Sometimes the simple homemade condiments, like this balsamic glaze, are the ones that will make a meal seem like it was cooked by a pro chef!
This glaze is made with just two ingredients, balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. These are cooked down to make a sweet and thick syrupy sauce.
A homemade balsamic glaze recipe is great for sprucing up all kinds of dishes, from burgers to chicken, vegetables, and even roasted veggies or cheese!
What is Balsamic Glaze?
A balsamic glaze is a thick syrupy sauce (also called balsamic reduction) that is made by simmering balsamic vinegar (and a bit of brown sugar). The taste is sweet and tangy, perfect for drizzling on everything from meats to caprese salad.
- A balsamic glaze needs just two ingredients, there isn’t much prep time.
- The brown sugar gives the sauce a delicious sweetness, while the balsamic vinegar gives it slightly tangy flavor.
- Versatility is the name for this sauce. Because it is so sweet and mild, it can be drizzled over so many dishes.
Ingredients & Variations
Vinegar – Unlike the lighter generic varieties of vinegar, balsamic is a dark and robust vinegar with a deep flavor.
When buying vinegar for this recipe, use the balsamic vinegar of Modena which comes from Italy. It is more suited for cooking and reducing. (Check out the ingredients on the bottle; grapes will be listed as the first ingredient, not wine vinegar.)
Sweetener – Brown sugar is the sugar of choice for this recipe. However, don’t hesitate to replace it with some honey, a little bit of molasses, or maple syrup.
How to Make Balsamic Glaze
Simplicity and sweetness are everything for this glaze!
- Combine sugar and vinegar in a saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
- Cool and enjoy!
How to Use Balsamic Glaze
It won’t be hard to use up this glaze!
- Use it as a simple dipping sauce for crusty pieces of bakery-style or homemade French bread with a smear of goat cheese or try drizzling over pizza or pasta.
- Drizzle it over air fryer steak, grilled pork chops, air fryer salmon, a roast, or chicken on the grill.
- It’s great over roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, beets, or broccoli.
- This glaze is great over fruits or fruit based salads too. Try it with peaches, strawberries or even drizzle a little balsamic vinegar glaze over vanilla ice cream.
How to Store Balsamic Glaze
The great thing about balsamic vinegar is that it does not need to be stored in the fridge. Store in glass jars in the cupboard for about a year!
That being said, it can be refrigerated but this will affect its consistency, making it thick and less easy to drizzle.
Favorite Flavor Boosters
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Balsamic Glaze
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Combine balsamic vinegar and brown sugar in a small saucepan.
- Simmer over medium heat for 15-20 minutes or until the mixture is thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
- Cool completely and store at room temperature.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Dressing, Sauce
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