Ketchup is one of the world’s most beloved condiments, but have you ever tried making it at home? Homemade ketchup is a simple, flavorful alternative to store-bought versions, with the added bonus of being free from preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and excessive sugar. It’s a great way to control the ingredients and create a version that suits your taste perfectly.
The base of homemade ketchup typically starts with tomato paste or canned crushed tomatoes. From there, you build flavor using a mix of vinegar, sweetener, and spices. Classic additions include onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of cloves or allspice for depth. Apple cider vinegar adds tanginess, while maple syrup, agave, or brown sugar bring a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity.
Making ketchup at home is easier than you might think. All it takes is simmering the ingredients in a saucepan for about 20–30 minutes until thickened. Once cooled, the ketchup can be stored in a jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or even longer if properly sterilized and sealed.
One of the best parts of homemade ketchup is the ability to adjust it to your liking. Want it spicier? Add a dash of cayenne or chili flakes. Prefer it sweeter or less salty? Just tweak the ingredients. You can even make a smoky version by adding a hint of smoked paprika or chipotle.
Homemade ketchup is not only perfect for dipping fries or topping burgers, but it can also be used in marinades, salad dressings, and sauces. It’s especially great for families looking to reduce sugar intake or avoid unnecessary additives.
Once you try homemade ketchup, it’s hard to go back. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a fresh, rich, and customizable condiment that elevates everything it touches. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or crafting a gourmet burger night, this ketchup adds a homemade touch that’s both delicious and wholesome. And it’s perfect with keto pizza.

Ingredients
- 1 can tomato paste 6 ounces
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon clove ground
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and water. Stir until smooth.
- Add brown sugar, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, cinnamon, and ground clove.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Remove from heat and let cool before transferring to a jar or container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks.
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This ketchup recipe is amazing! Tastes so much better than store bought. 5 stars!
Sounds good, but can you really recreate that exact store-bought flavor? Like, is it really the same? Idk.
I love how easy this recipe is! Can’t believe I wasted money on store-bought ketchup all those years. Thanks for sharing!
I tried this and it was too sweet for my taste. Maybe I used too much sugar. 3/5
Easy to make but went a bit crazy with the spices. Next time I’ll tone it down. Still good, though!
Ketchup! lol I just put it on everything. This recipe looks easy enough, gonna try soon.
Yum! I added some chili powder for a kick and it turned out great. Will make again!
Doesn’t taste like the ketchup I remember. I think I prefer the one with high fructose corn syrup. 2 stars.
Wow, cinnamon? Never thought of that! Gonna give it a go. Sounds funky!
Shouldn’t ketchup be made with fresh tomatos? This just seems weird. 1 star.
Real ketchup? Nah, my family likes the sweet stuff! But this is a nice recipe for those who don’t.
Was pleasantly surprised by how easy this was! The flavor is so much fresher. I used honey instead of brown sugar. Yum! 😋
I tried brown sugar last time and honestly, I couldn’t tell much difference. Maybe I did it wrong? 🤔
I’m glad to hear you loved it! Honey really can make everything taste better. 🍯
This is sooo good!! I used white vinegar and it turned out fine.
Doesn’t taste like ketchup at all. I followed the recipe but wanted somthin more like Heinz. Disappointed. 😞
Why do you need cinnamon in ketchup? Seems weird..
Cinnamon adds a unique depth to the flavor! Trust me, it’s not weird. Just give it a try.
I tried this recipe and it was kinda too sweet for me. Maybe less sugar next time?
This ketchup tastes just like the store kind but way better! So easy to make. Thanks for sharing!
Not sure if I believe it can taste that good. Store bought is already convenient…
I tried this recipe and it was great! I’ve made ketchup before but this is the best!
Just made this! It’s so easy and yummy. I added a bit of hot sauce for a kick!
Good but I added a bit of chili powder for some kick. My kids love it!
Ketchup is ketchup. I ain’t got time to make it, just grab a bottle!
But homemade is sooo much better! You should try it sometime!
I don’t have ground cloves, can I just skip it? I don’t even know what that is!
I don’t understand why people even want to make ketchup. Store ketchup is just fine. This seems like a lot of work for something you can buy! 🤷♂️
Very thin!!! Like soup not ketchup. What went wrong? Recipe needs more tomato paste!
I had the same issue! It was way too runny for me too. Gonna try adding more tomato paste next time. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Maybe you didn’t simmer it long enough? The thickening might take a bit, but I find it turns out well! Just needs patience.
This ketchup tastes amazing! Way better than store-bought!
Ketchup fixings? I thought it was all tomatoes. What’s with the other stuff?
I know, right? It’s crazy how much stuff goes into ketchup! I guess the spices give it that extra kick.
Lol it’s just tomatoes n sugar! Why add the fancy stuff?
This ketchup is amazing! Way better than store-bought. I added some chili powder for a kick, and now it’s perfect! 🌶️
I dunno, I think store-bought is easier. Plus, isn’t ketchup supposed to be sweet? The chili powder sounds weird to me.
I totally agree! This ketchup is the best! I’ve never bought store-bought since I found this recipe. Adding chili powder is a great idea! 🌶️
I love that it’s homemade! I’m trying to eat less preservatives. This is great.
I don’t think it tastes like ketchup at all, maybe I did something wrong.
Homemade ketchup? More like homemade yuck! I don’t know how people eat this stuff. Never again. 😒
This recipe is cool! I made it for my kids and they love it! Just like the stuff from the bottle but less sugar and better taste. 👍
Easy to make, but my husband thought it was too tangy. Maybe I put too much vinegar? 🤔