This homemade ketchup recipe brings the classic condiment straight to your kitchen in just 25 minutes. Skip the store-bought versions and craft a rich, flavorful sauce that perfectly balances natural sweetness with tangy notes.
Whether you’re a health-conscious cook or simply love creating from scratch, this nutrient-packed ketchup delivers impressive amounts of Vitamin A and C while letting you control exactly what goes into your food. Best of all, it requires only 5 minutes of prep time for a sauce that’ll elevate your burgers, fries, and favorite dishes.
Ingredients for Homemade Ketchup
- Tomato Base: 6 oz tomato paste and 8 oz tomato sauce for rich consistency
- Sweeteners: 2 tablespoons each of light brown sugar and granulated sugar for balanced sweetness
- Liquids: 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar and 2/3 cup water for perfect consistency
- Seasonings: 3/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground for best results
- Aromatics: 1/4 tsp each of garlic and onion powder for depth of flavor
- Extras: A dash of ground cinnamon, optional dash of crushed red pepper or hot sauce for kick
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine: Mix all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat, ensuring even incorporation
- Initial Cook: Bring mixture to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 20 minutes, remembering to stir frequently for smooth consistency
- Cool Down: Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before transferring
- Storage: Transfer to a clean glass pint jar or container with lid, keeps fresh for up to 2 weeks when refrigerated
- Customize: Feel free to adjust sweeteners and spices to match your taste preference
Recipe Variations
Want to make this ketchup your own? Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist, or boost the sweetness with a splash of maple syrup instead of brown sugar. For a spicier kick, double the crushed red pepper or add a few drops of your favorite hot sauce.
Going sugar-free? Replace the sugars with monk fruit sweetener or stevia – just start with small amounts and taste as you go!
Storage Tips
Your homemade ketchup will stay fresh in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid for up to 2 weeks in the fridge. Glass containers work best since they won’t stain like plastic ones might.
A mason jar with a screw-top lid is perfect! Want to keep it longer? You can freeze portions in ice cube trays, then pop them into a freezer bag – they’ll last up to 6 months.
Serving Ideas
This ketchup is amazing on classic favorites like burgers and fries, but don’t stop there! Try it as a base for quick Russian dressing by mixing with mayonnaise, or blend it into your favorite BBQ sauce recipe.
It adds wonderful flavor to meatloaf and works great as a dip for roasted sweet potato wedges. Kids love it as a pizza sauce alternative too!
Quick Tips
Give your ketchup a good stir before each use – natural separation is normal! For the smoothest texture, blend the finished ketchup with an immersion blender. If it gets too thick after storing, just mix in a tiny splash of water. Remember to label your jar with the date you made it!
Homemade Ketchup
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
Ingredients
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2/3 cup water
- 3/4 tsp salt or more, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or more, to taste
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1 dash ground cinnamon
- 1 dash crushed red pepper or hot sauce optional
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring well.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat.
- Store in a glass pint jar or other glass container with a lid, in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Sweeteners and spices can be adjusted, to taste.
