Homemade Ketchup is much easier than most people realize! It only takes a handful of ingredients and a bit of simmering to create a ketchup that’s far better than store-bought.
I’ll be honest, I haven’t always been the person who made condiments at home. It just seemed so much easier to grab a bottle at the store. I started slowly. First, I started making ranch dressing and BBQ sauce at home. Then, I experimented with burger sauce. And now? Now I am officially the person who makes homemade ketchup and mayonnaise.
It shocked me the first time I realized how easy it is to make ketchup. It’s literally a matter of a few very basic ingredients and 20 minutes of simmering. And while it can’t be stored in the pantry for years, it DOES last for weeks in the fridge and months in the freezer, which makes the entire process so worth it.
Why Everyone Should Try This Homemade Ketchup Recipe
- Basic ingredients. You may not even need to run to the grocery store before making this condiment at home. It’s made with tomato sauce and paste, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and spices. That’s it.
- Super easy. Most people don’t realize that making ketchup at home is as simple as simmering a handful of ingredients. But that’s really all you need to do for this recipe. It’s so easy.
- Customize the flavor. I know people who don’t like bottled ketchup because they think it’s too sweet, and others who prefer sweeter ketchup. This recipe caters to everyone, with the ability to make it as sweet (or not) as you want and adjust the other seasonings along the way. You can even make it spicy!
Key Ingredients
Here’s an overview of what’s needed to make this classic condiment at home. Be sure to scroll to the recipe card at the end of the post for the exact measurements.
- Tomato sauce & paste – Many recipes use just tomato paste, but I like the consistency and flavor of using equal parts tomato sauce and paste.
- Apple cider vinegar – Adds some acidity to balance the sweetness added by the sugar.
- Sugar – Regular granulated white sugar and brown sugar are used to give the ketchup a lightly sweet flavor.
- Spices – Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper season the condiment.
How To Make Ketchup
There’s so little effort involved in this recipe, it’s almost easier than buying it at the store! The printable instructions can be found in the recipe card below.
- Bring to a boil. Add all of the ingredients to a pot over medium heat. Continuously stir for 3-5 minutes, until boiling.
- Simmer. Reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring every few minutes.
- Taste test. Give the ketchup a taste. Adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Enjoy. Use immediately or transfer to an airtight container to store.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
Here are a few tips for making homemade ketchup that tastes better than the store version.
- Adjust the flavor. Feel free to adjust the seasonings and sugar to your preferences. If you prefer a less sweet ketchup, just reduce the sugar added.
- Make it spicy. For homemade spicy ketchup, add some Tabasco sauce or sriracha to the mixture.
- Stir frequently. Before the mixture comes to a boil, stir it continuously. After the heat is reduced, give it a stir after a couple of minutes to prevent it from burning.
- Taste test. After the mixture has simmered, give it a taste. Feel free to adjust any ingredients necessary to get the desired flavor.
How Long Does Homemade Ketchup Last?
Typically, it’s best to use homemade ketchup within 3 weeks. If you would like the ketchup to last longer in the fridge, you can pour it into mason jars and screw the lids on. Leave the jars to reach room temperature on the counter, retighten the lids, and place them in the fridge. I’ve had ketchup last for months if left unsealed in jars like this. (Make sure your jars aren’t cold when adding the ketchup or they could crack.)
This ketchup can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Homemade Ketchup
Ingredients
- 16 ounces tomato sauce
- 16 ounces tomato paste
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup white granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ Tablespoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a medium pot over medium heat.
- Continuously stir the ingredients for about 3-5 minutes or until boiling.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring well every couple of minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasonings, if need be.
- Use immediately or store in an airtight container or jar for up to 3 weeks, in the fridge. Enjoy!
Last Step:
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