Let’s start with what pairs perfectly with homemade slow cooker ketchup. Picture this: grilled sausages with a hearty smear of ketchup, crispy fries shimmering with a tangy dip, or a juicy burger dripping with that rich flavor.
Ketchup isn’t just a condiment; it’s a culinary companion that elevates any dish. It adds a punch to breakfast potatoes, amps up your homemade meatloaf, and serves as a base for delicious barbecue sauces.
Imagine a picnic spread where your ketchup is the star, sitting proudly beside grilled veggies, chicken skewers, and even a charcuterie board. It’s the unsung hero of many meals!
So, what exactly is slow cooker ketchup? At its core, it's a homemade version of the tangy, sweet condiment we’ve all grown up with, made from fresh ingredients cooked low and slow.
Unlike standard ketchup that relies on corn syrup and preservatives, this version uses ripe tomatoes, spices, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar.
The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and robust ketchup that’s bursting with freshness. No more stale flavors from the bottle—it’s all about vibrant, homemade goodness.
There are countless reasons to love slow cooker ketchup beyond simply its amazing taste. For starters, it offers flexibility in tailoring flavors; you can tweak the sweetness, spice level, and acidity. Maybe you prefer a more robust kick of smoked paprika or a sweeter touch of honey. It’s all possible.
One of the best parts? This ketchup preserves the essence of summer flavors. Picture ripe heirloom tomatoes or juicy plum tomatoes simmering away with fragrant spices. The aroma is tantalizing, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in your kitchen.
Health-wise, you control what goes in. You avoid additives and artificial flavors, crafting a ketchup that’s wholesome for your family. Plus, making ketchup in a slow cooker is an incredibly easy way to meal prep. You throw in the ingredients, set it, and let it work its magic while you go about your day.
To whip up a delicious batch of slow cooker ketchup, you need simple ingredients. Here they are:
Ready to get your ketchup on? Let’s walk through the easy steps together.
Start by washing the tomatoes thoroughly. If you prefer a smoother consistency, peel them first (although the skins can be left on if you don’t mind some texture). Cut the tomatoes into quarters and toss them into the slow cooker.
Next, dice the onion. I like to do this finely to ensure it dissolves nicely during cooking. Toss the diced onion into the slow cooker with the tomatoes. This mixture will be the base of your ketchup and contributing flavors early in the cooking process is vital.
Now, it’s time to infuse your ketchup with flavor. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, grated ginger, celery seed, smoked paprika, bay leaf, black peppercorns, allspice berries, cloves, and cinnamon stick.
Mix them a bit to distribute the sugar, then pour everything into the slow cooker.
Give everything a good stir to ensure all the ingredients are well combined. Then, cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours. The longer you cook it, the deeper the flavors become.
Once cooked, remove the bay leaf and cinnamon stick. Using an immersion blender, blend the ketchup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier ketchup, blend it less. If you want it even smoother, pour it through a fine mesh sieve to remove any leftover solids.
Before you store it, taste your ketchup. If it needs more balance, a touch more sugar or vinegar can do the trick. Adjust according to your preference.
Let the ketchup cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight jars or containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your ketchup turns out to be a smashing success:
Once you’ve mastered making your slow cooker ketchup, storage becomes key. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
Time to get creative! Here are five ways to serve your tangy slow cooker ketchup:
Looking to switch things up? Here are five substitutes that can add different twists to your ketchup:
Making slow cooker ketchup from scratch is a rewarding experience that brings out the best in this beloved condiment. With its rich, homemade flavor and the ability to customize it to your preferences, it’s a game-changer in the kitchen.
The most overlooked condiment deserves a deep dive. Slow cooker ketchup takes a beloved classic and transforms it into something truly special. For years, I've relied on store-bought options, but there came a moment when I needed to create something fresh and full of flavor.
That’s when I discovered the magic of crafting ketchup in a slow cooker. The smell of simmering tomatoes fills the kitchen, and you can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia as childhood memories flood back.
this isn’t just any ketchup; it’s a labor of love that enhances any table and tackles rosier flavors that process varieties simply do not offer.
Now, it’s time to infuse your ketchup with flavor. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, grated ginger, celery seed, smoked paprika, bay leaf, black peppercorns, allspice berries, cloves, and cinnamon stick.
Mix them a bit to distribute the sugar, then pour everything into the slow cooker.
Servings 4
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
I’m Crystal Ivers, a registered dietitian and the creator of Easy Family Meal. Living in Chicago with my family, I’m passionate about helping busy families create simple, nutritious, and delicious meals. Through my blog, I share easy-to-make recipes and practical tips to make family mealtime enjoyable and stress-free.