Easy Homemade Ketchup

This classic Homemade Ketchup recipe is simple to make and a healthier alternative to store-bought ketchup. Pair this ketchup with all of your favorites including french fries, tater tots, cheeseburgers, hot dogs or grilled cheese!

french fry dipping into homemade ketchup


 

Homemade Ketchup Recipe

As a mom I am always buying a crazy amount of ketchup at the store for my kids. My son loves tomato ketchup so much he will eat it by the spoonful (true story).

Finally, after buying more ketchup than any one human should I decided to try my hand at making my own.

homemade ketchup in a glass jar

This Homemade Ketchup recipe is simple to make, smooth and has a mild flavor that both kids and adults will love. If you are looking to mix it up, this ketchup can be easily customized to be more spicy, sweet or smoky.

Fun Fact: Tomato ketchup was first invented in 1812, but it has roots dating back to ancient China. Ketchup was made famous by Heinz in 1876 with its signature formula and introduction of distilled vinegar.

Along with customizing the flavor this ketchup is a great healthy alternative to store bought brands, because the salt and sugar can easily be adjusted. I hope you and your family adore this easy homemade ketchup as much as mine does!

Tomato Ketchup Ingredients

  • Canned Diced Tomatoes
  • Worcheshire Sauce
  • Dijon Mustard
  • Tomato Paste
  • Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Water
  • Cornstarch
  • Dried Spices: Garlic Powder, Paprika, Onion Powder, Chili Powder, Cumin, Sea Salt, Ground Black Pepper
ingredients for homemade ketchup

How to Make Homemade Ketchup

How do I make homemade ketchup?

Homemade ketchup is surprisingly simple to make and can be customized along the way to your individual tastes. Begin by adding all the ketchup ingredients to a large blender or food processor.

Secure the lid and mix on medium to high until the ketchup is smooth and well combined, about 3 minutes.

overhead of homemade ketchup in a bowl

Once the homemade ketchup is blended, add it to a small saucepan and heat over LOW-MED heat for 15 minutes bringing the ketchup to a simmer. This helps develop the tomato flavor further. Once heated, taste and adjust the spices if needed.

Pro Tip: This Homemade Ketchup recipe is great right after it has been blended and cooked, but for best results you should let the ketchup chill in the fridge for at least an hour. Letting the ketchup chill improves the texture and helps the flavor fully develop.

After the ketchup is finished simmering, pour into an airtight container or mason jar and let chill for at least 1 hour. Once the tomato ketchup has chilled shake or stir before enjoying with french fries, hamburgers or your recipe of choice.

french fry dipping into ketchup

Ketchup Storage

How do I store leftover ketchup?

Store leftover homemade ketchup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Before eating the ketchup stir, or shake to ensure ingredients are well combined.

Is heating the ketchup required?

Technically no, but I highly encourage you to.

This homemade ketchup recipe can be eaten right out of the blender and not cause you any harm, but to get the best flavor and texture the ketchup should be heated and then chilled.

This Homemade Ketchup recipe is EASY to make and has all the classic tomato ketchup flavor. Easily customizable to make it spicy, sweet or even smoky! #homemadeketchup #ketchuprecipe www.savoryexperiments.com

Can homemade ketchup be frozen?

Yes, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place the tomato ketchup in an empty ice cube tray and lay flat.

When you are ready to use some, just pop out the amount you need and heat in a pot or let thaw in the fridge.

homemade ketchup with french fries

Is ketchup high in sodium and sugar?

Yes, most store-bought brands are high in both sodium and sugar.

This makes this homemade ketchup recipe perfect if you are watching your intake of both and you can add more or less salt and sugar depending on your personal preference and dietary restrictions.

Homemade Ketchup Flavors

This ketchup is a homemade version of your favorite store-bought classic with a sweet tomato flavor. If you are looking to mix the flavor up you can:

  • Make it spicy by adding some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes if you are feeling really daring.
  • Add some smoky flavor by swapping the paprika for smoked paprika. To enhance the flavor even more you could add more cumin, chili powder or even a bit of chili sauce.
  • Or sweeten it up by adding some sugar. Other great sweetener options to try are brown sugar, maple syrup or even honey.
This Homemade Ketchup recipe is EASY to make and has all the classic tomato ketchup flavor. Easily customizable to make it spicy, sweet or even smoky! #homemadeketchup #ketchuprecipe www.savoryexperiments.com

More of my favorite dipping sauces:

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Pesto Aioli (Pesto Mayo)

Pesto aioli is the perfect condiment for so many different foods. With fresh flavors of basil and garlic, slather it on sandwiches, paninis or just use it to dip French fries.
See The Recipe!
horseradish aioli dipping sauce on a plate

Horseradish Aioli Sauce

The zesty kick of flavor in this creamy aioli is perfect for burgers, deli sandwiches or paninis. Also great for dipping fries, onion rings and more!
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close up of homemade ketchup
homemade ketchup with french fries

Easy Homemade Ketchup

4.58 from 7 votes
This classic Homemade Ketchup recipe is simple to make and a healthier alternative to store-bought ketchup. Pair this ketchup with all of your favorites including french fries, tater tots, cheeseburgers, hot dogs or grilled cheese.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 24

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients into a large food processor or blender and mix on med-low for 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and smooth.
  • Transfer the ketchup to a small saucepan and heat on medium until simmering. Let the ketchup simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavor to develop.
  • Once simmered, place the ketchup in an airtight container and let chill in the fridge for at least an hour. Once chill stir the ketchup and enjoy with hotdogs, french fries and more.
  • If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments!

Notes

Leftover Storage: Store leftover homemade ketchup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Stir before enjoying.
Water Note: Start by adding ¼ cup of water to the ketchup. If the ketchup is too thick for your liking you can add more when it is simmering.

Nutrition

Calories: 19 kcal, Carbohydrates: 4 g, Protein: 1 g, Fat: 1 g, Saturated Fat: 1 g, Sodium: 213 mg, Potassium: 209 mg, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 3 g, Vitamin A: 302 IU, Vitamin C: 6 mg, Calcium: 15 mg, Iron: 1 mg
Author: Caitlyn Erhardt
Calories: 19
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Keyword: homemade ketchup
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!
close up of homemade ketchup for pinterest
Jessica Formicola in her ktichen

About the Author

Chef Jessica Anne Formicola

Jessica the mom, wife and chef behind Savory Experiments. You might see her on the Emmy- nominated TV show Plate It! or on bookshelves as a cookbook author. Jessica is a Le Cordon Bleu certified recipe developer and regularly contributed to Parade, Better Homes & Gardens, The Daily Meal, Mashed and more!

Read More About Jessica

4.58 from 7 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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Questions and Reviews

  1. My Mama used to make homemade ketchup a lot when I was young, I’d like to give it a try. In you suggestions to mix it up a little, you mention could add “more” sugar but I don’t see sugar listed at all in the recipe. Is there supposed to be sugar in the actual recipe?

    1. Hi Donna! Great question and that was totally a typo- it was supposed to read “add some sugar”. Thanks for catching that!

    1. It can! But I am not an expert on canning, so I didn’t provide instructions. I’ll try to find some instructions from a reputable place.

  2. 5 stars
    I’ve never made homemade ketchup. It looks so easy and I love that there’s no sugar in the recipe. I can’t wait to give this a try!

  3. 5 stars
    I bet this ketchup is very tasty I like all the spices that you used and besides homemade is best!

  4. 5 stars
    Homemade is always better than store-bought, and now you’ve inspired me to try making this recipe. 🙂

  5. I am inspired to make my own homemade ketchup after reading this recipes. It seems so much healthier and tastier to do so.