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    Home » Seasonings & Sauces » How to Make Balsamic Glaze

    How to Make Balsamic Glaze

    Published: May 11, 2022 by Elaine · This post may contain Amazon affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This blog generates income via ads · 12 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Image with text for how to make balsamic glaze and ways to use it.
    image with text for how to make balsamic glaze.

    This recipe gives easy instructions for how to make balsamic glaze with only two ingredients! Make this amazing balsamic reduction and discover ways to use it on both sweet and savoury dishes.

    Balsamic glaze in a Weck jar.

    ❓What is balsamic glaze?

    Balsamic glaze is made by combining balsamic vinegar with a sweetener like brown sugar, maple syrup or honey and reducing it until it's thick and syrupy and absolutely delicious! It's sweet and tangy at the same time.

    It heightens and enhances the flavour of fresh strawberries, peaches and other fruit, and is equally as tasty on roasted vegetables. Try it on grilled salmon, too!

    You can, of course, buy it pre-made in a grocery store, but when it's this simple to make, why would you? Making a simple balsamic reduction at home means you can avoid unnecessary additives, too.

    Jump to:
    • ❓What is balsamic glaze?
    • ❤️ Why you'll love this recipe
    • 🛒 Ingredients and substitutions
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 👍🏼 Helpful Tips
    • ❓Reader's Questions
    • 🍽 Balsamic Vinegar Glaze Uses (10 Ways)
    • ⏰ How long will it keep?
    • 🗒 More recipes for seasonings and sauces
    • 📖 Recipe

    ❤️ Why you'll love this recipe

    • Homemade balsamic glaze needs only two ingredients.
    • It's very easy to make.
    • You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge where it will last for two to three months.
    • You can use it in many different ways in both sweet and savoury recipes!
    A spoonful of balsamic glaze.

    🛒 Ingredients and substitutions

    You'll only need two ingredients to make this amazing glaze: balsamic vinegar and a sweetener.

    balsamic vinegar: While you don't need to use an exorbitantly expensive balsamic vinegar (some bottles are several hundred dollars each!), it is important to buy a good quality one. Buy the best quality you can afford! Look for an aged balsamic vinegar that is labelled "di Modena."

    sweetener: Brown sugar, maple syurp or honey are my sweeteners of choice in this recipe.

    🔪 Instructions

    A simple set of instructions for a simple glaze!

    1. Combine balsamic vinegar and brown sugar in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
    2. Bring the mixture almost to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 - 20 minutes or until the volume has reduced by half. It should coat the back of a spoon.
    3. Remove it from the heat. It may seem thin, but it will thicken as it cools.
    4. Transfer it to a glass jar and let cool. Once it has cooled completely, use it in your favourite recipe or seal it with a lid and refrigerate it.
    Balsamic glaze in a saucepan.
    1. Combine balsamic vinegar and brown sugar in a small saucepan over low heat.
    Balsamic glaze coating the back of a spoon.
    2. Bring almost to a boil, simmer until reduced by half and it coats the back of a spoon.
    Balsamic glaze reduced by half.
    3. The balsamic glaze will be slightly thick and syrupy.
    Pouring balsamic glaze into a jar from a saucepan.
    4. Transfer to a glass jar with a lid. It will thicken as it cools.

    👍🏼 Helpful Tips

    Slow and steady heating will give the best results. If you quickly bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, you'll risk destroying the flavour.

    Watch that it doesn't burn! It's better to remove the glaze from the heat sooner than later. If you're not sure if it has reduced enough, check to see that it coats the back of a spoon. If you think it's too thin, remember that it will thicken as it cools. Once it cools, if you still think it's too thin, you can always return it to the heat and reduce it more.

    If it's too thick and you think you may have reduced it too much, stir in a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.

    ❓Reader's Questions

    Do I have to buy expensive balsamic vinegar to make a balsamic reduction?

    You don't have to spend a fortune, but do avoid those with caramel colouring and added flavourings. A good quality balsamic vinegar will make a difference in all your recipes!

    If you're looking for a good everyday balsamic vinegar, the Kirkland brand sold at Costco gets great reviews.

    Any balsamic vinegar you buy should bear a "di Modena" label. This label indicates that it was produced near Modena in the Reggio Emilia province of Italy.

    Traditional balsamic vinegar is always labelled Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale. It carries a special D.O.P. stamp certifying its place of origin, production and quality. Its only ingredient is grape must.

    balsamic vinegar label

    🍽 Balsamic Vinegar Glaze Uses (10 Ways)

    Homemade balsamic glaze has so many uses! Here are a few suggestions. Remember: a little goes a long way! More is not always better.

    • Drizzle a little on fresh garden tomatoes, with tomato bruschetta, on grilled or roasted vegetables (it's delicious on Brussels sprouts, zucchini, asparagus and more) and on pizza or flatbread.
    • Serve a little over vanilla ice cream or gelato.
    • It's an incredible addition to berries and fruits like balsamic strawberries, grilled peaches, and strawberry whipped feta crostini. It takes grilled salmon to a whole new level! Try it on any of the following:
    • Balsamic Bocconcini Cherry Tomato Salad
    • Grilled Halloumi Peach and Tomato Salad
    • Broiled Italian Tomatoes with Garlic and Herbs
    Overhead view of strawberries with balsamic glaze and basil.
    A drizzle of balsamic glaze on fresh strawberries makes a delicious dessert.

    ⏰ How long will it keep?

    To store: Store your homemade balsamic glaze in a glass jar in the fridge. It will last for two to three months.

    To reheat: It may harden in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature or put it in the microwave for 10 seconds.

    🗒 More recipes for seasonings and sauces

    When you make this balsamic vinegar glaze recipe, please leave a comment and a rating below. I love hearing from you! Thanks in advance. Subscribe to my newsletter and receive new recipes delivered straight to your inbox once a week.

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    📖 Recipe

    Balsamic glaze drizzled from a spoon.

    How to Make Balsamic Glaze

    Easy instructions for how to make balsamic glaze with only two ingredients! This recipe makes an amazing balsamic reduction to use on both sweet and savoury dishes.
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Seasonings and Sauces
    Cuisine: Italian
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 12 teaspoons
    Calories: 36kcal
    Author: Elaine
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    small saucepan
    measuring cup

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup balsamic vinegar, good quality
    • ¼ cup brown sugar

    Instructions

    • Combine balsamic vinegar and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
    • Bring the mixture almost to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 - 20 minutes or until the volume has reduced by half. It should coat the back of a spoon and start to feel slightly syrupy.
    • Remove it from the heat. It may seem thin, but it will thicken as it cools.
    • Transfer it to a glass jar and let cool. Once it has cooled completely, use it in your favourite recipe or seal it with a lid and refrigerate it.

    Notes

    Slow and steady heating will work the best. If you quickly bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, you'll risk destroying the flavour of the vinegar. Let it come almost to a boil, then lower the heat and let it reduce by half.
    Watch that it doesn't burn! It's better to remove the glaze from the heat sooner than later. If you're not sure if it has reduced enough, check to see that it coats the back of a spoon. If you think it's too thin, remember that it will thicken as it cools. If it's still too thin once it cools, you can always return it to the heat and reduce it more.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 36kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 30mg | Sugar: 8g | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @enessman or tag #flavourandsavour!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tara

      May 17, 2022 at 10:20 pm

      5 stars
      I will never buy pre-made balsamic glaze ever again! Thank you for this easy recipe!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        May 18, 2022 at 1:07 pm

        Agreed! So easy, no additives, and so very delicious!

        Reply
    2. Vidya Narayan

      May 17, 2022 at 5:22 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is a keeper! I always look for recipes made from scratch. Thanks for the list of things to try with the glaze.. can't wait to try them.

      Reply
      • Elaine

        May 18, 2022 at 1:10 pm

        You're so welcome, Vidya! Thanks for taking the time to comment.

        Reply
    3. Mahy

      May 17, 2022 at 4:15 pm

      5 stars
      I have been looking for an easier way to make the balsamic glaze. Fantastic recipe and just what I need!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        May 18, 2022 at 1:09 pm

        Thanks for your kind words, Mahy!

        Reply
    4. Sharon

      May 17, 2022 at 4:13 pm

      5 stars
      This balsamic glaze is simple enough to make that I can have it on hand to spread on my favorite seafood or chicken dishes.

      Reply
      • Elaine

        May 18, 2022 at 1:09 pm

        Thanks Sharon! I'm happy to hear that!

        Reply
    5. Carrie Robinson

      May 17, 2022 at 2:35 pm

      5 stars
      This is a good recipe and technique to know in the kitchen! 🙂 Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
      • Elaine

        May 18, 2022 at 1:10 pm

        Thanks Carrie. Homemade is "best made."

        Reply
    6. DAMON A RUNYON

      May 13, 2022 at 9:15 am

      HI ELAINE,
      WHERES THE TEN USES FOR THE GLAZE?

      Reply
      • Elaine

        May 13, 2022 at 10:46 am

        Hi Damon, I've included them under the heading Balsamic Vinegar Glaze Uses.

        Reply

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