Easy Homemade Ketchup Healthy with Honey and Garlic
This is the best-tasting and easiest Homemade Ketchup recipe you can make in five minutes with tomato paste, honey, white wine vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of allspice. And it’s made without added sugar and high-fructose corn syrup with clean, simple ingredients for your fries and burgers.
This is the best-tasting and easiest Homemade Ketchup recipe you can make in five minutes. Unlike store-bought ketchup, which often contains added sugar and high-fructose corn syrup, this homemade version uses simple, clean ingredients like tomato paste, honey, white wine vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of allspice. The result is a delicious, thick consistency ideal for dipping french fries or topping your favorite dishes.
For little kids and adults alike, creating your own homemade ketchup recipe is fun and super satisfying. It’s one of the easiest condiments to make at home, and after trying it for the first time, you may never return to the bottles found in grocery stores. And I highly recommend serving it with my High-Protein Loaded French Fries!
Why is this homemade ketchup recipe healthier than store-bought ketchup?
This homemade ketchup recipe is healthier than store-bought ketchup because it uses clean, natural ingredients like honey instead of high fructose corn syrup, which is commonly found in commercial ketchups. It’s free from artificial preservatives, additives, and excessive amounts of refined sugar, allowing you to control the sweetness and flavor. Additionally, this recipe includes garlic and allspice, which add natural flavor without the need for chemical enhancers. Overall, it’s a more wholesome option that avoids the unnecessary processed ingredients found in many store-bought versions.
Why You’ll Love This 5-Minute Ketchup Recipe
- You only need a few simple ingredients.
- It is super easy to make for an impressive result.
- It is full of delicious flavor!
- All the ingredients are easily digestible for a gentle tummy.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is everything you need to make the best homemade ketchup recipe:
Tomato Paste: You can substitute with 12 ounces of canned crushed tomatoes or tomato purée, cooked down to thicken.
Honey: You can use maple syrup, agave syrup in the same amount, or 1/4 cup of coconut sugar with a little extra water. You can also use brown sugar if you prefer.
White Wine Vinegar: Substitute with apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, red wine vinegar or slightly less balsamic vinegar (3 tablespoons) or lemon juice.
Water: You can use vegetable broth for added flavor or unsweetened apple juice for a complementary sweetness.
Garlic Powder: Substitute with 1-2 minced garlic cloves or the same amount of granulated garlic.
Onion Powder: Use 1/4 cup finely minced fresh onion cooked down, or an equal amount of minced shallots.
Salt: Replace with sea salt, Himalayan pink salt, or 1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari, adjusting other liquids slightly.
Allspice: You can substitute a pinch of ground cloves or a small mix of cinnamon and nutmeg.
How to Make My Healthy Ketchup with Honey Recipe
Here are easy, detailed, step-by-step instructions for making my easy ketchup recipe. The instructions are also repeated in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add 6 ounces of tomato paste, 1/4 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of white wine vinegar, 1/4 cup of water, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/8 teaspoon of allspice, and a dash of black pepper.
Stir the ingredients together with a whisk, immersion blender, or food processor, until they are fully combined and the mixture is smooth. If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add a bit more water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired thickness.
Step 2: Simmer (Optional)
For a silkier and smoother ketchup, transfer the mixture to a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step is optional but enhances the flavor and texture.
Serve with my High-Protein Loaded French Fries.
Helpful Recipe Notes
Consistency: If you prefer a thicker ketchup, reduce the water slightly or simmer the mixture longer. For a thinner consistency, gradually add a little more water or vinegar.
Sweetness Level: Depending on your taste, you can adjust the amount of honey to make the ketchup sweeter or less sweet. If substituting with a different sweetener, start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
Simmering Tip: If you choose to simmer the ketchup, be sure to stir frequently to prevent sticking or burning at the bottom of the pan. Use a non-reactive saucepan (such as stainless steel) to avoid any metallic taste.
Delicious Ketchup Serving Suggestions
- Classic Hot Dogs: Elevate your hot dogs by spreading this homemade ketchup on top, and sprinkle with a pinch of celery seed or celery salt for extra flavor. For a bit of heat, mix in 1 tsp cayenne pepper to make a spicy ketchup that pairs perfectly with grilled hot dogs.
- Veggie Burgers: Spread a generous layer of this ketchup on your veggie burgers for a rich tomato flavor. You can enhance it by mixing in some mustard powder or adding a touch of smoked paprika or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a deeper, smoky taste.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Serve this ketchup as a dipping sauce for sweet potato fries. To balance the sweetness of the fries, consider adding some fresh herbs like thyme or oregano during the simmering process for an herby twist.
- Plate of Fries: Drizzle your fries with olive oil and sprinkle with a bit of celery salt before baking. Serve with this ketchup on the side, perhaps spiced up with cayenne pepper for a fiery kick.
- Ranch Dressing Combo: Combine this homemade ketchup with a dollop of ranch dressing for a tangy, creamy dip that goes well with fries or as a topping for veggie burgers.
- Spicy Ketchup: If you enjoy a bit of heat, mix in some cayenne pepper and mustard powder to create a spicy ketchup. This version is excellent on hot dogs or with sweet potato fries.
- Tomato Flavor Boost: To enhance the natural tomato flavor, consider simmering the ketchup with ripe tomatoes, smoked paprika, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce (if not vegetarian). This makes it an even more robust and flavorful option compared to the store-bought version.
Do you love homemade sauces? Check out more of my easy and nutritious sauce recipes:
Easy Homemade Ketchup Healthy with Honey and Garlic
Ingredients
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon all spice
- dash black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add 6 ounces of tomato paste, 1/4 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of white wine vinegar, 1/4 cup of water, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/8 teaspoon of allspice, and a dash of black pepper.
- Stir the ingredients together with a whisk, immersion blender, or food processor, until they are fully combined and the mixture is smooth. If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add a bit more water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired thickness.
- OPTIONAL: For a silkier and smoother ketchup, transfer the mixture to a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step is optional but enhances the flavor and texture.
Video
My family loved this!
I’m so glad, Gail! Thank you for the review 🙂
This was so easy to make! The kids couldn’t even tell it was different than our regular ketchup. And I love that it doesn’t have any corn syrup!!
Thank you for the review, Amanda! I’m so glad you like the recipe 🙂
I’m excited for you to try this really easy ketchup that tastes so much better than store bought and without all the unnecessary ingredients.