Name: Homemade Ketchup Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste; 1/2 cup water; 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 1/4 cup honey or sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon; Pinch of black pepper

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If you’ve ever wished for a ketchup that’s fresher, brighter, and more flavorful than anything you can find on a store shelf, this Homemade Ketchup Recipe is your new pantry hero. It comes together in just 25 minutes, blends classic spices with natural sweetness, and is free from the mystery ingredients found in most bottled versions. Whether you’re slathering it on fries, burgers, or using it as a base for marinades, this Homemade Ketchup Recipe will add a homemade touch to any meal, and once you taste it, you’ll never look at the store-bought stuff the same way again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the magic of this Homemade Ketchup Recipe is how everyday ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each component plays a key role in building that familiar, craveable flavor and vibrant color you expect from ketchup—only fresher and more customizable.

Tomato Paste: The concentrated tomato base gives the ketchup its rich color and signature thickness—no watery ketchup here!
Water: Essential for achieving just the right pourable consistency; adjust to your personal preference.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings the perfect tang and a touch of fruitiness that brightens the entire sauce.
Honey or Sugar: Adds classic sweetness; choose honey for depth or sugar/maple syrup for a vegan-friendly twist.
Salt: Balances and enhances all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
Onion Powder: Lends a subtle savory note that rounds out the ketchup beautifully.
Garlic Powder: For a gentle, aromatic kick that makes this ketchup irresistible.
Ground Allspice: Adds a hint of warmth and complexity you’ll notice in every bite.
Ground Cloves: A little goes a long way, offering a distinctive depth and spice.
Cinnamon: Gives a whisper of sweetness and warmth, reminiscent of the best classic ketchups.
Black Pepper: Just a pinch for a bit of subtle heat and contrast.

How to Make Homemade Ketchup Recipe

Step 1: Blend Tomato Paste and Water

Start by whisking the tomato paste and water together in a medium saucepan over medium heat. You want a perfectly smooth base, so take a minute to really blend out any lumps. This creates the foundation for your Homemade Ketchup Recipe and ensures every spoonful is silky and thick.

Step 2: Add Vinegar, Sweetener, and Spices

Next, stir in the apple cider vinegar, honey or sugar, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, allspice, cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper. This is where the ketchup starts to smell absolutely amazing! Each spice adds a layer of flavor, so don’t rush this step—enjoy the transformation as everything melds together.

Step 3: Simmer and Thicken

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat and let it cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks, and watch as the Homemade Ketchup Recipe thickens to your ideal consistency. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor gets.

Step 4: Adjust and Cool

Taste your ketchup and adjust the sweetness, tang, or seasoning if needed—this is your chance to make it truly your own! Once you’re happy, let the ketchup cool completely. This helps the flavors settle and develop even more depth.

Step 5: Store and Enjoy

Transfer the cooled ketchup to a clean jar or squeeze bottle. Pop it in the fridge, and it’ll keep beautifully for up to three weeks. Now, you’re ready to enjoy homemade ketchup whenever the craving strikes!

How to Serve Homemade Ketchup Recipe

Garnishes

While ketchup is usually served as-is, a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a dash of smoked paprika right before serving can add an extra pop of flavor. For a touch of elegance, try a tiny drizzle of olive oil or a scatter of minced fresh herbs like chives or parsley on top of the Homemade Ketchup Recipe.

Side Dishes

Ketchup’s best friends are, of course, crispy fries and juicy burgers, but don’t stop there! Serve this Homemade Ketchup Recipe with roasted potatoes, sweet potato wedges, or even as a dipping sauce for chicken tenders, fish sticks, or veggie nuggets. It’s the perfect companion for any comfort food spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the squeeze bottle! Spoon your Homemade Ketchup Recipe into a small ramekin for a restaurant-style touch, or swirl it onto plates as a base for sliders and finger foods. For parties, offer it in mini shot glasses or mason jars alongside a platter of dippable snacks—guests will love the homemade touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Homemade Ketchup Recipe stores wonderfully in the fridge. Simply pour it into a clean jar or airtight container, and it will stay fresh and flavorful for up to three weeks. Always use a clean spoon when serving to maintain its quality and prevent any spoilage.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch, freezing is a great option! Portion the ketchup into ice cube trays or small containers, freeze until solid, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. Thaw only what you need, and enjoy homemade ketchup for months to come.

Reheating

If your ketchup thickens too much after refrigeration or freezing, simply stir in a splash of water and warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. This will bring it right back to that perfect, pourable consistency without losing any of its vibrant flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this Homemade Ketchup Recipe without refined sugar?

Absolutely! Swap the honey for pure maple syrup or use coconut sugar for a refined sugar-free version. These alternatives will add their own subtle flavors and keep your ketchup deliciously sweet.

Is this ketchup suitable for vegans?

Yes, it’s easy to make this Homemade Ketchup Recipe vegan—just use sugar or maple syrup instead of honey. The result is every bit as tasty and completely plant-based.

How can I make my ketchup spicier?

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce during the simmering step. Start small and taste as you go, so you get just the right kick!

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato paste?

For this quick version, tomato paste is best because it gives the ketchup that bold, concentrated flavor. If you want to use fresh tomatoes, you’ll need to cook them down significantly and strain out the skins and seeds for a smooth result.

How do I achieve a thinner or thicker consistency?

For a thinner ketchup, simply whisk in more water until you reach your desired texture. To thicken, simmer the mixture for a few extra minutes, keeping a close eye so it doesn’t scorch at the bottom.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Homemade Ketchup Recipe, you’ll be amazed at how easy and rewarding it is to whip up your own condiment. The flavor is fresher, the ingredients are real, and you’re in complete control of the taste. Give it a go—your fries, burgers, and taste buds will thank you!

Homemade Ketchup Recipe

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4.7 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 1 cup 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This homemade ketchup recipe offers a healthy and flavorful alternative to store-bought versions. Made with simple pantry ingredients like tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and honey, this condiment is rich in taste and easy to customize. Perfect for those seeking a natural, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly ketchup, it simmers gently on the stovetop to develop a perfectly thick and tangy sauce that complements any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup honey or sugar

Seasonings

1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of black pepper

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Instructions

Combine tomato paste and water: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the tomato paste and water until smooth to create the base of the ketchup.
Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the apple cider vinegar, honey or sugar, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, allspice, cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper evenly into the mixture.
Simmer the mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to thicken to your desired consistency.
Adjust seasonings: Taste the ketchup and adjust sweetness or tang by adding more honey or vinegar if necessary.
Cool and store: Remove from heat and allow the ketchup to cool completely. Transfer it to a clean jar or squeeze bottle, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Notes

For a thinner consistency, add more water gradually until desired texture is reached.
Adjust sweetness or acidity by varying the amounts of honey/sugar or vinegar according to taste preferences.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Make it vegan by substituting honey with sugar or maple syrup.
Store in the refrigerator and use within 3 weeks for optimal freshness.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Condiment
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American