Homemade Ketchup

Make this easy, sugar-free Homemade Ketchup using just a few pantry staples, and you’ll find it’s just as good as store-bought. It’s rich and smooth with a perfect balance of tangy and sweet, ideal for dipping fries or slathering on burgers.

This recipe strikes the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. The hint of maple syrup adds natural sweetness, while the apple cider vinegar gives it that signature tang. Once you try it, you might reach for this homemade version more often than the store-bought kind!

Whether you’re dipping fries, topping burgers, or adding it to recipes, this Homemade Ketchup will quickly become a kitchen staple. It’s easy to make, keeps well in the fridge, and will impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples you probably already have at home.
• Quick and Easy: Comes together in under 20 minutes with minimal effort.
• Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, tanginess, or spice level to suit your taste.
• No Funky Stuff: No artificial flavors, preservatives, or high-fructose corn syrup.
• Budget-Friendly: Costs less than store-bought ketchup and makes a generous batch.
• Versatile: Perfect for dipping, spreading, or using in recipes that call for ketchup.
• Kid-Approved: Even the pickiest eaters will love the classic, familiar flavor.

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• Tomato Sauce: Form the ketchup base, providing a smooth and rich tomato flavor.
• Tomato Paste: Adds thickness and a concentrated tomato taste.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings the signature tangy kick that ketchup is known for.
• Water: Helps achieve the perfect consistency for dipping or spreading.
• Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and depth of flavor without refined sugar.
• Coarse Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle hint of warmth and spice.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses a mild, savory garlic flavor for extra depth.
• Onion Powder: Complements the garlic and rounds out the savory profile.

How to Make Homemade Ketchup

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Follow along to learn how to make homemade ketchup!

• Step One: Add all the ingredients to a saucepan. Stir and heat over medium heat.
• Step Two: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes. Stir frequently.
• Step Three: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Let cool for 60 minutes.
• Step Four: Transfer the mixture to a mason jar and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

What to Serve With It

• French Fries: The ultimate classic pairing—crispy fries and tangy ketchup are a match made in heaven.
• Burgers: Spread it on your favorite beef, chicken, or veggie burgers for a fresh and flavorful twist.
• Hot Dogs: A dollop of homemade ketchup takes hot dogs to the next level.
• Chicken Nuggets: Perfect for dipping and adding a tangy-sweet kick.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Use them as a dip or a spread to complement the cheesy goodness.
• Meatloaf: Swap out store-bought ketchup as a glaze or sauce for this homemade version.
• Breakfast Hash Browns: Drizzle or dip your hash browns for a savory breakfast upgrade.
• Eggs: Pair it with scrambled eggs, omelets, or even egg muffins for a flavorful start to your day.

Variations and Substitutions

• Sweetener Swap: Replace maple syrup with honey, agave nectar, or brown sugar for a different level of sweetness.
• Vinegar Options: Use white vinegar or red wine vinegar if you don’t have apple cider vinegar, but note the flavor will change slightly.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy ketchup.
• Herby Twist: Stir in a bit of dried oregano, basil, or smoked paprika for extra depth and complexity.
• Sugar-Free Option: Use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit to make a keto-friendly ketchup.
• Thinner Consistency: Add an extra tablespoon or two of water for a thinner ketchup.
• Smoky Flavor: Mix in a touch of liquid smoke for a smoky BBQ-style ketchup.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store your homemade ketchup in the refrigerator in an airtight container, like a mason jar or resealable bottle. It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: For longer storage, transfer the ketchup to a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before use. Portioning Tip: Freeze the ketchup in small portions, like ice cube trays, so you can thaw only what you need.
• Reheating: If the ketchup thickens too much after refrigeration, stir in a small amount of water and heat gently on the stove or microwave to restore consistency.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Stir Frequently: While simmering, stir often to prevent the ketchup from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensure a smooth texture.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust the sweetness, tanginess, or seasoning to your liking before letting it cool. A little tweak can make it perfect for your taste buds.
• Simmering is Key: Don’t skip the simmering step—it allows the flavors to meld together and develop that classic ketchup taste.
• Cool Completely: Let the ketchup cool completely before transferring it to a jar to prevent condensation and maintain its fresh flavor.
• Label and Date: If you’re storing it in the fridge or freezer, label the container with the date so you know when to use it.

Sauce Recipes

• Honey Mustard
• Homemade Mayonnaise
• Big Mac Sauce
• Yum Yum Sauce
• Homemade BBQ Sauce

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