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Well, by-golly, this copycat of Heinz ketchup is darned good ketchup! Whether you’re trying to replace the store-bought version or just looking for a nice base recipe to start with for making your own special ketchup, this is it. I highly recommend at least doubling this recipe. It’s good stuff. Mighty good stuff.

Start With A Little Celery Seed
I found the honey to really add a very nice sweetness, almost floral hint to the ketchup. I really liked that. And the celery seed also added a really nice twist. I love celery seed, I use it in a lot of sauces but mostly in meat rubs. A few people have commented that it changes to the taste too much. Start with a little and see how you like the flavor before adding the full 1/4 teaspoon.
I also made a french fry dipping sauce the other day that is rather nice if I say so myself. Check it out! And nothing, absolutely nothing, is better than a copycat of the classic McDonald’s hamburger topped with homemade Heinz ketchup!
Copycat Heinz Ketchup
Ingredients
- 1 6 ounce tomato paste
- ½ cup light corn syrup I used honey instead
- ½ cup white vinegar try red wine vinegar for a really great twist!
- ¼ teaspoon celery seed more, or less (optional, but adds fantastic flavor)
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Cover partially and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely before refrigerating.
- Ketchup gets even better the next day.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are approximate.
How can this taste like Heinz? I mean, recipe says one thing and you used something else, but it’s supposed to taste like Heinz?? I didn’t try it…next.
I can see your point, I did suggest some changes to customize the flavors. I always do that. Sorry you didn’t like it.
Mike
Sorry, I just wanted the recipe that tastes like Heinz Ketchup. This one was it until we took that left turn and said white or red, salted or unsalted, honey or corn syrup. Too many variables to get the taste like Heinz.
I used this recipe with another and did what I liked from both. I substitued the celery seed for a small pinch of cloves which several recipes for ketchup like Heinz did. I used apple cidar vinegar instead of white for what I believed to be a better flavor and saw one other recipe did it that way. My ketchup is delicious, better than Heinz because it is fresh it is more flavorful. One thing I would tell all aspiring chefs or homecooks is that if something about a recipe bothers you, look for other recipes and then it is sometimes nice to use the best of all you read.
You may be skeptical about the ground cloves, I was hesitant; they are really a boon to the overall flavor punch. Don’t add so much that it tastes like Christmas, just a small pinch is fine. Note, I was upset at first when I added the cloves and they hit full blast on my olfactory senses and I was certain I ruined it. But I tasted it and actually, it was damn good! I left mine in the pan with the lid off for about half an hour before putting in a glass jar in the fridge. I personally didin’t like the really strong smell of cloves so I thought is I let the whole thing air a bit that might help. So it is by far the best ketchup, taste wise, I have ever eaten.
I am certain that instead of clove its actually allspice.
Agreed. I actually added allspice and som mace. Very common in ketchup… but go lightly.
Maybe we should call this one just ketchup instead of Heinz ketchup. That way people like me who come here to get the Heinz ketchup recipe won’t be disappointed. I’m Still looking for Heinz ketchup… thanks for understanding.
This was SO good! I used to only buy Heinz for decades but refuse now due to ingredients. I’ve tried the healthier ingredients brands but disappointing when your taste buds are expecting a ‘Heinz’ type flavor. Well I am so excited to have this recipe now I can make my own! I used honey instead of corn syrup also and left out the celery seed (didn’t have any). I just want to thank you for sharing this- it will be my go-to now.