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.
Nutrition
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.
Mine turned out thicker than expected—probably I didn’t stir enough at the end. Still edible though, and the flavor is rich. Next time I’ll watch it closer.
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!
This tastes way better than store ketchup. The little cinnamon/clove touch is surprisingly good—didn’t expect it!
Right?! I tried it once and now I’m done with the bottled stuff. The cinnamon/clove combo is a total plot twist—in a good way.
I don’t know… mine tastes kind of flat? I’m wondering if 20 minutes wasn’t enough or if I should add a pinch of pepper. The ketchup did thicken but flavor needed a boost.
Not bad, but I think it needs more onion/garlic for my taste. Also 1/8 tsp clove feels like a lot if your clove is strong—mine was a little too “spiced.”
Huh, I kinda liked the clove amount 😅 I used pre-ground clove and it barely tasted “spiced.” Maybe your clove was super strong or older.
Totally agree—next time I’m adding more onion/garlic too. I actually doubled the garlic powder and it was way better with fries.
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?
Tried this recipe and it was super easy! Much better than store-bought ketchup. Yum!
The flavor is okay but it never got as thick as I wanted. I simmered the whole time and still it’s kinda runny—any ideas?
I don’t know about this… Ketchup needs preservatives, doesn’t it? This seems too simple.
I followed it but it never really thickened. I’m not sure if my tomato paste was old or if I needed longer than 25 min.
That’s frustrating! Homemade ketchup can look “thin” at first—did it really bubble/simmer the whole 20–25 minutes? If the heat was too low or the pot was covered, it may not reduce enough to thicken.
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.
Not as good as Heinz, sorry not sorry!
Honestly, I didn’t think it would taste this good! My kids loved it. Will definitely make again!
I love making condiments, so this was fun. But I wish it had more tang—maybe I’ll use less water next time. Still totally usable.
Totally get that—ketchup can come out a bit mellow if there’s more water than the vinegar/sugar balance you like. Next time try reducing the water a few tablespoons or increase vinegar slightly. Glad it was still usable though!
More tang = more vinegar? I’d just throw in lemon juice too 😂 Or maybe use ketchup paste instead of tomato paste? Idk, mine always comes out too tangy if I mess with it.
My kids loved it! Thanks for sharing!
That’s awesome to hear! It’s always great when kids enjoy homemade food. 😊
Tried this today and it actually tastes like ketchup! The vinegar + cinnamon combo surprised me (in a good way). Mine thickened a bit faster than 20 minutes—still perfect on fries.
Ketchup-like but… mine tasted a little too sharp, like straight vinegar. Next time I’ll use less vinegar or more sugar. Also I think I may have simmered too high heat 😂
Yes!! I had the same “wait… cinnamon?” reaction. Glad it turns out ketchup-y. I simmer closer to 30 min and it gets super thick—fries heaven.
My kids loved it! I used honey instead of brown sugar and it was sweet as candy! 🥳
This is the best ketchup recipe ever! Tastes way better than store-bought. Definitely making it again!
I’m so glad you loved it! I’ve been looking for a ketchup recipe that isn’t overly sweet. Can’t wait to try this one!
Best ketchup? Really? I make mine from just tomatoes and a pinch of salt. This sounds weird. Why all those spices?
This is way better than store bought for the ingredient list. Family loved it, even the picky one. Will make again!
Yay! Finally ketchup that doesn’t taste like chemicals! Awin!
Totally agree! This ketchup tastes so fresh and not like the store stuff!
Hmm… I followed it exactly and it’s bitter? Maybe my clove was old. Also, I thought cinnamon was optional but you know… I used it anyway. Could be me.
That sounds frustrating. Old cloves can definitely go bitter/harsh—like, clove flavor can get “soapy” if it’s past its prime. Next time, try reducing the clove to a pinch and use fresh ground spice. Also letting it cool fully helps it mellow.
I think you’re right about it being you a bit 😅 But bitter ketchup usually means too much spice or not simmering long enough to cook the flavors. Your batch had 1/8 tsp clove + cinnamon—fine, but if your clove was strong or chunky it could overpower. Maybe use less clove next time or add a touch more sugar/salt balance.
I like that it’s simple and doesn’t require a bunch of weird ingredients. Mine was a little thin at first, but it thickened after cooling.
I tried it but mine was still kinda thin even after cooling 🤷♂️ maybe my stove runs low or I didn’t simmer long enough. Still tasty though—like a sweet tomato sauce. Would reducing the water help?
Yes! That cooling step is everything—mine always looks thinner right off the stove too, then it turns into proper ketchup after chilling. Great simple ingredient list.
I’m skeptical that tomato paste + that little water makes ketchup. Mine was still more like thin tomato glaze even after 30 minutes. Any tips for getting it ketchup-y?
Homemade ketchup? More like homemade yuck! I don’t know how people eat this stuff. Never again. 😒
Homemade ketchup? No way! Who even needs that when you got Heinz? 🤷♀️
Too sweet for my taste. I think I’ll cut down on the sugar next time.
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. 👍
Ketchup?? More like ketch-NO. 🤢
Wow! My kids actually asked for more on fries. I was ready to hate it but it’s legit.
My jar looked thick right away but after refrigeration it stayed runny. I simmered the full time too, so maybe my tomato paste was thinner than usual. Any tips?
That actually makes sense—tomato paste thickness varies a lot by brand. If yours was thinner to begin with, the ketchup may never “set” as much even after simmering. Next time, try cooking it a bit longer (5–10 minutes) uncovered to reduce more, or let it cool fully before judging—ketchup thickens a lot when cold.
Easy to make, but my husband thought it was too tangy. Maybe I put too much vinegar? 🤔
Not as good as I thought it would be. I don’t think the cinnamon really belongs in ketchup…
Ketchup is supposed to be red and sweet… this was more like spiced tomato sauce 😅 still edible though.
Totally get what you mean 😄 I usually find it’s more “tomato-y” if I don’t simmer it long enough. Did yours thicken up properly? A bit more simmer time might bring it closer to classic ketchup.
Wait ketchup is supposed to be red sweet? Mine looks brownish too—maybe because of the tomato paste? I think spiced tomato sauce is basically the same thing, just call it ketchup and you’re fine 😅
2 stars bc it came out too thick and burnt on the bottom after 20 min… I was stirring but ig my heat was too high. Grammar check: none—just sadness.
Canned tomato paste? What kind of chef uses that? Real tomatoes only!
I made this and let it simmer for like an hour. Should I have cooked it less?
Not bad! But my sauce never got super thick… I probably didn’t stir enough, or I let it simmer too short. Tasted fine though, so I just reduced it a bit longer next time.