Homemade Balsamic Ketchup Recipe

4 from 3 votes
(Click the stars to vote)
A red circle with the letters FFA red circle with the letters GFA green circle with the letters VE

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

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 image with title

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.

White bowl of balsamic ketchup on a red and white napkin

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.

Balsamic Ketchup in a small white bowl for dipping oven fries

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.

Closeup of homemade balsamic vinegar ketchup in a bowl

What can you dip in Balsamic Ketchup?

What other types of gourmet ketchup can you make?

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!

Closeup of homemade balsamic vinegar ketchup in a bowl
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.
Prep: 5 minutes

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.

Categories:

Enjoy!

For more yumminess from me and my foodie friends, keep up with me on…

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Or sign up to have Cupcakes & Kale Chips delivered straight to your Inbox!

32 Comments
  1. Stephanie Shockley

    Can’t I just buy ketchup and just mix in the Balsamic Vinegar? I can’t afford all that stuff to make this.

    1. Since ketchup already contains vinegar and water, just adding balsamic will make it quite watery. You could just start with the tomato paste and simply add the herbs or spices you might already have in your pantry. Even just a bit of garlic powder and a teaspoon of oregano or Italian seasoning will give it a little extra boost of flavor.

  2. This was really great! My youngest (who is almost 2 and who loves “dip dip” and who I also call “Bug”) and I love Balsamic vinegar so we really enjoyed it freshly made but I do hope it’ll settle down a little for the rest of the family. I look forward to testing it in recipes like meatless loaf and veggie sloppy joes. Yum!! Thanks for working out this awesome recipe.

  3. 5 stars
    Precious Shirts and your little guy is adorable!! I can’t wait to try the Balsamic Ketchup, your recipe looks awesome. Hope you have a great week end and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

  4. I LOVE ketchup! I love the cute T-shirts too, just might have to get one. I put ketchup on just about EVERYTHING! Thanks so much for linking up your wonderful recipes on Fabulous Friday. I am so honored to have you party with us. I’m super excited to make my own ketchup, thanks again for sharing! xoxox

  5. Ooh, I posted a version of this earlier this year after I looked all over for the Heinz version & couldn’t find it anywhere! And it is SO GOOD and amazingly easy. I’m afraid of canning things, so I froze the leftovers in small containers and I still have some left. We usually have it with sweet potato fries. 🙂

  6. Thanks so much for linking up to Creative Thursday this week. I have always wanted to make my own ketchup, we go through enough of it. And this just seems so much healthier. I would love to try it with some horseradish to give it a kick too. Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful recipes this week.

    I can’t wait to see what you link up next week. Have a wonderful weekend.

    Michelle

  7. Oh my! {Easy} Gourmet Ketchup. This is already definitely approved based on pictures and title alone. 😉 And I have a whole bottle of balsamic screaming to be used. Will try this out on the fam. Thank you. Pinning.

  8. I’m definitely going to give this a try! I imagine the balsamic really sweetens it up. We love a chipolte flavor to our ketchup…maybe I will mess around with your recipe and see what I can create! Love that bug loved this! lol

    You know, my kids are older now, but none of them were really dippers. In fact, when we would get chicken nuggets on occasion from MCD’s, they never wanted any dip…which I totally did not get! Even today, my middle son will eat salad without salad dressing…my gosh…who does that? lol

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




I accept the Privacy Policy