Unleash the full potential of fries, burgers and your favorite dishes with my best homemade ketchup recipe. It’s so easy to make and this delicious 5-minute ketchup is tangy, fresh and bursting with flavor.
This post was originally published on January 13, 2020. The recipe, post content and images have been significantly changed as of June 2024, therefore I am republishing it as completely new. The old recipe is no longer available.
When the kids were little our family went through ketchup at what can only be called a record-setting speed. I bought the largest bottles, two at a time, so we never ran out.
Now that it’s only two of us and occasional big family dinners, we don’t use quite as much. But we still go through it quickly.
David and the rest of the family will truly eat it on almost everything from scrambled eggs to mashed potatoes, french fries to burgers and many other unexpected dishes.
Oddly enough, I’ve never been a ketchup fan. I love fresh tomatoes, but I just never acquired the taste for ketchup—until now.
You guys this homemade ketchup is really good!
Why Make Homemade Ketchup?
Unlike commercial ketchup, my Homemade Ketchup is lightly sweetened with raw, unfiltered local honey, not processed sugar or corn syrup. And it is a minor ingredient, not one of the main players like some store-bought brands.
My homemade ketchup is gluten- and grain-free. It has no soy, and I control the salt.
My Homemade Ketchup gets a flavor boost and a mild spicy kick from the herbs and spices I use, but it’s not “hot” spicy. It’s just packed with mouthwatering flavor!
Homemade Ketchup isn’t loaded with preservatives, so it’s only going to last about one month in the fridge. I take 5 minutes and make a double batch that lasts David and I just about about that long.
This easy recipe is quick to make and most of the ingredients are probably already in your pantry. Plus, you can use it in any recipe where ketchup is called for.
The Ingredients
- Tomato Paste
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Coconut Aminos [affiliate link] (You can substitute soy sauce or tamari, but reduce the salt if you do.)
- Honey (Look for raw, unfiltered local honey at your grocery store.)
- Yellow Mustard (or Stone Ground Mustard)
- The Seasonings: Salt, Black Pepper, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Cumin, Cinnamon, Allspice and Chipotle Powder.
Do I Have to Use Coconut Aminos?
No. Not necessarily.
I purchase *Coconut Aminos [affiliate link] on Amazon. I see now that Walmart is carrying it in some of its stores too.
It is a sugar-free, soy-free and grain-free alternative to soy sauce.
Coconut Aminos are made from coconut and sea salt. It’s been a staple in my kitchen for several years now.
If you don’t feel your diet requires it, you can certainly substitute soy sauce, but your end result will not be Whole 30 compliant, gluten-free or soy-free, and it will likely be saltier. Taste and adjust the amount of salt you use accordingly.
Tamari is another usually gluten-free option. Check your labels, and remember that it is likely more salty than Coconut Aminos, too.
Possible Recipe Variations
- Vinegar: Begin with the amount listed in the recipe. Taste your finished ketchup. Does your family prefer it a little tangier? Add more vinegar, one Tablespoon at a time, and blend it in until you hit the tanginess you like best.
- Alternatively, you can try other vinegars. White vinegar, rice vinegar, red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar would all be great.
- Sweetner: We’re in a stage of life where we TRY to make better choices about sugar where we can. That being said, I totally get it. Especially if you’re trying to win your family over to a healthier condiment choice like homemade ketchup.
- You can start by adding an extra teaspoon or two of honey, which is more sweet than most granulated sugar.
- If that doesn’t do the trick, I would be more inclined to try dark brown sugar, rather than granulated sugar. Dark brown sugar has a deeper molasses flavor that your family may be able to detect in smaller amounts than what it would take to satisfy their sweet tooth with white sugar.
- Seasonings: Try substituting different seasoning combinations until you find the ones your family really enjoys. Other seasonings commonly used in homemade ketchup are allspice, cumin, celery seed, ginger, coriander, cloves and onion powder.
What to Serve or Make, With Homemade Ketchup
- Easy Slow Cooker Roast Beef
- Sweet Potato Fries: Easy, Delish & CRISP in the Oven
- Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf: a Favorite Slow Cooker Meatloaf Recipe
- BBQ Country Style Ribs Recipe in Your Slow Cooker
- Baked Bean Casserole—Cowboy Beans—Baked Beans with Hamburger—Calico Beans
- Best Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe | Quick, Easy and Delicious
- Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf Recipe, 5-Ingredient Weeknight Dinner
More Condiments to Make at Home
You can definitely make more than just the best ketchup at home. You can create innumerable condiments with better flavor, healthier ingredient options and better affordability. Try some of these.
How to Make the Best Ketchup at Home
Let’s make some Healthy Homemade Ketchup! You won’t believe how easy it is and I’m guessing you’re gonna love it as much as we do.
- Place all the ingredients in a smoothie blender and blend to combine, or whisk the ingredients together in a mixing bowl until everything is evenly distributed and emulsified.
- Taste for seasoning and adjust if needed.
- Transfer to a glass jar or storage container with an air-tight seal.
- Store in the refrigerator up to 1 month.
The Recipe
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Homemade Ketchup
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 1/2 cups 1x
Description
Unleash the full potential of fries, burgers and your favorite recipes with my best homemade ketchup recipe. It’s so easy to make and this delicious ketchup is tangy, fresh and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 (12 oz) can tomato paste (If you have 6 oz cans, just use 2.)
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons coconut aminos [affiliate link]
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons yellow mustard (Stone ground mustard works, too.)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon cumin
- 1/8 teaspoon allspice
- a pinch of chipotle powder
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a smoothie blender and blend to combine, or whisk the ingredients together in a mixing bowl until everything is evenly distributed and emulsified.
- Transfer to a glass jar or storage container with an air-tight seal.
- Taste for seasoning and adjust if needed.
- Store in the refrigerator up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Condiments, Sauces
- Method: Cold Prep
- Cuisine: American
About Glenda
I believe cooking from scratch doesn’t have to be complicated and that YOU can do it. My simple recipes, tutorials, and cooking tips will help you get weeknight dinners on the table with less stress. Forget takeout or the drive-thru. Let me show you how to make homemade easy. Read more...
I never thought homemade ketchup would taste so much better than storebought until I tried it – wowee! This was delicious! I can’t wait to try again and experiment with different spices!
Sarah, I’m excited for you! There’s nothing better than a recipe you’ve made your own.
I hate the sugar in store-bought ketchup, so I tried your recipe. SO good! My son loved it, too. I’ll be making your recipe from now on. Thanks a bunch!
Jennifer, that’s great! I’m so glad he enjoys it.
Thankful for this recipe! I now know how to make our own ketchup. Not buying from stores anymore!
Oh Mia! I’m thrilled that you are liking the recipe and it’s serving you well.
Hey Glenda, I made this for my 5 year old and he loved it so so much! Thankyou for the recipe!
Chhavi, you’ve made my day! I’m so excited that your son is enjoying this easy homemade ketchup!
The smell of homemade ketchup cooking is glorious! Takes me back home again : )
Happy you’re enjoying it, Laura. Thank you!