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Homemade Ketchup Recipe

Bold and flavorful, Homemade Ketchup is easy to make and elevates burgers, fries and so much more. Try this easy tomato ketchup recipe and see for yourself.

Homemade Ketchup Recipe

That’s ketchup. Homemade ketchup! Yum.

A few years ago, when I first started to rid my house of processed foods, I pondered making my own condiments like ketchup, but that seemed like too much when there were acceptable organic versions available in most stores.

Of course, we soon learned that some of those organic versions of ketchup, in particular, left something to be desired in the taste category. Still, we found one we liked and stuck with it.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago, when one of my editors and I were talking about creative toppings for barbecued foods like burgers and hot dogs. The idea of homemade ketchup came up, and I couldn’t get it out of my head. So, I started working on it, finding the right combination of seasonings to create a homemade ketchup recipe that my family would love.

Tomato Ketchup Recipe

Once I set to making it, I discovered that tomato puree worked as a perfect base for this homemade ketchup recipe since it could be combined with seasonings and reduced pretty easily — no blending necessary.

Just whisk the ingredients together while heating, continuing to whisk occasionally to keep it from burning or otherwise overcooking. Cook, letting it boil down (with a splatter guard, of course!), until it’s a good, thick-ish consistency.

See? This easy homemade ketchup recipe is totally doable.

One safety note: be warned that when making this tomato ketchup recipe, it’s best to remove the pan from the heat and wait a few seconds to remove the splatter guard for whisking. The mixture boils rapidly and that will help you avoid getting burned. Return the pan to the heat when you are ready to cook again.

The result is a fragrant, well-seasoned homemade tomato ketchup that is great on fries, hot dogs, burgers and more. Just spoon a little on and go. You’ll never want to go back.

This easy tomato ketchup recipe will have your family raving. And you’ll be secure in the knowledge that the quandary of how to make homemade ketchup isn’t so hard at all.

Serve this easy homemade ketchup with these delicious burgers and fries:

Homemade Ketchup Recipe

Homemade Ketchup Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 28 oz-can tomato puree
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp dry mustard
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt, or more, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp allspice
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, whisk together all the ingredients over medium heat.
  2. Bring to a boil, whisking occasionally, and cook for 10-15 minutes, until thickened to desired consistency. Be sure to use a splash guard to prevent splatter and also remove the pan from the heat to stir.
  3. Let cool slightly before serving. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Buster

Friday 27th of October 2023

I’m going to try this tonight as a base for my bbq sauce. Thank you

PEGGY

Wednesday 8th of March 2023

Hello Sarah, When you say , Cider vinegar . would that be Apple Cider Vinegar ? Thanks so much !

Sarah Walker Caron

Wednesday 15th of March 2023

Yes, apple cider vinegar!

Zoe

Friday 7th of October 2016

Can I freeze this?

Thanks for the recipe!

Sarah Walker Caron

Friday 7th of October 2016

Hi Zoe: I haven't tried that, but I don't see why not. Tomato-based sauces generally freeze well. Thanks so much for asking! Best, Sarah

Sapna Llano

Thursday 7th of November 2013

Thank you for the recipe! it is great!! Can we freeze some of this?

Auna

Thursday 22nd of September 2011

How long will this keep in the fridge?

sarah

Friday 23rd of September 2011

Thanks for the question, Auna. It should keep for about 4-6 weeks.

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