Homemade Ketchup Recipe (Naturally Sweetened with Honey)
- rosabrinascucina
- Aug 31
- 2 min read
If you’ve ever looked at the back of a ketchup bottle and wondered why there are so many unpronounceable ingredients, you’re not alone. That’s why I started making my own ketchup at home — it’s simple, wholesome, and tastes even better than the store-bought kind. This homemade ketchup recipe comes together in minutes using pantry staples like tomato paste, vinegar, and honey. It’s naturally sweetened (no refined sugar!) and has that perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory. Once you try it, you might never go back to bottled ketchup again.
Why you'll love this recipe:
Better ingredients – no high-fructose corn syrup, just honey.
Quick to make – done in less than 15 minutes.
Customizable – adjust the sweetness or spices to your taste.
Perfect for everything – fries, burgers, sandwiches, or even as a base for BBQ sauce
Ingredients:
makes 2 cups
(2) 6 oz containers tomato paste
1/2 cup water
1 cup vinegar (white vinegar or apple cider vinegar works great)
1/2 cup honey (or maple syrup to make it vegan)
1.5 tsp salt
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
Add all of the ingredients into a 2.5 quart pot and whisk all of the ingredients together.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil on medium high heat.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.
Let cool, then transfer to a glass jar or squeeze bottle. Store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
Tips:
For a smoother texture, blend the ketchup with an immersion blender after cooking.
Want it spicy? Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika.
Like a thicker ketchup? Simmer longer until it reduces more.
Video Tutorials:
This ketchup is perfect with homemade fries, chicken tenders, or spread onto a burger bun! I also use it as an ingredient in my Baked Beans Recipe.
If you make this side dish, share your creation with us by tagging us on social media. We'd love to see how you put your own spin on this classic recipe. Enjoy!
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