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This easy Homemade Ketchup recipe is easier to make than you think…just a few minutes of hands on time and you have one amazing condiment that will put your hot dogs over the top!
Homemade Ketchup
Want to level up your hot dog and hamburger game? Making your own Ketchup is the way to go. It’s easier to make at home than you think and your guests will be so impressed with your culinary achievements. Plus, you can make this easy tomato ketchup in advance and stash it in the refrigerator for dipping all the things….even your kids chicken nuggets!
So perfect for the upcoming football season, you’ll be using this ketchup to amp up the flavor in all the recipes using commercial ketchup like meatloaf and mashed potatoes! Trust me when I say, you’re never going to buy it in the bottle again.
How To Make Ketchup
Tomato Ketchup, or Catsup, is an American condiment made up of tomato and vinegar…similar to barbecue sauce but without as many spices. It’s used to top burgers, hot dogs or for dipping.
This recipe uses more spices than a commercial ketchup recipe and tastes more like Heinz 57 sauce if you know what that tastes like. A bit tangier than traditional ketchup.
Here’s how to make it:
Heat the oil over medium-high heat.
Add the onion and cook until softened.
Stir in the garlic cooking for 1 minute.
Add the spices and tomato paste, stirring to combine.
Stir in the tomatoes and bring to a boil.
Add the sugar and vinegar then turn the heat to low.
Simmer for 1 hour or until thickened.
Cool the mixture to room temperature.
Transfer to a blender and puree until smooth.
Store the ketchup in an airtight container and refrigerator for 3-4 hours.
Serve on top of a boiled hot dog or your favorite grilled burger! The tangy, sweet, tart flavor on top of a hot, juicy dog in a soft roll, it just screams summer to me.
How to Serve It
This homemade ketchup is the perfect addition to your hot dog bar complete with NY Style Onions…all you need is a frosty cool beverage.
Served alongside my favorite Smashed Potato Salad and Macaroni Salad, you have the makings of a tasty party. Add a refreshing cocktail like this Strawberry Sweet Tart Slushy will take you back to your childhood with one slurp. It’s boozy…but you can leave the booze out if you want…or add more. It’s your party.
More Easy Sauce Recipes
- Italian Style Stewed Tomatoes
- Homemade Steak Sauce
- Nashville Hot Sauce
- Easy Chick-fil-A Sauce
- French Fry Sauce
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Homemade Ketchup

Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 32- ounce can whole plum tomatoes
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over med-high heat. Add the onion and cook until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the spices and tomato paste.
- Continue to cook until the tomato paste is a deep burgundy color (cook until almost to the point of burning….trust me.)
- Carefully pour the tomatoes into the pot (nothing splashes like tomatoes in a hot pan.) Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Add the sugar and vinegar. Turn the heat to low and allow to simmer for 50 minutes to an hour until thickened, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Remove the pot from the heat and allow to cool.
- Transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth. Pour the mixture into an airtight container and chill for 3-4 hours. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What makes a Hebrew National kosher hot dog premium? It’s all about what makes the cut (And what doesn’t). We’re choosy about what goes into our franks – we use only premium cuts of 100% kosher beef from the front half of the cow and then choose the best from that. No artificial flavors, colors, fillers or by-products. When your hot dog is Kosher, that’s a hot dog you can trust! For more summer fun with Hebrew Na1onal, visit facebook.com/hebrewnational.
Made the Ketchup and it was great! On your music list, go with “The Guess Who” for ‘American Woman
So glad you liked it! Thanks for the recommendation.
Homemade ketchup is SO much better than store-bought – Yummo! And Bowie…oh yeah! Have a fun 4th!
This is perfect for this weekend! I will be plugging in my ear phones momentarily to rock out to that play list!