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BySharon Rhodes
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Discover how to make Balsamic Glaze with this easy recipe. Also known as a balsamic reduction which explains how this sweet dressing is made – by reducing balsamic vinegar down to a syrupy sauce to be added to salads, roasted vegetables, and more!
![How To Make Balsamic Glaze - Balsamic Reduction Recipe (1) How To Make Balsamic Glaze - Balsamic Reduction Recipe (1)](https://i0.wp.com/thehonoursystem.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/balsamic-glaze-recipe-3-683x1024.jpg)
I had been familiar with balsamic reductions from higher-end restaurants that used them to finish off plates like lovely salads, chicken dishes, and more and I wondered how do you make balsamic glaze from scratch?
It turns out, it’s not that difficult!
![How To Make Balsamic Glaze - Balsamic Reduction Recipe (2) How To Make Balsamic Glaze - Balsamic Reduction Recipe (2)](https://i0.wp.com/thehonoursystem.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/balsamic-glaze-recipe-2-1024x683.jpg)
HOW TO MAKE BALSAMIC GLAZE
Is balsamic glaze the same as balsamic reduction? They are! In this recipe, I don’t use any sweetener because when the vinegar reduces I find it sweet enough, but they are in fact the same thing.
What is balsamic glaze made from? Balsamic glaze is simply balsamic vinegar reduced down to a syrup-like consistency by heating it.
Here is what you need:
- balsamic vinegar
- honey or sugar (totally optional and I mostly make it without)
And that is it!
![How To Make Balsamic Glaze - Balsamic Reduction Recipe (3) How To Make Balsamic Glaze - Balsamic Reduction Recipe (3)](https://i0.wp.com/thehonoursystem.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/balsamic-glaze-recipe-7-702x1024.jpg)
The whole thing takes about twenty minutes and will really clear out your sinuses if you want a good nasal cleansing. Whew!
Basically, heat the vinegar to a low bubbling boil and stir until it reduces to half the amount. I like to use a whisk and keep stirring at a regular consistent pace so that nothing burns. It takes about twenty minutes but if you use a sweetener like honey or sugar the reducing time will be less. More like eight to ten minutes.
Watch to see when it coats the back of a spoon.
![How To Make Balsamic Glaze - Balsamic Reduction Recipe (4) How To Make Balsamic Glaze - Balsamic Reduction Recipe (4)](https://i0.wp.com/thehonoursystem.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/balsamic-glaze-recipe-8-1024x683.jpg)
Once the balsamic glaze has reached the desired consistency you will want to remove your pan from the heat and place it on a trivet to cool down. It will reduce more while it cools.
FAQ
Are balsamic vinegar and balsamic glaze the same thing? Nope! The glaze or reduction is a cooked down version.
Heating the vinegar mellows the flavour and changes it from tasting acidic to capturing both a mildly sweet and savoury flavour.
What do you use balsamic glaze for? Use it in a salad dressing, drizzle over chicken or salmon. Balsamic reduction is also ah-mazing over cheese. Goat cheese or perhaps a mozzarella.
Here are some recipes using balsamic glaze:
- Balsamic Strawberries with Mint and Cracked Black Pepper
- Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese and Roasted Sweet Potato
- Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
- BBQ Chicken Pizza Toast <<—drizzle on this!!
![How To Make Balsamic Glaze - Balsamic Reduction Recipe (5) How To Make Balsamic Glaze - Balsamic Reduction Recipe (5)](https://i0.wp.com/thehonoursystem.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/balsamic-glaze-recipe-6-683x1024.jpg)
Is balsamic reduction bad for you? Not if you take it easy on the sweetener. A lot of store-bought products use sugar so I cannot vouch for them. As mentioned before the sweetener in this recipe is optional and if you do use it I recommend a natural source like honey or coconut sugar.
How long does balsamic reduction last? Up to a month.
Should I refrigerate balsamic reduction? It’s not necessary. Store it in a sealed glass jar in a cool, dark spot.
![How To Make Balsamic Glaze - Balsamic Reduction Recipe (6) How To Make Balsamic Glaze - Balsamic Reduction Recipe (6)](https://i0.wp.com/thehonoursystem.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/balsamic-glaze-recipe-5-683x1024.jpg)
Originally posted November 24, 2014. Updated November 17, 2020.
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How To Make Balsamic Glaze
Sharon Rhodes
4.98 from 102 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Resting time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 29 kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey or coconut sugar (optional)
Instructions
Pour the vinegar (and sweetener if using) into a small saucepan.
Over medium heat, bring the vinegar to a low boil.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture lightly simmer, whisking every couple of minutes to make sure nothing sticks and burns.
When the vinegar has reduced in half, it should coat a spoon in thickness. If you use just the vinegar this will take about fifteen to twenty minutes. If you used a sweetener it will take less time – about eight to ten minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool down completely.
Transfer the balsamic glaze to a glass jar with a lid. This will keep stored in a cool, dark spot for up to a month.
Nutrition
Calories: 29kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 1gSodium: 5mgPotassium: 24mgSugar: 6gCalcium: 6mgIron: 1mg
Keyword balsamic reduction recipe, how to make balsamic glaze
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