If you’ve ever wished for a ketchup that bursts with fresh flavor and contains no preservatives, you’re in for a treat with this Homemade Ketchup Recipe. It’s a vibrant, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce made from simple pantry staples that comes together quickly on the stove. This recipe transforms humble ingredients into a luscious condiment perfect for dipping, topping, and enhancing your favorite dishes with that irresistible tomato goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Homemade Ketchup Recipe is in its simplicity and the intentional selection of ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, balancing sweetness, acidity, and spice to create the perfect harmony of flavor and that classic ketchup texture.
- Tomato paste (6-ounce can): Provides the rich, concentrated tomato base essential for that signature deep color and flavor.
- Water (1/2 cup): Helps adjust the thickness to a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Apple cider vinegar (1/4 cup): Adds the tangy brightness that wakes up your taste buds.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Balances acidity with a warm, molasses sweetness that’s not overpowering.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Brings a natural sweetness and subtle floral notes to deepen the flavor complexities.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds savory depth and a gentle hint of aromatic sharpness.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the ketchup with a classic garlicky warmth.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, making them pop just right.
- Ground allspice (1/4 teaspoon): Delivers a hint of sweet-spicy richness.
- Ground cloves (1/8 teaspoon): Contributes a warm, slightly woody undertone for complexity.
- Cinnamon (1/8 teaspoon): Adds subtle sweetness and spice for a nuanced finish.
- Cayenne pepper (pinch, optional): Gives a mild kick if you enjoy a little heat in your ketchup.
How to Make Homemade Ketchup Recipe
Step 1: Combine Tomato Paste and Water
Start by placing the tomato paste and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk them together until you have a smooth, lump-free mixture. This step is crucial for ensuring a silky base that will thicken nicely without clumps.
Step 2: Add Vinegar, Sweeteners, and Spices
Next, stir in the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, allspice, cloves, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper if you’re using it. This medley of ingredients is where all the magic happens. Each spice and sweetener builds layers of flavor that transform basic tomato paste into a dynamic homemade ketchup.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Allow it to cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering mashes the flavors together while thickening the ketchup to that perfect consistency you know and love. Keep an eye on it and stir to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Adjust and Cool
Once thickened, give it a taste and tweak the seasoning or sweetness if you feel it needs a little more zing or honey. When you’re happy with the flavor, remove the saucepan from heat and let the ketchup cool before transferring it into an airtight container or glass jar. This cooling step helps the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Homemade Ketchup Recipe
Garnishes
The best part about serving homemade ketchup is that it pairs well with simple garnishes. A small sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives can add a pop of color and a fresh contrast to its rich flavor. You can also drizzle a bit of smoked paprika on top to elevate the smoky undertones.
Side Dishes
There’s truly no limit to the dishes that benefit from this ketchup. It’s a classic match for crispy fries, juicy burgers, and grilled veggies. You can also serve it alongside meatloaf, hot dogs, or even as a tangy dip for chicken nuggets or roasted potatoes. It brings an authentic homemade flair that store-bought versions simply can’t match.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Try swirling the ketchup into mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to create a creamy dipping sauce. You can even mix it into baked beans or a BBQ sauce blend to add complexity. Presenting it in small dipping bowls with creative flavor infusions offers a fun way to impress guests at your next cookout or dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the joys of this Homemade Ketchup Recipe is its excellent shelf life in the refrigerator. Store your cooled ketchup in an airtight container or glass jar, and it will stay fresh for up to three weeks, so you can enjoy that bright, homemade flavor on demand without any rush.
Freezing
If you’re making a big batch or want to save some for later, freezing is a perfect option. Portion the ketchup into small freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays, seal tightly, and freeze. When ready to use, simply thaw overnight in the fridge. You might notice a slight separation after freezing, but a quick whisk or stir will bring it back to perfect consistency.
Reheating
Reheating this ketchup is easy and quick. Warm it gently on the stove over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring intermittently. Avoid boiling during reheating to preserve its fresh, vibrant taste and smooth texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato paste?
While fresh tomatoes can be used, tomato paste offers a concentrated flavor and thicker consistency that’s hard to replicate. If you want to use fresh tomatoes, consider cooking them down significantly to reduce moisture, but the process will take longer and require more effort.
Is this Homemade Ketchup Recipe vegan and allergy-friendly?
Yes! This recipe is completely vegan and free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, and nuts. It’s a fantastic option for nearly any dietary preference or need.
How spicy does the ketchup get with cayenne pepper?
The pinch of cayenne adds just a gentle warmth rather than heat that overwhelms. If you prefer no spice, simply omit it. Conversely, you can add more for a kick, but start small to suit your taste.
Can I adjust the sweetness or acidity?
Definitely! The beauty of making ketchup from scratch is tailoring it to your preferences. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more honey or brown sugar. For tangier notes, increase the apple cider vinegar slightly. Just adjust gradually to keep the balance perfect.
Will this ketchup thicken more as it cools?
Yes, the ketchup naturally thickens a bit as it cools. If you want a thinner sauce, you can stir in a touch more water while warm, or if you want it thicker, simmer it a little longer before cooling.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Homemade Ketchup Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever settled for store-bought versions. Its fresh, vibrant flavor and customizable nature make it a kitchen staple worth having on hand. Give it a whirl, and enjoy the satisfaction of serving a truly homemade condiment that elevates every bite.
Print
Homemade Ketchup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Homemade Ketchup Recipe offers a wholesome and flavorful alternative to store-bought ketchup, made from simple ingredients like tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and natural sweeteners. Perfect as a healthy condiment, it is rich in spices and free from preservatives, providing a tangy and slightly sweet taste that can be customized to your preference.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Combine tomato paste and water: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the tomato paste and water until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, allspice, cloves, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper if using to infuse the base with flavor.
- Simmer the mixture: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens to your preferred consistency.
- Adjust seasoning and cool: Taste the ketchup and adjust the seasoning or sweetness if necessary. Allow it to cool before transferring to a storage container.
- Storage: Pour the ketchup into an airtight container or glass jar and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, ensuring freshness and flavor retention.
Notes
- For a smoother ketchup, use an immersion blender to blend after cooking.
- You can double the recipe and freeze extra portions in small containers for later use.
- Adjust the amount of spices to make the ketchup tangier or sweeter based on your taste preferences.
