These balsamic roasted strawberries are the perfect addition to SO MANY dishes. Whether you want to dress up a log of goat cheese or add some sweetness to creamy baked brie, this easy recipe is sure to become one of your favorites!
If you're like me, there is an infectious joy that wells up inside of you when strawberry season rolls around again. Gone are the days of yellow-hearted impersonators, and at last are the days of sweet, fresh berries, bursting with flavor and fragrance – Oh! The fragrance!
Greenhouse strawberries are doing GOOD work, but they will never smell like the sweet strawberries of Spring, let's be real.
One of the best ways to enjoy the abundance of strawberries is a simple dish that both celebrates and enhances their natural goodness. Enter balsamic strawberries.
Why You'll Love It:
- Versatile. Whether you want to add a burst of sweetness and flavor to baked brie or spoon it on top of a mound of vanilla ice cream, these roasted strawberries are the perfect touch.
- Simple ingredients. All you need is fresh strawberries, sugar, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt.
- Conversation starter. If you're having guests, serve them this sweet, tangy, and savory combo and ask them what they think.
Ingredients
- Strawberries: Fresh, seasonal strawberries work the best. You want them to be juicy and bright red. Avoid overripe strawberries, but it's okay if they have a few soft spots.
- Balsamic vinegar: A splash of balsamic vinegar adds a tanginess that provides the perfect balance of flavors. Use a good quality aged vinegar if possible. Don't confuse this with balsamic glaze, which is a reduction that's used for finishing only.
- Sugar: I recommend using granulated sugar, but you can use a drizzle of honey or maple syrup if you prefer.
- Salt: A pinch of salt helps brighten the prominent flavors. Don't worry – it won't make the finished dish taste "salty."
How to Make Balsamic Roasted Strawberries
Aged balsamic vinegar is tangy, while a little sugar (or maple syrup) helps keep a balance of sweetness. Roast them in the oven, and when they're done, you'll have a great way to add flavor to charcuterie boards, baked brie, ice cream, or even your morning bowl of Greek yogurt.
- Prepare the strawberries. Wash, dry, and hull whole berries. Leave smaller berries whole and slice large ones in half. Add them to a baking dish, then sprinkle with sugar (or maple syrup) and a pinch of salt.
- Stir to coat. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, then stir well to coat the berries.
- Roast in the oven. Bake in a 375ºF (190ºC) oven for 30-35 minutes or until the berries are soft, fragrant, and enveloped in a fruity sauce.
Serve immediately or cool and chill for later use (especially if using as a dessert topping or filling).
Storing Leftovers
Allow the roasted strawberries to cool down before transferring the leftovers to an airtight container. Keep them refrigerated for up to 4 days, serving either chilled or warmed, depending on how you want to use them.
Ways to Use Roasted Strawberries
- Baked brie
- On top of ice cream
- Whipped ricotta, goat cheese, or feta
- Spooned on top of softened cream cheese
- Cheesecake topping
- Tiramisu
- Served with soft cheese and crackers
- Baked into pastries
Baked Brie with Balsamic Strawberries
A fun variation is to add this sweet and tangy combo to our favorite creamy and savory appetizer: baked brie!
- Bake your brie. Score the top of the cheese (if desired) and bake in a 350ºF (180ºC) oven for 20-30 minutes, or just until the center is easily depressed and melty (do not overbake - the cheese will harden). The time require will depend on the size of the wheel; larger wheels need longer time, while smaller wheels need less time.
- Spoon on the topping. Add warmed balsamic roasted strawberries to the top of the bubbling brie.
- Garnish and serve. Top with fresh basil (if desired), and serve with crostini, fresh bread slices, or crackers of your choice.
Top Tip: Use lower-fat brie cheese when making baked brie. Triple creme becomes nearly liquid and is better enjoyed fresh. Lower cost options work best for baking – you can even use Camembert.
Expert Tips
- Opt for in-season. When it comes to strawberries, nothing compares to the spring flush! They are red to the core and pack so much more flavor.
- Good quality ingredients. Especially in simple recipes with just a few components, the quality of the ingredients matters! Use the best balsamic vinegar that you have on hand.
- Experiment with flavor. Once you taste the finished result, try adding your own special touch (test a small sample size first). A few cracks of black pepper, a drizzle of balsamic reduction, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can tailor this delicious recipe to your exact preference.
Recipe FAQs
I don't recommend using a baking sheet as the liquid evaporates quickly over the larger surface, resulting in less "juicy" results that are more prone to scorching.
No! As long as enough liquid releases from the strawberries, no added oil is required to roast your berries.
If your oven runs "hot" or you want something closer to stewed strawberries, you can reduce the oven temperature and go "slow and low" instead.
More Strawberry Recipes
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Balsamic Roasted Strawberries
Ingredients
- 1 quart fresh strawberries about 2 ½-3 cups
- 2 ½ tablespoons sugar or honey/maple syrup*
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar aged, good quality
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF (190ºC).
- Prepare the strawberries by washing, drying, and removing the hulls. Leave smaller berries whole, but slice any large ones in half.
- Place the prepared berries in a medium baking dish (7.5x10.5” or 9x9”) and sprinkle with sugar (or maple syrup/honey) and salt.
- Drizzle in the balsamic vinegar, then stir to coat the strawberries in the sugar and balsamic vinegar.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, stirring once during the baking time if possible. The strawberries are done when they are very soft and fragrant – don’t overcook them, as the sugar can burn.
- Serve immediately if you’re using it as a baked brie topping, or cool and chill for several hours if you’re using it to top desserts or as a soft spread.
Notes
- Baked brie
- Ice cream topping
- Cheesecake topping
- Whipped ricotta or feta
- As a spread with soft cheese and crackers
- Added to a charcuterie board
- Baked into pastries or croissants
Nutrition
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Dolly (Maritime Country Kitchen)
We love this recipe for all sorts of applications. It's an interesting flavor combination that everyone loves to comment on, so it's perfect for dinner parties. One of our favorite recipes to make during the Spring months.