Nothing beats homemade ketchup, and it’s incredibly easy to make. Homemade ketchup tastes fresher and allows you to control the ingredients, so you can avoid high fructose corn syrup and excessive sugar while creating a sauce that’s perfect for burgers, fries, sandwiches, and more.
Lightly Sweetened Homemade Ketchup
This healthier ketchup recipe contains no high fructose corn syrup. It’s lightly sweetened with honey and a touch of sugar so the tomato flavor can shine. Serve it with burgers, hot dogs, fries, grilled potatoes or sweet potato fries. If you prefer a spicier, smokier version, you can experiment with smoked paprika or chipotle later on.
Why It’s Worth Making Your Own Ketchup
Store-bought ketchup often contains large amounts of sugar in the form of corn syrup. Making your own ketchup gives you control over sweeteners and seasonings and results in a fresher, more balanced condiment. It’s also budget-friendly: you only need a few pantry staples and 25 minutes from start to finish.
- Lightly sweetened. This version uses honey (or agave) plus a small amount of sugar, so the tomatoes remain the star.
- Proven and reliable. A simple, tested recipe that consistently delivers great flavor.
- Simple process. Combine ingredients, simmer until thick, cool, and refrigerate.
What You’ll Need
Pantry ingredients for this ketchup are simple. Scroll to the recipe card below for exact quantities and the full recipe.
- Tomato paste – concentrated tomato flavor without cooking whole tomatoes.
- Honey (or agave) – a natural sweetener that replaces high fructose corn syrup.
- White vinegar – adds the classic tang.
- Water – to adjust consistency.
- Sugar – a small amount to balance acidity.
- Seasonings – salt, onion powder, and garlic powder.
Homemade Ketchup
A healthier homemade ketchup sweetened naturally with honey. Thick, tangy, and perfect for dipping.
Ingredients
- 6 oz can tomato paste
- 1/4 cup honey (or agave)
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat and whisk until smooth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Remove from heat and cover until the ketchup cools.
- Transfer to an airtight jar or container and chill in the refrigerator before serving.
Notes
Ketchup will keep for at least seven days in the refrigerator. If you prefer less sweetness, start with a bit less honey and adjust to taste.
Nutrition (per 1 tbsp)
Calories: 20.5 kcal • Carbohydrates: 5.5 g • Sodium: 140 mg • Sugar: 4.5 g
How to Make Homemade Ketchup
Making homemade ketchup is straightforward: whisk the ingredients, simmer until thick, cool, and chill. The result is a bright, balanced ketchup that can replace store-bought bottles for everyday use.
Tips and Variations
Customize the recipe to suit your taste. Here are a few easy variations and tips to get the perfect ketchup every time.
- Balsamic ketchup: Substitute balsamic vinegar for white vinegar to add depth and a subtle sweetness.
- Add heat: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a small amount of chili powder for a spicy kick.
- Curry ketchup: Add mild curry powder to taste for a tangy, aromatic twist popular in parts of Europe.
- Adjust thickness: If the ketchup is too thin after 20 minutes, simmer a few minutes longer until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Control sweetness: Reduce the honey slightly if you prefer a tarter ketchup; you can always add more later.
Ways to Enjoy This Ketchup
Homemade ketchup works anywhere you’d use store-bought: as a dip for fries and nuggets, a topping for burgers and sandwiches, or a sauce base in recipes. Some favorite pairings include air fryer french fries, baked chicken nuggets, cauliflower tots, and sheet pan home fries.
Proper Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for about 7 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in small airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 6 months; thaw in the refrigerator before use.
More Sauces, Dips and Spreads
- Quick Marinara Sauce
- Skinny Ranch Dip
- Green Goddess Garden Dip
- Tzatziki Sauce
- Peruvian Green Sauce