Caramelized Balsamic Vinegar Glaze (balsamic reduction) is so easy to make in your very own kitchen. It takes less than 20 minutes and helps elevate so many dishes!
Homemade balsamic glaze is always better in my opinion, especially when it takes little to no time with minimal ingredients. Most commercial brands have stabilizers, coloring, and unnecessary amounts of sugar. This Caramelized Balsamic Vinegar Glaze recipe has only one ingredient. Balsamic vinegar. That's it! Reducing the vinegar helps evaporate the water and concentrate the natural sugars, making it naturally sweetened.
Gifting a jar of this glaze is perfect during the holidays. Its intense flavor is super versatile for both savory and sweet items. We love serving it drizzled on top of Roasted Asparagus, grilled chicken, Bacon-Wrapped Dates, and Caprese salad. For a decadent treat, you can add it on top of poached pears, or vanilla ice cream with strawberries.
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Ingredients
- Balsamic Vinegar: You don't have to buy an overly priced balsamic. Look for a moderately priced classic balsamic vinegar stored in a glass bottle. A good quality balsamic vinegar will have its ingredients listed as “cooked grape and white vinegar". Cheaper balsamic will be combined with wine vinegar, caramel, flavorings, and other ingredients.
How can I make my balsamic glaze sweeter?
Caramelized balsamic glaze on its own is pretty sweet, and I would recommend trying it without any sweeteners first. But if you'd like just a touch more sweetness, I would recommend 1-2 tablespoons of honey, pure maple syrup, or brown sugar.
Instructions
Meaure. Pour one cup of balsamic vinegar and any sweetener (if using) into a small saucepan.
Reduce. Bring the balsamic to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally until reduced by half and lightly coats the back of a spoon. It will thicken more as it cools.
Store. Transfer the balsamic glaze to a glass jar, let cool to room temperature then refrigerate for up to 4 weeks.
Storage
How long does balsamic glaze last? You can store your balsamic glaze in a sealed glass container in the refrigerator fridge for 4 weeks.
Top tip
Once the vinegar beings to boil, quickly reduce the temperature to a simmer to avoid the balsamic glaze from burning. Stir frequently.
FAQ
Some of the best balsamic vinegars are from the Modena region, served in glass bottles.
Balsamic glaze is also called a “balsamic reduction.” It is essentially a reduction of balsamic vinegar. Sweeteners like honey or maple syrup can be added for added sweetness.
Balsamic glaze is a great addition to roasted vegetables, Caprese salad, various crusty breads, grilled chicken, or used as a salad dressing.
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free, but check the labels on store-bought brands.
Making balsamic glaze does not require added sugar. Reducing the balsamic vinegar concentrates the natural sugars making the glaze naturally sweet.
Recipe
Caramelized Balsamic Vinegar Glaze (Balsamic Reduction)
Ingredients
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- Optional sweetener: 1 to 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
Instructions
- Meaure. Pour one cup of balsamic vinegar and any sweetener (if using) into a small saucepan.
- Reduce. Bring the balsamic to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally until reduced by half and lightly coats the back of a spoon. It will thicken more as it cools.
- Store. Transfer the balsamic glaze to a glass jar, let cool to room temperature then refrigerate for up to 4 weeks.
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