Make a batch of this easy balsamic glaze in about 10 minutes and without adding any sugar! You'll have an amazing balsamic drizzle for a caprese chicken sandwich, salad or even ice cream!

If you love dips, dressings and seasonings, you're going to love all the creative ways you can use this unbelievably simple balsamic glaze. And you're going to love even more that it can be made in around 10 minutes!
Sure you can buy it (Trader Joe's balsamic is a good option) but making your own balsamic syrup is so economical. And it's made without adding extra sugar and uses the balsamic vinegar already sitting on your pantry shelf!
To quote Ina, "how easy is that?"
One ingredient balsamic reduction
I wasn't kidding when I said one ingredient and that one ingredient is...drumroll, please....
BALSAMIC VINEGAR.
This is probably the fastest post I've ever written for one of the fastest recipes I've made(sort of like this Italian arugula salad which a drizzle of this balsamic syrup would be killer on!)
How to use balsamic glaze
Ready for some ways to use balsamic glaze? Because, my friend, I've got 'em!
- Chicken and turkey recipes. That juicy Caprese chicken sandwich pictured above is next level thanks to this yummy balsamic glaze!
- Salads. I already mentioned the arugula salad but the bacon in this Italian Chopped Salad would sing with a little balsamic sweetness! So would this Butternut Squash and Apple Salad!
- Bread based recipes. Dip some homemade Italian focaccia in a bowl of olive oil sprinkled with drops of balsamic drizzle.
- Decoration. Accessorize a white plate with dots of this thick, syrupy balsamic alongside a piece of butternut squash crostata. Your guests will be licking their plates!
- Topping for ice cream. You won't believe what balsamic glaze does to vanilla ice cream. It's the sweet and savory combo you didn't know you needed!
Equipment needed
A small saucepan (2 or 4 qt. is best) and a silicone spatula is all you need! You can use a wooden spoon too but it'll absorb some of the balsamic and be a little stickier.
10 minute step by step process
- Add ½ cup of balsamic vinegar to a small saucepan [1] and turn a burner on to medium.
- Once the balsamic starts to bubble, lower the heat and simmer. After 6 minutes or so, the syrup will not completely coat the back of the ladle, as shown [2].
- In 4 more minutes, the back of the spoon will be coated with the glaze [3].
- The whole process takes all of 10 minutes and you'll end up with about ¼ cup of gorgeous balsamic glaze [4].
- Cool completely.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 months.
FAQ's
Do I have to refrigerate balsamic glaze?
Nope! Balsamic glaze can be kept in a dark pantry just like balsamic vinegar.
Can I freeze the glaze?
I don't recommend freezing the glaze as that will add excess water when it defrosts and change the texture.
Help! My balsamic glaze got too thick! Can I thin out a too thick glaze?
Yes! Just gently heat it in the saucepan for a few seconds and you'll be good to go!
📖 Recipe
Easy 10 Minute Balsamic Glaze
Equipment
- small saucepan I use a 4 qt saucepan
Ingredients
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar, I use Costco's
Instructions
- Add ½ cup of balsamic vinegar to a small saucepan and turn a burner on to medium.
- Once the balsamic starts to bubble, lower the heat to very low and simmer. The whole process takes all of 10 minutes.
- Cool completely.
Notes
- Chicken and turkey recipes.
- Salads. Italian Chopped Salad would sing with a little balsamic sweetness! So would this Butternut Squash and Apple Salad!
- Bread based recipes. Dip some homemade Italian focaccia in a bowl of olive oil sprinkled with drops of balsamic drizzle.
- Accessorize a white plate with dots of this thick, syrupy balsamic with beef or pork. Your guests will be licking their plates!
- Topping for ice cream. You won't believe what balsamic glaze does to vanilla ice cream. It's the sweet and savory combo you didn't know you needed!
Just used this for salmon tonight and it was delicious!!
So glad you liked it Lauren! Thank you for taking the time to let me know!😊
Can't wait to make this balsamic glaze recipe. I have some really good bread from a local bakery that would be amazing with a little balsamic glaze dip. And I love that there's no added sugar. Perfect!
Ooo John I love bread and balsamic together too! Enjoy and thanks for taking the time to comment!