you’ll need:

  • Balsamic vinegar
bottle of balsamic vinegar

That’s the full list of ingredients and all you need to make this glaze. However, if you want extra sweetness, you can add a little bit of brown sugar. I have even more alternative options listed below.

For exact measurements of each ingredient and full instructions, go to the recipe card at the bottom of the page. You can even print out the card by using the “print” button.

I usually recommend getting the best balsamic vinegar you can find. However, not all grocery stores carry a variety of brands. 

This time, I used the store brand, which is actually a good balsamic vinegar. Use whatever you can find.

As is the case with every item, the higher quality of balsamic vinegar the better the glaze. And there are many different grades of balsamic vinegar. The high quality version will cost more, but it’s often worth it.

If you want to impress others but can’t find it in your grocery store, order it online. Of course, this requires a bit of advanced planning.

Balsamic vinegar has become one of the many pantry staples in my kitchen because it’s so delicious.

How to Make an Easy Balsamic Glaze

You’ll need a small saucepan and a spoon for stirring and scooping.

pouring balsamic vinegar into a pot

First, pour the balsamic vinegar into the saucepan over medium heat.

After the vinegar comes to a gentle boil, stir the vinegar.

Allow it to boil for 1 minute. Turn the heat down to medium-low.

Simmer vinegar for 20 to 30 minutes to reduce the liquid through evaporation.

Stirring the vinegar in the pot as it simmers

The reduction of liquid forms the glaze. If you’re cooking with gas, test it after it simmers for 10-15 minutes. I’ve found that gas sometimes cooks hotter than electricity.

Test the thickness of the glaze by inserting the spoon. The glaze should coat the back of the spoon.

Keep a close eye on the glaze as it thickens, or it will become a burnt mess. 

As soon as it reaches your desired thickness, remove the glaze from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.

pouring balsamic glaze from pot to clean glass jar

2 cups of balsamic vinegar delivers about 1/2 cup of balsamic glaze.

You may use it immediately or pour it into an airtight container. I used a clean glass jar that I labeled.

Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. So next time I need extra flavor on something, it’s ready to drizzle.

bowl and jar of balsamic glaze

Other Ingredients You May Add

If you want extra flavors in your homemade glaze, you can add other ingredients. I like the blend of natural sweetness with the tangy flavor of vinegar, but you might want it sweeter. 

Or you might even want to add something savory. Regardless of what you add, you only need simple ingredients to add even more flavor.

Here are some other ingredients you may want to try:

  • A bit of sugar (white granulated sugar or brown sugar)
  • Agave nectar
  • Honey
  • Corn syrup
  • Artificial sweetener
  • Mustard seed
  • Dijon mustard
  • Black pepper

Helpful Tips for Making the Best Balsamic Glaze

Creating a delicious balsamic glaze without sugar is entirely possible, allowing you to enjoy a sweet and tangy drizzle without the added sweetness. Here are some tips to craft a sugar-free balsamic glaze:

  1. Start with a high-quality balsamic vinegar as it forms the base of your glaze.
  2. Simmer the balsamic vinegar over low heat to reduce it gradually. This helps concentrate the flavors without needing sugar.
  3. Reducing balsamic vinegar can take time. Be patient and allow it to thicken naturally. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
  4. To enhance the sweetness without adding sugar, consider using natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or fruit puree sparingly.
  5. Experiment with herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or garlic to infuse extra layers of flavor into your glaze.
  6. Regularly taste your glaze as it reduces. If you want it sweeter, add a small amount of your chosen natural sweetener until it reaches your desired level of sweetness.
jar and bowl of balsamic glaze

What to Serve with Balsamic Glaze

This glaze is good with so many different foods, including fresh fruit, cheese, salads, meat, vegetables, and even dessert.

Here are some we enjoy:

Brussels sprouts – Elevate the flavors of the vegetable to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Aged Cheeses – The sophisticated flavor of the glaze further enhances the cheese.

Vanilla or strawberry ice cream – Sweet and tart come together in the most delightful way!

Fresh strawberries – Or any fresh fruit for that matter.

Chicken breasts or chicken thighs – This may be the only sauce you need to make a chicken dinner perfect for any special occasion.

Dinner salad – Mix a little bit of the glaze with some olive oil, whisk until well mixed, and drizzle it over your salad. Such a delicious salad dressing!

Peach Tomato Caprese Salad – Your tastebuds will be very happy when all kinds of flavors come together with this yummy salad from Call Me PMc! 

Yield: 8 servings

Balsamic Glaze

bowl and jar of balsamic glaze

This easy balsamic glaze adds flavor and richness to so many different foods.

Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups balsamic vinegar

Instructions

  1. Pour balsamic vinegar into a saucepan and turn the burner to medium heat.
  2. Allow vinegar to come to a rolling boil. Stir.
  3. After 1 minute, turn heat down to medium-low.
  4. Simmer vinegar for 20-30 minutes, depending on your desired thickness of the glaze.
  5. The back of a spoon should remain coated when the glaze is ready.
  6. Remove from heat and allow the glaze to cool to room temperature.
  7. Either use immediately or transfer to a container with a lid. Refrigerate the glaze for up to a week.

Notes

  • If you’re cooking with gas, test it after it simmers for 10-15 minutes. I’ve found that gas sometimes cooks hotter than electricity.
  • If you like a sweeter balsamic glaze, add 1 to 3 tablespoons of brown sugar to the vinegar after it initially comes to a boil.
  • 2 cups balsamic vinegar delivers approximately 1/2 cup balsamic glaze.

Nutrition Information

Yield

8

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 56Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 15mgCarbohydrates 11gFiber 0gSugar 10gProtein 0g

The nutrition information is a product of online calculators. I try to provide true and accurate information, but these numbers are estimates.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Please feel free to share!

Skip to Recipe