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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
More of my favorite dipping sauces:
- Yum Yum Sauce
- Spicy Ketchup
- Delicious Aioli Recipes
- Creamy Horseradish Sauce
- Fry Sauce
- Sriracha Ranch Dipping Sauce
Pesto Aioli (Pesto Mayo)
Horseradish Aioli Sauce
Easy Homemade Ketchup
Ingredients
- 28 ounces Canned Diced Tomatoes
- 12 ounces tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Cornstarch
- 1/4 cup Water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 pinch cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
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
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
Hi I am wondering if I could leave out the cornstarch or add something healthier?
Hi you! You can use arrowroot as a thickening agent.
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?
Hi Donna! Great question and that was totally a typo- it was supposed to read “add some sugar”. Thanks for catching that!
Can this ketchup recipe be canned for gift giving or storage purposes?
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.
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!
You can beat homemade sauces, this looks awesome!
I bet this ketchup is very tasty I like all the spices that you used and besides homemade is best!
Homemade is always better than store-bought, and now you’ve inspired me to try making this recipe. 🙂
I am inspired to make my own homemade ketchup after reading this recipes. It seems so much healthier and tastier to do so.