“The Best Homemade Ketchup Recipe You’ll Ever Try”
Most of us grew up thinking ketchup only comes from a red plastic squeeze bottle. But they must not have not tried Homemade Ketchup, which is fresher, richer, and the best part—it tastes exactly how you want it to. Plus, making it at home is surprisingly easy! Bookmark this recipe because it is the Best Homemade Ketchup You’ll Every Try.
It makes you feel like a condiment wizard. 🧙♂️✨
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN KETCHUP AND CATSUP?
Ketchup also called catsup arrived in recipes in the early 1800s as a delicious tomato-based condiment with vinegar and spices. Long story short the only difference is the name, they both are that thick tomato sauce we know and love here in the USA.
WHO INVENTED KETCHUP?
Ketchup was invented by Henry John Heinz, in 1876. Heinz invented ketchup by adapting a Chinese recipe for so-called Cat Sup, a thick sauce made from tomatoes, special seasoning, and starch.
(Thanks to Rose Vine Cottage Girls For Sharing the above information.)
You might be thinking, “Why would I make ketchup when it’s like $2 at the store?” That is a great question. But here’s the thing:
- If you want it tangier, spicier or a little smoky? It is totally up to you.
- It will have no mystery sweeteners or preservatives—just real food.
- Imagine handing a friend fries and casually saying, “Oh yeah, the ketchup’s homemade.” Instant respect.
HERE ARE THE SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED…
- Crushed tomatoes (or 2 lbs fresh tomatoes if you’re feeling fancy)
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Apple cider vinegar
- Brown sugar
- Tomato paste
- Spices….mustard powder, cinnamon, smoked paprika (optional), cloves
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
HAVE SOME FUN MAKING KETCHUP. YOU CAN MAKE IT…..
- Spicy ketchup 🌶️…. Throw in some chili flakes or cayenne.
- Smoky ketchup 🔥…… Smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke = next-level flavor.
- Honey ketchup 🍯…. Swap sugar for honey for a natural sweetness.
- Herby ketchup 🌿…..Simmer with a sprig of rosemary or thyme, then remove before blending.
Sure, fries and burgers are ketchup’s best friends, but don’t stop there:
- Mix with mayo for a killer dipping sauce.
- Brush onto roasted veggies as a glaze.
- Stir into BBQ sauce for extra oomph.
This simple Homemade Ketchup Recipe makes a delicious gift idea for friends and family. Just double or triple the recipe and place contents into some fun jars with lids.
Try making Homemade Ketchup once, and you might just become that person who makes their own condiments.
Scroll down for the complete recipe directions…
Ingredients
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes (or 2 lbs fresh tomatoes)
- 1 medium chopped onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2-3 tbsps brown sugar
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp smoked paparika (optional)
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the onion and garlic in a bit of oil, they will smell amazing.
- Toss in your tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, tomato paste, and spices. Stir it all together.
- Keep it on low heat for 40–60 minutes. This is where the magic happens—everything thickens and the flavors come together.
- Use an immersion blender (or a regular one, carefully) until it’s super smooth.
- Once cooled, pop it into a jar. It’ll last about 3–4 weeks in the fridge.