Easy Homemade Ketchup Recipe

There’s something so satisfying about making your own condiments, and this Easy Homemade Ketchup Recipe takes your favorite classic to a whole new level. Sweet, tangy, and perfectly spiced, this ketchup is packed with rich tomato flavor and has no hidden ingredients—just wholesome goodness you can feel good about serving.

Whether you’re dipping fries, spreading it on a burger, or adding it to your favorite recipes, this homemade ketchup is a game-changer. Bonus? It’s easier to make than you think and keeps well in the fridge or freezer. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never look at store-bought ketchup the same way!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful: Sweet, tangy, and perfectly spiced, this ketchup is far superior to the bottled stuff.
• Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, tang, and spices to suit your taste.
• Wholesome Ingredients: No artificial additives, just real food goodness.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors get better with time, so it’s perfect for prepping ahead.

this Recipe

Ingredients in Easy Homemade Ketchup Recipe

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Here’s what makes this ketchup so delicious and versatile:

• Olive Oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps sauté the aromatics.
• Sweet Onion: Provides a mild, natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Garlic: Infuses the ketchup with savory, aromatic goodness.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that forms the base of this recipe.
• Crushed Tomatoes: The heart of the ketchup, providing a rich, tangy base.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and enhances the natural flavors of the tomatoes.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings the signature tang to the ketchup.
• Spices: A blend of kosher salt, ground mustard, cloves, and allspice adds warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.

Variations

Make this ketchup your own with these fun twists:

• Spicy Ketchup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Smoky Ketchup: Stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky barbecue-style flavor.
• Sugar-Free Option: Use a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit to reduce the sugar content.
• Herb-Infused: Add a sprig of thyme or rosemary while simmering for a subtle herbal note.

How to Make Easy Homemade Ketchup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced sweet onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Tomato Paste

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen its flavor. This step enhances the richness of the ketchup.

Step 3: Build the Base

Reduce the heat to low and pour in the crushed tomatoes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, kosher salt, ground mustard, cloves, and allspice. Stir until well combined.

Step 4: Blend Until Smooth

Using an immersion blender, puree the mixture directly in the saucepan until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a blender and puree in batches. Be careful as the mixture will be hot!

Step 5: Simmer

Bring the ketchup to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer uncovered for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency. Use a splatter screen if needed to minimize mess.

Step 6: Strain (Optional)

If you prefer ultra-smooth ketchup, pass the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any remaining texture.

Step 7: Cool and Store

Let the ketchup cool slightly, then transfer it to a glass jar or airtight container. Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Simmer for Flavor: The longer you let the ketchup simmer, the richer and more concentrated the flavor becomes.
• Fine-Tune the Texture: Use a fine mesh sieve to achieve a silky smooth finish if desired.
• Double the Batch: Make extra ketchup and freeze it for future use—it keeps beautifully.

How to Serve

This homemade ketchup is as versatile as it is delicious. Pair it with:

• Classic Fries: A match made in heaven for crispy golden fries.
• Burgers and Sandwiches: Elevates your favorite grilled creations with a fresh, tangy kick.
• Marinades and Sauces: Use as a base for barbecue sauce, meatloaf glaze, or other savory recipes.

Make Ahead and Storage

• To Refrigerate: Store in a glass jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 month.
• To Freeze: Freeze in small, airtight containers for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
• To Reheat: Let the ketchup come to room temperature or warm gently on the stovetop if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used! Blanch and peel them first, then cook them down before adding the other ingredients.

2. How do I make the ketchup less sweet?

Reduce the amount of brown sugar or balance it with an extra splash of vinegar for more tang.

3. Can I make this recipe sugar-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the brown sugar with your favorite sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.

4. What if my ketchup is too thick?

Stir in a small amount of water or additional vinegar to thin it out to your liking.

Conclusion

This Easy Homemade Ketchup Recipe is a simple yet satisfying way to elevate a kitchen staple. Packed with rich tomato flavor, balanced sweetness, and warm spices, it’s a condiment that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re dipping, spreading, or cooking, this homemade ketchup adds a fresh, flavorful touch to any dish. Give it a try, and you may never go back to store-bought again!

Print