Name: Homemade Ketchup (Viral Recipe)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 12 oz can of tomato paste; 1 cup apple cider vinegar; ¾ cup water; 1 cup honey; 1 Tbsp onion powder; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 Tbsp garlic powder; 1 tsp salt; 2 Tbsp sugar (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Ditch the store bought! This homemade ketchup recipe is sweet, tangy, and packed with flavor – perfect for burgers, fries and all your grilling favorites!

A white plate with crispy chicken nuggets and golden French fries surrounds a small bowl of red ketchup. The plate is placed on a newspaper, and there are two tomatoes partially visible in the background.

Whether you’re grilling burgers, making hot dogs, or simply dipping fries, this ketchup will add a flavorful punch that store bought versions can’t match.

Creating your own ketchup from scratch is not only rewarding but also surprisingly easy. This homemade ketchup recipe combines the tangy sweetness of apple cider vinegar and honey with savory spices, resulting in a condiment that will elevate any campfire meal.

A glass jar labeled Ball filled with red tomato sauce sits on a wooden cutting board. Fresh tomatoes are in the background. The scene is set against a white tiled wall, with a newspaper partially visible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade ketchup strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, thanks to the natural sweetness of honey and the zesty kick from apple cider vinegar. Unlike commercial varieties, you control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier option without sacrificing taste.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—use it as a dip, spread, or marinade for your favorite campfire dishes.

Ingredients

Tomato Paste – this is the base for our homemade ketchup.
Apple Cider Vinegar – this gives the ketchup that signature tangy flavour. You could try experimenting with white vinegar or red wine vinegar.
Honey – you may substitute with Agave Syrup for a lower carb alternative.
Spices – like onion powder, chili powder and salt.
Granulated white sugar – this is optional if you would like a sweeter ketchup. You can also use your sweetener of choice.

Instructions

1. Start by adding the tomato paste, vinegar, water, honey, onion powder, chili powder, garlic powder and salt to a large pot. If you like a sweeter ketchup, you can add the sugar now as well.

Tip: feel free to use a natural sweetener like Lakanto or Swerve for a keto friendly version. You could also sub Agave syrup for the honey!

A bowl of rich red sauce with a whisk inside, placed on a table covered with newspaper. Fresh tomatoes are partially visible in the corner, suggesting the sauce is tomato-based.

2. Whisk well and bring to a boil over medium heat.

3. Once the mixture has begun to boil, continue on a low boil for 5 minutes, stirring continuously.

4. Next, turn down to a simmer and simmer for 20 minutes until it starts to thicken.

5. Pour into a mason jar and place in the fridge to chill.

A plate of golden chicken nuggets and crispy fries surrounds a bowl of thick, dark red ketchup. The arrangement is on a white background, creating a contrast that highlights the vibrant colors of the meal.

6. Serve and enjoy!

Trust me, you won’t want to buy store bought again! Be sure to try some our other homemade sauces like this Caesar salad dressing or Alabama white sauce.

A plate of golden-brown fries surrounds a white bowl of ketchup. An onion ring rests on the rim, and a single fry is dipped into the sauce. Two ripe tomatoes are visible in the background.

Tips & Tricks

Feel free to tweak the amount of honey or sugar to suit your taste preferences.
Stirring continuously during boiling prevents burning and ensures a smooth texture.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Experiment with different spices for different flavour profiles! We love to do this with our homemade BBQ sauce with this apple bourbon sauce.

A plate of crispy fries and breaded chicken tenders surrounds a bowl of dipping sauce. Fresh tomatoes are in the background, all set on a wooden surface with a white tiled wall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato paste?

While you can, using tomato paste gives a richer flavor and thicker consistency, perfect for ketchup.

Can I skip the sugar or honey for a less sweet version?

Absolutely! Adjust the sweetness to your liking or omit it altogether for a tangier ketchup.

Can I freeze homemade ketchup?

Yes, portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.

A hand holding a nugget dipped in a white bowl of red sauce. The bowl is on a plate with crispy fries and more nuggets. There are tomatoes in the blurred background on the wooden surface.

With this homemade ketchup recipe, you’ll never go back to store-bought again. Enjoy the satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into your condiments while impressing your friends and family with a flavorful touch that complements any meal.

A glass jar filled with homemade ketchup sits on a wooden surface. The jar is labeled Ball and Wide Mouth. Two tomatoes are in the background. Text at the bottom reads: Viral Recipe - Homemade Ketchup - HomemadeHeather.com.

Whether you’re grilling or doing some weekly meal prep, this recipe adds a homemade flair that elevates every bite. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to savor the difference!

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