Nothing is better than homemade ketchup and it’s so EASY to make. Not only is it tastier than store-bought, it’s also healthier because you control what goes in it.
Lightly Sweetened Homemade Ketchup
This healthy recipe for homemade ketchup is made with no high fructose corn syrup. Instead, it’s sweetened with honey and a small amount of sugar—and it tastes amazing! Enjoy it with burgers or sandwiches, hot dogs, Grilled Potatoes or Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries! For a smokier version with a little kick, try my Spicy Chipotle Ketchup too.
Why It’s Worth Making Your Own Ketchup
Ketchup is as American as apple pie! That sweet-sour combination on French fries is irresistible and who doesn’t love it on their burgers? But have you ever checked the label of your favorite brand of ketchup? It’s loaded with sugar—corn syrup, to be precise. And healthier versions are pricy.
Solution? Make it yourself! Here’s what makes it worth it.
- Lightly sweetened. I swap the HCFS with honey and just a teaspoon of sugar, although you can also use agave if you prefer. I also added less sweetness than you’d get with store-bought ketchup, letting the tomato flavor shine.
- Tried-and-true. I’ve been making this recipe for years! I tested and played around with a few recipes until I found one that I loved with some slight changes to make it healthier.
- Easy to make. All you’ll need to do to make your own homemade ketchup is combine everything in a pan and let it simmer until it’s thick enough for dipping.
What You’ll Need
Here’s a list of the pantry ingredients you’ll need to make homemade ketchup. Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.
- Tomato paste – This adds rich tomato flavor without the work of prepping fresh tomatoes.
- Honey – Or agave, if you prefer.
- White vinegar – For the tangy balance to ketchup’s sweetness.
- Water – To adjust the consistency of the mixture.
- Sugar – Just a bit to tame the acidity.
- Seasonings – Salt, onion powder, and garlic powder.
Yield: 22 servings
Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
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Combine all the ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat; whisk until smooth.
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When it comes to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring often.
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Remove from heat and cover until cool.
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Chill and store refrigerated in a covered jar or container.
Last Step:
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*Some people found this too sweet. You can start will a little less if you prefer, then add more to your taste.
Serving: 1 tablespoon, Calories: 20.5 kcal, Carbohydrates: 5.5 g, Sodium: 140 mg, Sugar: 4.5 g
How to Make Homemade Ketchup
Making homemade ketchup is simple and satisfying, and it tastes so much better than the kind you buy at the store!
- Combine. Whisk all the ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Simmer. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Cool. Remove from heat and cover. Once the ketchup is cool, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate until it’s chilled.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few additional tips and variations to try.
- Make balsamic ketchup. For a little more depth, you can use balsamic vinegar instead of white vinegar.
- Add in some heat. For those who like a bit of kick, you can add in a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Try curry ketchup. Curry ketchup is popular in Europe! Simply add mild curry powder to taste.
- Get the right consistency. If, after 20 minutes of simmering, your ketchup is still too thin, you can simmer it a bit longer.
Ways To Enjoy My Homemade Ketchup Recipe
You probably already have your favorite ways to use ketchup, but here are some ideas to get you started.
Proper Storage
- Refrigerator: Homemade ketchup will last for about 7 days in the refrigerator.
- Freezer: You can also freeze your ketchup in an airtight container or small freezer bag for up to 6 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before using
