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    Home » Mediterranean recipes

    Balsamic Glaze Recipe (Balsamic Reduction)

    Published: May 20, 2021 by Shadi HasanzadeNemati · This post may contain affiliate links .

    336 shares
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Balsamic glaze is super easy to make at home. It only takes about 15 minutes and one ingredient to make this easy recipe. This balsamic reduction is perfect for chicken, beef, salads, sandwiches and even desserts. 

    A small creamer of balsamic glaze pouring into a glass jar.

    Homemade sauces and condiments are the best, right? We've got rave reviews for our tahini sauce, aioli and Greek tzatziki, all of which are super easy. This balsamic reduction is another delicious condiment to make at home, much easier than going to the store to buy one. 

    Table Of Contents:
    • About this recipe
    • Why this recipe works
    • Can I substitute the reduction for the vinegar?
    • The ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Usage
    • Storage instructions
    • Frequently asked questions
    • More Italian Recipes
    • Step-by-Step Recipe

    About this recipe

    Balsamic glaze is basically a reduction of balsamic vinegar, hence the alternative name "balsamic reduction". Essentially, balsamic vinegar is simmered in a sauce pan for about 15 minutes until it's reduced in half and has the consistency of maple syrup or warm honey. Sometimes, sweeteners such as white sugar, brown sugar, honey or maple syrup are used to make this recipe. However, when reduced, balsamic reduction gains sweetness even without using a sweetener. 

    Of course, this glaze is available in many supermarkets. That being said, I always prefer to make it at home because it's healthier, and in my opinion, tastier if made with quality balsamic vinegar. Moreover, you can also save time and money by making this glaze at home. 

    If you wonder what homemade balsamic glaze tastes like, it is sweet and tangy. It has a deep intense flavor therefore a little of it would go a long way. It has the consistency of maple syrup or warm honey. 

    Why this recipe works

    When it comes to glazes and condiments, I always prefer homemade to store-bought because I know what goes into a homemade condiment and I can control the additions such as sweeteners. When I was at the store and checked out a bottle of balsamic vinegar glaze, which is available in the oil and vinegar aisle, usually right by the vinegar, I was shocked by the amount of added sugar and preservatives that come in that small squeezable bottle. 

    Therefore I decided to make my own by using only one ingredient: quality balsamic vinegar. It takes just a few minutes to make this tasty glaze at home and you can make a large batch to keep in the fridge and use it on salads or pizza. 

    You can use balsamic glaze on salads, pizza or grilled meat.

    Can I substitute the reduction for the vinegar?

    Substituting one for another depends on the recipe you're making. Balsamic vinegar glaze has the consistency of syrup and is sweeter than the vinegar because of the cooking process therefore usually it's best not to use balsamic vinegar in place of the glaze. 

    The ingredients

    Balsamic reduction is mainly made of balsamic vinegar. Some may add some kind of sweetener to the recipe as well. Here we use honey to make the recipe but I have also made this glaze without any sweetener and it always comes out perfectly. 

    You only need two ingredients for this recipe, balsamic vinegar and honey. You can leave out the honey.

    Instructions

    Making this recipe is quite simple and easy. It's a quick process that takes about 15 to 20 minutes: 

    • Pour the balsamic vinegar and the sweetener (if using) into a saucepan. 
    • Turn the heat on to medium and bring the vinegar to simmer. Stir occasionally to check the consistency.
    • Simmer until the glaze is thick and has the consistency of syrup. The glaze should cover the back of a spoon. 
    • Let it cool and come to room temperature. The glaze will become thicker as it cools. 
    Add the balsamic vinegar to the sauce pan and add honey to it. Stir and simmer until thickened. Drizzle on caprese salad.

    Usage

    There are so many ways to use this homemade glaze. Here are some of our favorites:

    • Salads: From our easy Mediterranean salad to caprese salad or caprese skewers, you can use this glaze to add flavor to salads. 
    • Protein: We love adding this glaze to our caprese stuffed chicken, use it as a marinade to make balsamic chicken or top caprese chicken. You can also use it to glaze chicken kabobs.
    • Pizza: Drizzle a bit of this glaze on a caprese pizza or our favorite Mediterranean pizza for a boost in flavor. 
    • Sandwiches: It pairs very well with avocado caprese sandwich which you can have for a light lunch or dinner. 
    • Pasta: I love serving roasted vegetable pasta with some balsamic reduction on the side. So good! 
    • Vegetables: We enjoy drizzling a bit of balsamic reduction on our oven roasted vegetables, grilled asparagus or make some glazed brussel sprouts and serve them as a side dish. 
    Bottle of balsamic glaze with a spoon in it.

    Storage instructions

    Pour the glaze into a clean glass jar with a tight lid and refrigerate. Balsamic vinegar will lose its flavor if stored at room temperature. 

    Frequently asked questions

    How long does this glaze last?

    Balsamic vinegar glaze usually lasts about one month in the refrigerator. 

    Sweetener, yes or no?

    Many recipes call for a bit of honey, brown sugar or maple syrup to be added to the vinegar when making the glaze. Adding a sweetener to balsamic will reduce the cooking time and add a hint of sweetness to the glaze. You can make balsamic reduction glaze recipe with or without sweetener, depending on how sweet you like the glaze to be. 

    Which balsamic vinegar to use?

    When making balsamic vinegar glaze, it's important to use quality balsamic vinegar. Traditional balsamic vinegar comes from the Modena and Reggio Emilia regions in Italy and the region of origin is normally labeled on the bottle. Balsamic vinegar comes in a variety of sizes and prices therefore make sure you're getting what matches your preference and budget. 

    The glaze should have the consistency of syrup.

    More Italian Recipes

    • Burrata with Tomatoes and Peach
    • Creamy Whipped Ricotta
    • Easy Balsamic Chicken Recipe
    • Homemade Minestrone Soup Recipe

    Did you make this recipe? I'd love to hear about it! Please comment and leave a 5-star🌟 rating below. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest or subscribe to our newsletter to get a free e-Cookbook!

    Step-by-Step Recipe

    Balsamic Glaze Recipe (Balsamic Reduction)

    Shadi HasanzadeNemati
    Balsamic glaze is so easy to make at home. It only takes about 15 minutes and one ingredient to make this easy balsamic reduction recipe. This balsamic glaze is perfect for chicken, beef, salads, sandwiches and even desserts. 
    5 from 25 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 15 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 1 cup
    Calories 481 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cups balsamic vinegar
    • ½ tablespoon honey optional

    Instructions
     

    • Place a saucepan over medium low heat.
    • Pour in balsamic vinegar and honey into the sauce pan. Stir well.
    • Bring the vinegar to a light boil then simmer and stir occasionally for about 15 minutes.
    • Cook the glaze until it's reaches the consistency of syrup. The glaze should cover the back of a spoon.
    • Take the glaze off the heat. Cool and store in a glass jar.

    Video

    Notes

    • You can make this glaze without any sweetener. 
    • There are many ways to use balsamic glaze. Here are a few suggestions:
      • Salads: From our easy Mediterranean salad to caprese salad or caprese skewers, you can use this glaze to add flavor to salads. 
      • Protein: We love adding this glaze to our caprese stuffed chicken recipe. You can also use it to glaze chicken kabobs.
      • Vegetables: We enjoy drizzling a bit of balsamic reduction on our oven roasted vegetables or make some balsamic glazed brussel sprouts and serve them as a side dish. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 481kcalCarbohydrates: 96gProtein: 3gSodium: 118mgPotassium: 571mgSugar: 85gCalcium: 138mgIron: 4mg
    Did you make this recipe? Let us know how it was by leaving a comment and a 5-star review!
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    336 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Natalie

      July 12, 2022 at 4:03 am

      5 stars
      I adore this balsamic glaze, I even tried it on my pizza recipe and it was delicious, thanks!

      Reply
    2. Phoebe

      July 11, 2022 at 2:05 pm

      5 stars
      I felt so fancy making this! Thank you so much for the idea of adding it to sandwiches!

      Reply
    3. Chantry

      June 10, 2022 at 9:05 am

      5 stars
      I love balsamic glaze on my veggie pizza! This is the first time I have made it at home though and it came out so good! Better than the stuff I usually buy.

      Reply
    4. Suja MD

      June 10, 2022 at 8:50 am

      5 stars
      This looks and sounds fabulous! Love this recipe. It's a perfect dish for my family.

      Reply
    5. Toni

      June 10, 2022 at 8:45 am

      5 stars
      I love how quick and easy this is!

      Reply
    6. Andrea

      June 10, 2022 at 7:10 am

      5 stars
      I'm already thinking of all sorts of dishes I want to put this fabulous balsamic glaze on. Yum!

      Reply
    7. GUNJAN

      June 10, 2022 at 6:51 am

      5 stars
      This is what I was exactly looking glaze. its a wonderful recipe and I am so excited to try it today itself.

      Reply
    8. estela

      June 01, 2022 at 9:02 am

      5 stars
      will never buy again just made it and its perfect i used a good balsamic vinegar

      Reply
      • Shadi HasanzadeNemati

        June 01, 2022 at 1:10 pm

        Glad you enjoyed this!

        Reply
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    336 shares