Roasted balsamic strawberries are a sweet and tangy treat that can elevate any dessert. With just a handful of ingredients, this dish becomes a simple yet delicious option for your next gathering or cozy evening at home.
This recipe resolves issues of unbalanced sweetness and mushy texture often found in roasted fruit dishes, providing a better flavor and visual appeal.
I remember the first time I made these strawberries; they were a bit too soft for my liking. But with some practice, I learned how to get them to caramelize beautifully without becoming mushy, solving the challenge of achieving that perfect texture. It truly brightens up any meal, whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends.
What’s great about this recipe is how quickly it comes together, just five minutes of prep followed by a quick roast in the oven for about 25 minutes. You’ll end up with strawberries that are bursting with flavor and ready to top your favorite dessert or simply enjoy on their own.
If you’re craving more strawberry goodness, check out my Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu for another delightful dessert.
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor Profile The natural sweetness of strawberries shines through when paired with balsamic vinegar. This combination creates a sweet-and-sour bite that tantalizes your taste buds, making it a standout treat.
- Unique Roasting Technique Roasting the strawberries draws out their juices and intensifies their flavor, resulting in a warm, luscious topping that can enhance various dishes like pancakes or ice cream.
- Easy to Prepare With just five minutes of prep time and a quick roast in the oven, you can whip up this dessert with minimal effort, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet experience without the hassle.
- Long-lasting Freshness Roasted balsamic strawberries store well in the fridge for several days, making them a convenient make-ahead option for snacks or desserts throughout the week.
Roasted Balsamic Strawberries Dessert
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cool Time:
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious roasted balsamic strawberries, perfect for desserts or toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) fresh strawberries, ripe and bright red without soft spots
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) balsamic vinegar, preferably aged for rich flavor
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey, mild variety preferred (maple syrup can be substituted)
- Freshly cracked black pepper, a pinch for subtle warmth (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, vibrant green, for garnish (optional)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small bowl
- Whisk or fork for mixing
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Preheating ensures even roasting so the strawberries caramelize without burning.
- Step 2: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Step 3: Spread the strawberries evenly across the prepared parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) space between them. This spacing prevents steaming and promotes uniform roasting.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and honey until combined. This glaze balances the natural tartness and sweetness of the strawberries.
- Step 5: Drizzle the balsamic-honey mixture over the strawberries, then gently toss to coat them evenly. Arrange them back into a single layer on the parchment.
- Step 6: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25 minutes. The strawberries are done when they begin to soften, release their juices, and look bubbly and fragrant around the edges. Visual cues are important indicators of readiness.
- Step 7: Remove the strawberries from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, serve as desired.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container away from direct sunlight and heat for up to 1 day.
- Refrigeration: Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature briefly before serving to reduce chill.
- Freezing: Spread roasted strawberries on a tray and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer bag and store up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.
- To avoid mushy strawberries, start checking for doneness around 20 minutes; remove them once bubbling and slight caramelization are evident.
- Prevent uneven roasting by spacing berries at least 1 inch apart.
- If edges burn, reduce oven temperature by 25°F (approximately 14°C) and rotate the baking sheet halfway through roasting.
- For less sweet results, reduce honey to 2 teaspoons if your strawberries are very ripe.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment to prevent sticking and make cleanup quicker.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Ingredient Notes
- Strawberries: Look for ripe, bright red berries without any soft spots. They bring natural sweetness and acidity, elevating the dish.
- Balsamic vinegar: Aged balsamic vinegar delivers rich flavors. Choose a good quality brand, as it’s key for creating the syrupy glaze that’s perfect for drizzling.
- Honey: I like using a mild honey to balance the acidity of the vinegar. It adds a touch of natural sweetness to the strawberries; maple syrup works too.
- Fresh basil: Select vibrant green leaves. Fresh basil adds a unique herbaceous note, enhancing the overall freshness of the dessert. Dried basil won’t give the same punch.
- Black pepper: A pinch of freshly cracked black pepper surprisingly brings out the flavors of the strawberries, giving a hint of warmth. Just don’t overdo it!
- Strawberries: Look for ripe, bright red berries without any soft spots. They bring natural sweetness and acidity, elevating the dish.
- Balsamic vinegar: Aged balsamic vinegar delivers rich flavors. Choose a good quality brand, as it’s key for creating the syrupy glaze that’s perfect for drizzling.
- Honey: I like using a mild honey to balance the acidity of the vinegar. It adds a touch of natural sweetness to the strawberries; maple syrup works too.
- Fresh basil: Select vibrant green leaves. Fresh basil adds a unique herbaceous note, enhancing the overall freshness of the dessert. Dried basil won’t give the same punch.
- Black pepper: A pinch of freshly cracked black pepper surprisingly brings out the flavors of the strawberries, giving a hint of warmth. Just don’t overdo it!
Recipe Tips
- If strawberries are too mushy after roasting, check them 20 minutes in; remove if they’re bubbling and slightly caramelized.
- When uneven roasting occurs, space strawberries apart on the baking sheet; aim for at least 1 inch distance for consistent results.
- If you notice burning edges, lower the oven temperature by 25 degrees and rotate the baking sheet after 15 minutes to promote even cooking.
- For a less sweet outcome, reduce honey to 2 teaspoons; this adjustment works well if strawberries are particularly ripe.
- If cleaning up is a hassle, line your baking sheet with parchment paper before roasting to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve roasted balsamic strawberries with creamy whipped mascarpone or Greek yogurt for a delicious combination. They also pair well with almond flour pancakes and gluten-free waffles.
Use to make a strawberry balsamic tart or add to a spinach salad with goat cheese and candied walnuts. Mix into overnight oats for a sweet breakfast option or blend into smoothies for added flavor.
Top with a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of chopped fresh mint for brightness. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dairy-free ice cream for a richer touch.
Recipe variations
- You can use fresh or frozen strawberries for roasting; fresh strawberries yield the best flavor and texture with about 1 pound needed for this recipe.
- Add 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of honey to the strawberries before roasting for a balanced sweet and tangy flavor profile.
- Either parchment-lined or lightly oiled baking sheets can be used to roast the strawberries evenly and avoid sticking during the 25-minute cooking time.
- If making for more than four people, double the strawberries, balsamic vinegar, and honey amounts; roast in batches to maintain even cooking and caramelization.
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How to Store?
To keep your roasted balsamic strawberries fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Place strawberries in an airtight container. Store at room temperature up to 1 day. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Refrigeration: Transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Before serving, allow to sit briefly to reduce chill.
Freezing: Spread strawberries on a tray. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Store up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
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