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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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Balsamic Ketchup
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
Did you make this?
Leave a rating below and tag @cupcakesandkalechips on Instagram and hashtag it #cupcakesandkalechips
Categories:
Enjoy!
Can’t I just buy ketchup and just mix in the Balsamic Vinegar? I can’t afford all that stuff to make this.
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.
I love ketchup and I also happen to love balsamic so I must try this.
We love it!
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.
I am so happy you and YOUR Bug enjoyed it!
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
Thank you, yes, I do think he is pretty cute. Even when he is covered in ketchup.
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
Haha! Give it a try – super-easy, and lots of ways to change it up.
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. 🙂
I made sweet potato tots, and it was awesome with those. I usually make a half batch at a time, unless I need more for a recipe, and The Bug will go through it quick enough that I don’t have to bother with canning or freezing.
Your recipe looks terrific. I thought others would enjoy it too so i pinned it. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, and thanks for pinning and sharing!
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
It is really easy – takes only a few minutes! A horseradish kick would be interesting to try.
That looks terrific. I am trying this out. Come visit. We did a great post on gourmet ketchup that we got to taste test. I was awesome.
Thanks! And I checked out your taste test. Sounds like tasty fun!
I should have tried this recipe so long ago – me and tomato sauce are best friends at every meal 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Oooh, I hope you love it!
This is going on my must-try-soon list. Looks great.
And Bug is adorable!
Oh yay! Hope you like it! And thank you – I think he is pretty cute, too!
Saving this recipe! We love balsamic vinegar!
Great! I hope you like it!
This sounds so good! I must admit, I love ketchup!!! And I love that there is no sugar in this ketchup!
I know, that is the best thing about making it myself. I think the tomato is sweet enough, and then especially with the balsamic in this recipe.
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.
I never realized ketchup was so easy. Now I try to never buy it!
I just love this!! I’ve been meaning to make my own ketchup for ages and this looks like a great place to start.
You should! It is so easy and fast, and usually just takes stuff from your pantry. I make it all the time now.
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
Mmm, chipotle sounds yummy! Can’t wait to see what you come up with. I don’t like a lot of salad dressing, but none – what?!?! 🙂