The Best Homemade Ketchup - 2 Ways | Life Made Sweeter (2024)

Making healthy Homemade Ketchup couldn’t be easier! With these tried and true recipes, you can make a classic ketchup or a spicy BBQ ketchup for dipping crispy fries and all of your condiment needs. Both easy to customize and naturally gluten-free, vegan, paleo, low carb, sugar-free, keto and Whole30 compliant.

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The Best Homemade Ketchup Recipes

Ketchup is one of the most popular condiments out there, and making it from scratch is super quick and simple. Today we’ll be teaching you how to make two insanely delicious kinds of ketchup – one that keeps it classic and another that spices things up. The traditional ketchup is simmered on the stove, while the spicy BBQ ketchup is made with no cooking required.

No matter which one you decide to whip up, you won’t be disappointed. We recommend trying them both! Once you do, I have a feeling that you won’t be purchasing ketchup at the store ever again.

Why Should I Make My Own Ketchup?

Not only is it cheaper to make homemade ketchup rather than buying a bottle, but it also gives you the freedom to fine-tune your ketchup’s flavor. It’s so easy to make and much healthier than any bottled ketchup since you can control exactly what goes into it and make sure it works with your dietary needs.

In order for ketchup to be bottled and sold, it must contain preservatives to extend its shelf life. With homemade ketchup, you can avoid those undesirable preservatives altogether. And even though they aren’t present, your ketchup will last for up to a week in the fridge!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need a different set of ingredients depending on the kind of ketchup you’d like to make. Both are gluten-free, keto, low carb, sugar-free, paleo and vegan. Be sure to use vegan mayo for the Spicy version to make it completely plant-based. Let’s go over the lineup for both recipes:

For Classic Ketchup

• Tomato Sauce & Tomato Paste: These act as the base for your ketchup.
• Coconut Aminos: For that classic umami flavor.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: This tangy vinegar provides plenty of vitamins and nutrients.
• Water
• Garlic & Onion Powders: You’ll need a teaspoon of garlic powder and half a teaspoon of onion powder.
• Pink Salt: Or fine sea salt.
• Ground Mustard Powder: To enhance the ketchup’s tanginess.
• Smoked Paprika: A pinch of smoked paprika adds a super subtle touch of spice.

For Spicy BBQ Ketchup

• Whole30 Compliant Mayonnaise or Vegan Mayonannaise: We like Primal Kitchen or Chosen Foods. You can also make your own mayo if preferred.
• Whole30 Compliant Barbecue Sauce: Homemade or Primal Kitchen.
• Coconut Aminos
• Dijon Mustard: This adds more tang and an extra hint of spice.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed.
• Sea Salt: Half a teaspoon or to taste.

How to Make Homemade Ketchup

Without further ado, let’s jump into the process of preparing ketchup from scratch. Just make sure you follow the recipe that goes along with your ingredients.

Classic Ketchup

1. Combine Ingredients: Add all of the ingredients to a medium-sized saucepan.
2. Cook: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the ketchup simmer until it’s thickened, stirring regularly. This should take about 20 minutes.
3. Taste & Tweak: Taste your ketchup and adjust the seasonings as needed.
4. Let Cool: Allow the ketchup to cool before using it.Transfer to a sealed jar or container and store in the fridge for up to one week.

Spicy BBQ Ketchup

1. Add Ingredients to Blender: Place all of the ingredients into a food processor or a high-powered blender like a Vitamix or Blendtec.
2. Pulse: Blend everything up until smooth and combined.
3. Taste & Adjust: Taste your ketchup and blend in more of any ingredient if desired.

Tips for Success

Before you go compile your ingredients, be sure to check out these handy homemade ketchup tips and tricks.

• Keep it Chilled: If you’re not serving your ketchup right away, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. If you’ve made the classic ketchup, let it come to room temperature before doing so.
• Adjust the Flavor: You can always make a last-minute addition if you taste your ketchup and want it to have more of a certain flavor. Add a little bit at a time until you’re happy with how it tastes.
• What’s the Difference Between Boiling & Simmering? When a liquid boils, there are many large air bubbles moving rapidly throughout the saucepan. When it’s simmering, only a few small bubbles pop on the surface at a time. As soon as your ketchup starts boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer so it doesn’t overcook.

Serving Suggestions

There’s no limit to the ways you can serve your homemade ketchup. Start with one of the crave-worthy ideas below!

• Spread it Onto Burgers: Any kind of burger tastes better with ketchup inside. Try adding your condiment to these easy Turkey and Chickpea Burgers for a truly addicting sandwich!
• Pair it with Tofu Fries: These panko-crusted Tofu Fries have a wonderfully crispy crust that surrounds a soft and flavorful interior. They taste great dipped into either one of these ketchups!
• Add it to Scrambled Eggs: Not everyone is a fan of mixing ketchup into their scrambled eggs, but those of us who are almost never eat scrambled eggs without it. Shake off that skepticism and don’t knock it ’til you try it!
• Serve it with Roasted Squash: This festive Roasted Delicata Squash is easy to make in the oven or the Air Fryer. Tender-crisp slices of squash are seasoned with garlic powder, salt and pepper. The only way to make this appetizer tastier is by pairing it with your homemade ketchup!

How Long Does Homemade Ketchup Keep?

Your Whole30 ketchup will last for up to 1 week in the refrigerator, whether it’s classic or spicy BBQ. Keep it in a resealable jar or another airtight container.

Can I Freeze This?

You can totally freeze this keto ketchup if you’d like. The best way to freeze it is by pouring it into an ice tray and then transferring the frozen cubes to a freezer-safe jar or container. However, you can freeze it directly in the jar as long as you leave plenty of room for the liquid to expand as it freezes. Frozen ketchup lasts for up to 3 months.

Be sure to thaw it out in the fridge and stir it well before using it. You may find that it has a slightly thinner texture after it thaws, but the flavor should remain the same.

More Sauces and Condiments to Try

Do you have another favorite condiment that you’d like to start making at home? Try out some of the following recipes!

• Homemade Barbecue Sauce
• Easy Chimichurri Sauce
• Zesty Italian Dressing
• Slow Cooker Apple Butter