Homemade Ketchup Recipe (+ Spicy Ketchup)

This homemade ketchup recipe is easy to make with tomatoes and spicy, and so much better than store bought, plus I'll show you how to make a spicy version!

I am a sauce and condiment freak. If you've perused this web site, you'll probably pick up on that pretty quickly. I love cooking foods of all sorts, but when it comes to flavors, condiments are where it's at. A good condiment adds the final touch to many a great meal.

We're talking hot sauces, sauces, relish, pickles, as well as some of the most popular condiments we've known since we were kids - Mustard and Ketchup. I've been making homemade mustard for years, so it's time we made our own Homemade Ketchup to go along with it, right?

Of course I'm going to make a spicy ketchup as well, but you can very easily adjust that to your own preferred level.

Once you make your own ketchup at home, you'll never want to buy store bought ketchup again.

What is Ketchup?

Ketchup is the star of American condiments. At its core it is a seasoned and pureed tomato sauce with a somewhat thick consistency made for squeezing over burgers, sausages, hot dogs and sandwiches.

It's a versatile condiment and can be mixed with other ingredients to form new blends, like homemade bbq sauce. The pureed tomato sauce is typically flavored with vinegar, brown sugar, and a mixture of seasonings.

Why is it Called Ketchup?

The name "ketchup" is derived from the Chinese word, kê-tsiap, which is the name of a fermented fish sauce. It is likely that Vietnamese seafarers introduced this sauce to China.

The British discovered the sauce there and attempted to recreate this dark, fermented, flavorful sauce back home. Early failed attempts included ingredients like anchovies, walnuts and mushrooms, but eventually became the saucy condiment we know today when it was made with tomato.

Tomato ketchup is certainly popular in America and around the world. It's practically everywhere with mass market production, but like anything, it's so much better when you can make it at home and control the recipe.

So what do you think?

Let's talk about how to make homemade ketchup, shall we?

Ingredients Needed to Make Homemade Ketchup

• Onion. You can use onion powder.
• Peppers. Optional, for spicy ketchup. I enjoy a fairly mild jalapeno ketchup, but you can make habanero ketchup, ghost pepper ketchup, or as hot as you want.
• Garlic. Fresh garlic, though you can use garlic powder.
• Tomatoes. You can use fresh or canned tomatoes. Use the best quality for the best ketchup.
• Brown Sugar. Honey or maple syrup are interesting swaps, for a nice touch of sweetness.
• Vinegar. I use apple cider vinegar, though white vinegar is good, too.
• Tomato Paste. As a thickener and flavor builder.
• Worcestershire Sauce. This, along with the tomato and seasonings, gives ketchup its characteristic flavor.
• Seasonings. Chili Powder (or use cayenne powder for a spicier kick), ground mustard, ground cloves, allspice, black pepper, salt.

How to Make Homemade Ketchup

Cook the Peppers and Onions. First, heat the oil to medium heat in a medium sized pot and add the onion and peppers (if using). Cook them down about 5 minutes to soften them up.

Garlic. Add the garlic and cook for a minute, stirring a bit, until you can smell that gorgeous garlic.

Tomatoes and Remaining Ingredients. Add the tomatoes, brown sugar, cider vinegar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, ground mustard, cloves, allspice, black pepper and salt to taste. Give it a nice stir.

NOTE: If you're using fresh tomatoes, chop about 2-1/2 pounds of fresh tomatoes, add them to the pot, and proceed with the recipe.

Simmer the Ketchup Ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 45 minutes (or up to 1 hour/60 minutes) to let the flavors meld and develop.

Process Until Smooth. Puree the ketchup with an immersion blender, or transfer it to a blender or food processor and process it in batches until nice and smooth.

Strain the Ketchup to Thin. Strain the ketchup through a fine mesh strainer to give it a nice, smooth texture. Discard the remaining solids, or save them for another use.

You can swirl it into soups for added flavor, or dehydrate it to make a seasoning. 

Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator and use as needed.

If you'd like to preserve the ketchup for longer term, process in a hot water bath for 15 minutes and store in a cool, dry place.

This recipe will make you about 3+ cups of homemade ketchup. Enjoy it however you'd like! Throw a ketchup party! Who's bringing the French fries? Such a great recipe.

How to Use Ketchup

I'm sure you have your favorite ways to enjoy ketchup! Try it with some of these recipes:

• Baked Cajun Fries
• Grilled Beer Brats
• Great Hamburger Recipes

Storage

Homemade ketchup should be stored in the refrigerator in sealed containers or bottles. It will last 3-4 weeks or longer.

You can freeze homemade ketchup in freezer bags or containers, where it will last 6 months.

That's it, my friends! I hope you enjoy your homemade ketchup! Are you making a spicy version, like me? Or do you prefer a more traditional ketchup? Let's hear it!

Try Some of My Other Popular Condiments and Sauces

• Homemade Chili Sauce
• Ranchero Sauce
• Peri Peri Sauce
• Homemade Cocktail Sauce
• Pickled Jalapenos
• Hot Honey
• Homemade Buffalo Sauce
• Hawaiian Chili Pepper Water
• Homemade Sriracha
• How to Make Mustard
• Homemade Mumbo Sauce

Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.

Note: This recipe was updated on 5/26/22 to include new information and video. It was originally published on 9/18/19.