Oh, the woes of parenting: one minute, you’re wiping crayons off the walls, and the next, you’re an unofficial referee for the World Sibling Wrestling Championship. It’s enough to drive anyone up the wall, or in my case, into the kitchen. As any weary caretaker will tell you, sometimes the only way to escape the madness is a little culinary therapy, just you and your oven. And that’s how I found solace on this particular exceptionally bonkers day.
You’d think being from New York would make anyone immune to chaos, but as a parent, I have yet to develop supermom powers. I’ve tried wearing a cape, but it doesn’t seem to help. While the tykes settled into an uneasy truce, my brain was DIY-ing the most random ideas – like glitter slime and space-themed birthday parties. Luckily, I reeled myself back in, remembering I was on an actual cooking mission.
And so, in the midst of my temporary brain fugue, was born a new family favorite: Italian Meatloaf Glaze. Not only did it provide a tasty escape from the pandemonium, but the entire family ended up basking happily in a blissful carb-induced coma. Now, let’s captivate your tastebuds and conquer the kitchen with this delightfully unorthodox offering!
Ingredients
- Tomato paste – The base for the glaze, providing the backbone of the tomato flavor.
- White vinegar – Adds acidity to balance out the sweetness of the tomato paste and gives the glaze a tangy taste. Can be substituted with apple cider vinegar or malt vinegar.
- Dried mustard – Adds a bit of spiciness and helps to balance the flavors.
- Paprika – Adds smokiness to the glaze.
- Salt – Essential in any recipe, helps to bring out the flavors.
- Basil – A herby flavor, can be used fresh or dried.
- Black pepper – Adds heat and depth to the glaze.
- Garlic powder – A staple in most kitchens, adds garlicky flavor.
- Onion powder – Helps to round out the flavors and add depth to the glaze.
Instructions
- Alright folks, are you ready to elevate your meatloaf game? This glaze is going to be the star of the show. Grab a mixing bowl and let’s get started. First things first, we’re going to add 4 tablespoons of tomato paste. If you’re in a pinch and don’t have tomato paste on hand, you could also use tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes.
- Next, we’re going to add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar. Now, you may be thinking “white vinegar? That sounds terrible.” But trust me, it’s going to add the perfect amount of tang to balance out the sweetness from the tomato paste. If white vinegar just isn’t your thing, you could also use apple cider vinegar or malt vinegar.
- Next, we’re going to add 1 teaspoon of dried mustard, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 3/4 teaspoon of basil, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. You could also use pre-mixed Italian seasoning if you’re feeling lazy. Go ahead and give everything a good mix until it’s completely combined.
- And that’s it! You’ve just made a delicious and versatile glaze for your meatloaf. Now, if you’re trying to keep things low carb, this recipe makes enough glaze for an entire meatloaf so you can divide it between servings. But, let’s be real, who doesn’t love a little extra sauce on their meatloaf? Serve it up and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for Best Italian Meatloaf Glaze
This meatloaf glaze is the perfect addition to any classic meatloaf dish, but don’t stop there! Get creative and use it as a sauce for other dishes as well. Here are a few suggestions:
- Meatloaf: Duh! Brush this glaze on top of your meatloaf for an extra pop of flavor.
- Grilled Chicken: Give your grilled chicken a tangy twist by brushing this glaze on before serving.
- Pork Chops: Add some Italian flair to your pork chops by using this glaze as a topping.
- Vegetables: Roasted vegetables never tasted so good! Give your roasted carrots, green beans, or any other veggie a boost by drizzling this glaze on top.
- Sandwiches: Jazz up your next sandwich by using this glaze as a spread. Try it on a meatball sub, a Philly cheesesteak, or even a grilled cheese!
Fun Fact: This glaze has 92 calories per serving, making it a low-carb option for those who are watching their calorie intake.
FAQ’s
Can I use any other type of vinegar in this recipe?
Sure can! If you don’t have white vinegar on hand, you can also use apple cider vinegar or malt vinegar.
Can I use pre-mixed Italian seasoning instead of the individual seasonings listed?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use pre-mixed Italian seasoning instead of the individual seasonings listed. Just adjust the seasoning amount according to your taste.
Can I make this glaze into a low-carb version?
Yep! This recipe makes enough glaze for an entire meatloaf, but you can easily divide it between servings to create a lower carb version.
How much glaze does this recipe make?
You’ll end up with about half a cup of delicious glaze that’s perfect for topping your meatloaf.
Do I need any special equipment to make this glaze?
Not really, all you need is a simple bowl to mix everything together, measuring spoons, and a spoon to stir it all up. But it’s always fun to add special tools to your kitchen like a nice wooden spoon and a cool bowl.
Does this recipe have a lot of calories?
Not really, one serving of this glaze is only 92 calories which is pretty reasonable, unless you’re gonna go crazy with it and put it on everything!
Italian Meatloaf Glaze
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the canned crushed tomatoes, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, sea salt, dried basil, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Using a whisk, mix the ingredients together until well combined.
- Add in the honey, olive oil, and lemon juice and whisk until fully incorporated.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or lemon juice to balance the flavors.
- Spoon the glaze over your prepared meatloaf and bake as directed.
Notes
For a sweeter glaze, add an extra tablespoon of honey.
For a tangier glaze, add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice.
If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer the mixture in a saucepan over low heat until it reaches the desired consistency.
Nutrition
