Old Fashioned Ketchup Recipe
This quick and flavorful old fashioned ketchup recipe is the perfect way to ditch the store-bought stuff and upgrade your everyday meals. Made in minutes with pantry staples, this small-batch recipe is rich, tangy, and free from unwanted preservatives and sweeteners.
For more homemade condiments, try Homemade Mayonnaise, Garlic Butter Medallions, or Handmade BBQ Sauce.
Introduction
Ketchup has always been one of the most widely used condiments in my kitchen. And now that I make this healthy homemade version, I feel so much better about using it often. It takes just minutes to whip up and stores easily for casual weeknight meals or weekend grilling.
With no high fructose corn syrup or additives, this ketchup keeps it real. Whether you’re dipping garlic asiago potato wedges or dressing up a burger, this is one of those staples you’ll wonder how you ever lived without.
Why This Recipe Works
- Made with simple pantry staples and free from processed ingredients or refined sugar.
- Quick to prepare — it comes together in under 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Delivers a fresher, bolder flavor than store-bought ketchup, similar to what you get from my Chicago sauce.
- Naturally gluten-free, offering a cleaner option — just like my vegan Italian salad dressing.
- Small batch and easy to store, it’s perfect for home cooks who care more about quality than quantity.
Ingredients For Healthy Homemade Ketchup
This recipe is made with a handful of ingredients you likely already have.
- Malt Vinegar: I’ve made this recipe with and without this ingredient — and it’s definitely better with. It adds a subtle depth that rounds out the flavor and helps preserve the ketchup naturally.
- Honey: A go-to sweetener for recipes in my kitchen. It brings just the right amount of sweetness without relying on refined sugar.
See recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
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Variations or Substitutions
- Use maple syrup instead of honey to make a vegan version — it keeps the sweetness balanced while staying fully plant-based.
- Add heat with cayenne or hot sauce if you like a little kick — even just a pinch can brighten the flavor and add some edge.
- Incorporate bold extras like smoked paprika, lemon juice, or Worcestershire to deepen the flavor and give the ketchup a more complex profile.
- Adjust the texture by increasing the tomato paste for a thicker consistency, or stir in a splash of water to thin it out as needed.
- Mix with my healthy mayonnaise to make a quick fry sauce, or use it as the base for BBQ sauce by adding vinegar, brown sugar, and spices.
How To Make Healthy Homemade Ketchup
This recipe takes only minutes and comes together in one bowl.
Step 1: In a small mixing bowl, add the tomato paste, white vinegar, water, honey, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder.
Step 2: Whisk everything together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. Adjust the consistency by adding a little more water if needed.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, but you’ll need to cook them down into paste first or the ketchup will be too watery.
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it should last 2–3 weeks.
Yes, if you use maple syrup instead of honey.
Freezing is not ideal, as the texture may change when thawed.
Maple syrup and honey are both great. Agave syrup can also be used.
Serve
Serve this healthy ketchup with your favorite fries, burgers, grilled veggies, or scrambled eggs. It also works great in meatloaf recipes — especially my cast iron skillet meatloaf — on sandwiches, or as a base for sauces like BBQ or fry sauce.
Use it as a dip, a drizzle, or a bold addition to marinades — it’s that good. Try spreading a little on rustic no knead bread as part of a sandwich or serve it alongside roasted potato wedges.
Expert Tips
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter ketchup, simply add a little more honey to taste.
- Consistency adjustments: If your ketchup is too thick, add more water one tablespoon at a time. For a thicker ketchup, add more tomato paste.
- Storage tips: Store your homemade ketchup in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
- Flavor variations: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a smoky or spicy twist. A splash of lemon juice or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can also enhance the flavor.
- Perfect for dips & sauces: Use this ketchup as a base for BBQ sauce, veggie dip, or a marinade for grilled meats.
Old Fashioned Ketchup
Ingredients
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 1/4 cup malt vinegar
- 2 tbls honey
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Combine the Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, add the tomato paste, malt vinegar, honey, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Mix Until Smooth: Stir everything together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. Adjust the consistency by adding a little water if needed.
- Serve or Store: Serve your homemade ketchup immediately, or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two weeks.
Video
Notes
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter ketchup, simply add a little more honey to taste.
- Consistency Adjustments: If your ketchup is too thick, add some water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. For a thicker ketchup, add more tomato paste.
- Storage Tips: Store your homemade ketchup in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment by adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a smoky or spicy twist. A splash of lemon juice or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can also add extra tang to your ketchup.
- Perfect for Dips & Sauces: This ketchup isn’t just for fries and burgers. Use it as a base for BBQ sauce, a dipping sauce for veggies, or even as a marinade for grilled meats!
This homemade ketchup is packed with rich, tangy flavor and so much better than store-bought. It’s easy to make and perfect for dipping, spreading, or adding to your favorite recipes. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think. Be sure to leave a review and let me know how it turned out for you. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments — I’m happy to help!