Easy Homemade Ketchup Recipe: Sweet & Tangy Magic in a Bottle

Tangy, sweet, and bursting with homemade ketchup recipe goodness, this condiment beats any store-bought version hands down.

Nothing compares to the rich, vibrant flavors of a sauce crafted from scratch.

Fresh tomatoes mingle with aromatic spices, creating a symphony of taste that will make you ditch bottled alternatives forever.

Every dollop brings intense, robust flavor to your favorite dishes.

Summer-ripe tomatoes blend seamlessly with carefully selected ingredients, transforming an ordinary condiment into a culinary masterpiece.

This simple recipe unlocks a world of pure, unadulterated tomato goodness.

Serve it alongside burgers, fries, or use as a dipping sauce that will instantly elevate your meal.

What Makes Homemade Ketchup Special

• Minimal Effort Baking: Create restaurant-quality bread with simple mixing and zero complicated kneading techniques.
• Flavor-Packed Performance: Infuse rosemary and garlic for a gourmet taste that transforms an ordinary bread into a spectacular homemade treat.
• Flexible Prep Strategy: Perfect for busy home cooks who can start the dough and complete it later, making it ideal for unpredictable schedules.
• Versatile Serving Style: Serve as a stunning side dish for dinner, weekend brunch, or casual gatherings with friends and family.

Ingredients For Homemade Ketchup

• Whole Tomatoes: The primary base of the ketchup that provides rich, deep flavor and smooth texture.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: These classic seasonings enhance the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and create a balanced, savory profile for the ketchup.

• Vinegar, Sugar: Vinegar adds a tangy kick while sugar balances the acidity and creates the signature sweet-tart taste of traditional ketchup.

Step-By-Step Guide For Homemade Ketchup

Step 1: Puree Tomatoes

Grab your whole tomatoes and toss them into a blender. Blend until you create a silky smooth mixture that looks like a vibrant red sauce.

Make sure there are no chunky bits remaining in your puree.

Step 2: Prepare Sauce Base

Pour the blended tomatoes through a fine-mesh strainer into a saucepan.

• Vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Salt
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Ground cloves

Whisk all ingredients together until perfectly combined.

Step 3: Simmer and Thicken

Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat.

Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent sticking. Allow the sauce to bubble gently and reduce, transforming into a rich, thick consistency.

This process takes about 8-10 minutes.

Step 4: Cool and Store

Remove the saucepan from heat and let the ketchup cool completely to room temperature.

Transfer the homemade ketchup into an airtight container. You can refrigerate for 3-4 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months, ensuring you have delicious homemade ketchup whenever you want.

Helpful Tips For Ketchup Preparation

• Select deep red, juicy tomatoes for the most vibrant and rich ketchup flavor.
• Adjust cayenne pepper or hot sauce to make the ketchup mild or spicy according to your preference.
• Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove seeds and create a silky, restaurant-quality texture.
• Simmer slowly to concentrate flavors and achieve the perfect thick consistency without burning.
• Keep homemade ketchup in sterilized glass jars for maximum freshness and extended shelf life.

Exciting Twists For Homemade Ketchup

• Spicy Sriracha Ketchup: Replace half the tomatoes with roasted red peppers and add sriracha sauce for a fiery kick.
• Herb-Infused Ketchup: Mix in fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary during simmering for an aromatic flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Ketchup: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly version.
• Smoky Chipotle Ketchup: Blend in chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a rich, smoky southwestern taste.

Foods That Pair Well With Homemade Ketchup

• Pair with Classic Comfort Foods: Serve this homemade ketchup alongside crispy golden french fries, juicy hamburgers, or crisp grilled hot dogs for a nostalgic flavor burst that elevates traditional American dishes.
• Dip and Spread Adventure: Use as a zesty condiment for crispy chicken nuggets, drizzle over scrambled eggs, or blend into meatloaf for an extra tangy kick that transforms ordinary meals into exciting culinary experiences.
• Gourmet Burger Companion: Combine with artisan craft burgers made from premium beef or plant-based patties, adding a fresh, vibrant homemade touch that outshines store-bought ketchup with its rich, authentic tomato flavor.

Storage Tips For Homemade Ketchup Freshness

• Store homemade ketchup in a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, keeping it in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness for 3-4 weeks.
• Transfer ketchup to freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 6 months for extended preservation.
• Remove frozen ketchup from the freezer and let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight, then stir well to reincorporate any separated liquid before using.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed ketchup in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring gently to restore its smooth consistency and bring it to room temperature.

FAQs

• Is homemade ketchup healthier than store-bought?

Homemade ketchup contains no preservatives, artificial colors, or added sugars, making it a healthier alternative to commercial versions. You control the ingredients and can adjust the recipe to suit your dietary needs.

• What type of tomatoes work best for homemade ketchup?

Ripe, fresh Roma or plum tomatoes are ideal because they have less water content and more natural sweetness, which helps create a rich, concentrated ketchup flavor.

• Can I customize the spice level in homemade ketchup?

Absolutely! You can adjust the spices like cayenne pepper, black pepper, or add hot sauce to increase heat. Start with small amounts and taste as you go to find your perfect spice level.

Homemade Ketchup Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Homemade ketchup elevates classic condiment crafting with rich tomato depth and personalized spice blend. Robust flavors and simple ingredients make this recipe a delightful kitchen adventure you can master in minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 can (28 ounces / 794 grams) whole tomatoes or 3 cups fresh tomatoes

Sweeteners and Acids:

• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1/4 cup honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

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Instructions

1. Transform ripe tomatoes into a silky puree using a high-powered blender, ensuring a completely smooth consistency.
2. Transfer the tomato mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a heavy-bottomed saucepan, pressing to extract maximum liquid and remove any seeds or pulp.
3. Incorporate all aromatic spices and seasonings into the strained tomato base, whisking thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
4. Simmer the mixture over medium heat, stirring consistently to prevent scorching, allowing the liquid to reduce and thicken for approximately 10-12 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and let the homemade ketchup cool completely to room temperature, which helps develop a richer flavor profile.
6. Carefully transfer the cooled ketchup into a sterile, airtight glass container, sealing tightly to preserve freshness.
7. Refrigerate the ketchup for optimal taste and texture, where it will maintain quality for 3-4 weeks, or alternatively freeze for extended storage up to 6 months.

Notes

• Select ripe, red tomatoes for the most vibrant and rich flavor profile in your homemade ketchup.
• Adjust spice levels by adding more or less cayenne pepper to match your personal heat preference.
• Use a fine-mesh strainer to ensure a super smooth and silky ketchup texture without seeds or pulp.
• Store in glass containers to maintain freshness and prevent plastic flavor absorption.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 26 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 0.1 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg