Homemade Balsamic Ketchup Recipe (2024)

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Balsamic Ketchup is a rich and savory version of your favorite condiment that you can make in minutes. This homemade ketchup recipe with a burst of balsamic vinegar flavor adds something special to burgers, fries, and more. No added sugar, plus it is vegan, gluten free, and paleo.

Homemade Balsamic Ketchup Recipe (4)

Originally published on Apr 26, 2012

My kid is a very good eater, but there are some times that he is very picky. Except when you cover something in some sort of sauce, or give him a little “dip dip.” Sometimes it is teriyaki sauce or barbecue sauce, other times it is Ranch dip or salsa.

But, like most kids, ketchup is the condiment of choice. So when I really want to get him to eat something, even something he previously turned his nose at, I squirt on a bit of ketchup.

Not in the mood for egg muffins? Add ketchup.

Doesn’t want to eat roasted vegetables? Add ketchup.

Refuses cheesy quinoa? You got it! Add ketchup.

Homemade Balsamic Ketchup Recipe (5)

How to Make Balsamic Ketchup

All you have to do to make balsamic ketchup is combine the ingredients in a bowl and stir until smooth! It takes five minutes and no cooking required.

What is in Balsamic Ketchup?

  • Tomato paste
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Dry mustard powder
  • Dried oregano
  • Dried basil
  • Salt
  • Garlic powder
  • Pepper

How do you store homemade ketchup? How long does it last?

I often transfer the ketchup to an old plastic ketchup or mustard bottle that I’ve washed out. Or you can store it in a mason jar, squeeze bottle, or another airtight container. Then store it in the refrigerator. It will last up to a couple of months.

Pro tips:

  • We LOVE balsamic vinegar, but if you think this might be too strong for you, then you can cut the amount and add in a little water to get the consistency you want. But the flavor does mellow as it sits.
  • As mentioned, it can be stored for quite a long time in the fridge.
  • However, if this is too large of a batch for you, you can easily cut it in half by using one of the small 6 ounce cans of tomato paste.

Homemade Balsamic Ketchup Recipe (6)

Is balsamic ketchup gluten free? Is it paleo and low carb?

None of the ingredients in this recipe contain gluten. There is also no added sugar.

Always be sure to use brands of herbs and spices that do not use fillers that may contain gluten, such as McCormick.

And check the brand of balsamic vinegar you are using. A few inexpensive brands use caramel coloring, which may be a hidden source of sugar and gluten.

While it is sugar-free and relatively low in carbs compared to commercial ketchup, it would probably not be considered keto-friendly. However, the carbs do come just from the fiber and natural sugars present in tomatoes.

Is balsamic ketchup vegan?

Yes, it is vegan. It does not contain any ingredients of animal origin.

Homemade Balsamic Ketchup Recipe (7)

What can you dip in Balsamic Ketchup?

  • Baked Cauliflower Tots are a crispy, cheesy, healthy alternative to tater tots.
  • Italian Herb Baked French Fries have the perfect flavor to complement this recipe.
  • Cornmeal Crusted Asparagus adds a crispy coating to those gorgeous stalks.
  • Potato Zucchini Tots sneak some greens into a basic tater tot.
  • Spinach Artichoke Quinoa Bites turn a favorite dip combo into protein-packed, whole grain finger food.
  • Air Fryer Zucchini with salty parmesan are the perfect complement.

What other types of gourmet ketchup can you make?

  • Buffalo Ketchup kicks up your basic ketchup recipe.
  • Worcestershire Ketchup has a steakhouse flavor that complements your burgers.
  • Cranberry Balsamic Ketchup adds a sweet-tart twist to the basic balsamic ketchup.
  • Whiskey BBQ Ketchup is bold with a hint of booziness.

Balsamic Ketchup

Add an extra burst of rich umami flavor to everyone’s favorite condiment. The addition of balsamic vinegar makes it tangy and savory. Plus there is no added sugar, so it’s practically a serving of veggies!

I hope you’ll leave a comment and give it a FIVE STAR rating or share a photo on Pinterest!

Homemade Balsamic Ketchup Recipe (8)

4 from 3 votes

Balsamic Ketchup

A rich and savory condiment that adds something special to burgers, fries, and more. In minutes you can make this Balsamic Ketchup recipe. Gluten free, grain free, low carb, and vegan.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz. tomato paste (one 12 oz. can or two 6 oz. cans)
  • 1 cup balsamic vinegar (you can use less and make up the difference with water if this is too vinegary for you)
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  • Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl, and mix well.

Notes

You can also cut this recipe in half and use one of the small 6 oz. cans of tomato paste, if you don't want so much. But store it in a cleaned out ketchup or mustard bottle, and it will keep in the fridge for months.

Recipe yields about 1 cup of balsamic ketchup.

Nutrition Facts

Balsamic Ketchup

Amount Per Serving (1 Tablespoon)

Calories 32

% Daily Value*

Sodium 244mg10%

Potassium 233mg7%

Carbohydrates 6g2%

Sugar 4g4%

Protein 1g2%

Vitamin A 325IU7%

Vitamin C 4.6mg6%

Calcium 14mg1%

Iron 0.8mg4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Author: Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips

Course: Condiments

Cuisine: American

Homemade Balsamic Ketchup Recipe (9)

Did you make this?

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Categories:

  • Dinner
  • Dips and Spreads
  • Family Friendly
  • Gluten Free
  • Mains
  • Sauces and Condiments
  • Vegan
  • Veggies

Enjoy!

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    Homemade Balsamic Ketchup Recipe (2024)

    FAQs

    Is Heinz balsamic ketchup being discontinued? ›

    In 2011 they also started manufacturing a variety with balsamic vinegar. This variety was discontinued in 2018. On June 5, 2019, (which is National Ketchup Day), Heinz, and Ed Sheeran, released a limited-edition ketchup officially known as Ed Sheeran × Heinz ketchup, popularly known as "Edchup".

    What is balsamic sauce made of? ›

    Traditional balsamic vinegar is made only with one ingredient — "grape must" (in Italian, "mosto"), the sweet juice of freshly pressed grapes — that is boiled to a concentrate, fermented and acidified, and aged for 12 to 25 years or longer in wood barrels.

    How do you keep balsamic reduction from hardening? ›

    Here's how to make balsamic reduction

    Remove from the heat and let cool (it will continue to thicken). The reduction can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. If it hardens or becomes too thick, gently reheat with a spoonful of water to loosen.

    Does homemade ketchup taste better? ›

    Delicious – This easy ketchup recipe tastes fresh and better than anything that you can buy at the grocery store! It has no artificial ingredients or corn syrup, so it's healthier too!

    Why avoid Heinz ketchup? ›

    It contains high quantities of sugar, salt, fructose, preservatives and corn syrup. All of these ingredients when combined together have an adverse effect on the body.

    Why does McDonald's not use Heinz ketchup? ›

    However, in 2013 Heinz was acquired by a new company with a new CEO, Bernado Hees. Hees was the former CEO of Burger King, McDonald's fast food rival. Because of Hees' history with Burger King, McDonald's decided to end its 40-year partnership with Heinz and produce its own ketchup instead.

    Is there a difference between balsamic and balsamic vinegar? ›

    The first important concept to understand is that Balsamic glaze, also called Balsamic cream, is a reduction of Balsamic Vinegar. Its preparation then starts from this product, to which various ingredients are added, such as sugar, flour, starch and butter.

    Is the balsamic vinegar the same as balsamic sauce? ›

    Balsamic vinegar offers a blend of sweetness, acidity, and woody undertones in a liquid form, ideal for dressings, marinades, and salads. In contrast, balsamic glaze is thicker and syrupy, with sweetness from added sugars and a rapid reduction process.

    Why is balsamic so expensive? ›

    It takes 12 years to make the best, aceto balsamico tradizionale (traditional balsamic vinegar), and at least 25 to make the finest, extra Vecchio. Because of traditional balsamic vinegar's painstaking artisanal production process, supplies are limited, and it tends to be rather pricey.

    What is the mother of the balsamic vinegar? ›

    Mother of vinegar is a biofilm composed of a form of cellulose, yeast, and bacteria that sometimes develops on fermenting alcoholic liquids during the process that turns alcohol into acetic acid with the help of oxygen from the air and acetic acid bacteria (AAB).

    What are the chunks in my balsamic vinegar? ›

    When you find a bit of stringy sediment, large or small, in a bottle of vinegar don't fret. In fact — congratulations — you have a mother. A mother of vinegar, that is. Yes, it looks rather grungy and scary, floating on the top of the vinegar like that, but this spongy mass of bacteria is completely harmless.

    What is the sludge at the bottom of balsamic vinegar? ›

    If it looks a little bit cloudy, or there is some sediment at the bottom of the bottle, that is probably just the mother of vinegar precipitating out of the liquid. It is still safe to consume, but if you do not like the cloudiness, you can strain it out.

    Why does glass bottle ketchup taste better? ›

    Permeability is zero:

    Since glass bottles do not affect the taste or smell of sauces and ketchup, their owners do not have to worry about this. Glas' material and shape are not affected by external temperatures, such as heat, as opposed to plastics, which can melt and affect product quality.

    Why is Heinz ketchup so much better? ›

    Apparently, Henry Heinz, when he was developing his ketchup, included a greater percentage of tomato solids, which boosted the amount of umami. Heinz's recipe also included a greater concentration of vinegar, which increased the acidity, making it more sour than its competitors.

    Is it cheaper to make or buy ketchup? ›

    but it takes not only so many tomatoes, but it's cost is more than the sauce that's already made. (at least where i live in the US the tomatoes to make even a decent amount of sauce costs far more than premade stuff.) Because it is simply easier to buy food in supermarkets than it is to make it.

    Is there a Heinz ketchup shortage? ›

    Ketchup is the latest product facing a pandemic-related shortage, as the last year has seen stores and restaurants run out of products such as toilet paper, aluminum cans, and pepperoni.

    Why did they stop making purple ketchup? ›

    After six years of creative embellishments on food, the novelty wore off and Heinz's fickle young fans tired of making tribal tattoos on their hot dogs. The company discontinued the EZ Squirt colors as sales dwindled.

    What happened to Heinz Purple ketchup? ›

    The outrageous colors required loads of food coloring and some fancy food engineering to make it taste like ketchup. The EZ Squirt bottle had a specialized kid-friendly nozzle. Initially the bizarre ketchups sold well, but consumers eventually lost interest and the product was discontinued.

    When was Heinz Purple ketchup discontinued? ›

    In 2000, Heinz introduced colored ketchup products called EZ Squirt, which were targeted towards young children. The product was available in a squeezable container and was eventually discontinued in 2006.

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