7 Pantry Staples to Replace Red Pepper Flakes

Red pepper flakes are a kitchen essential, often used to add a spicy kick to dishes. But when you're in a pinch and don't have them, these crushed peppers are the perfect solution for adding both heat and flavor to meals like stews, chili, or curry.

Even if you're someone who always has red pepper flakes on hand, it's easy to run out. Luckily, there are several other pantry staples that can do the job just as well to enhance your meal's flavor.

What Do Red Pepper Flakes Taste Like and How Are They Used?

Crushed red pepper, also known as red pepper flakes, typically consists of a mix of dried red chilies, Anaheim peppers, jalapeños, cayenne, and sometimes yellow chilies. The peppers are ground coarsely, resulting in a mix of flakes, seeds, and ground powder. The taste is savory, with a vegetal quality and an intense heat when eaten directly.

Red pepper flakes are most commonly spotted at pizza parlors, where they're often found in little jars with red and white dots on every table. A sprinkle on a pizza slice can be a surprisingly delightful experience. You can also add them to stews, casseroles, or spicy soups, or get adventurous by pairing them with jam or even desserts to balance sweetness with some heat.

Find the recipe: Meatball Nirvana

Top Red Pepper Flake Alternatives

Whatever substitute you choose, it's important to remember that replicating the exact flavor and texture of red pepper flakes is nearly impossible. It's a one-of-a-kind ingredient known for delivering that burst of heat, so don’t expect an identical match.

Create Your Own

Not everyone has dried peppers hanging around, but if you do, you can quickly make your own red pepper flakes. Simply remove the stems and toss the peppers into a food processor. Be careful not to overprocess—just a few pulses to break them up. This homemade version works just like store-bought flakes, but if you're unsure of your peppers' heat level, start with a smaller amount in your recipes.

Ground Cayenne

Ground cayenne pepper is your best bet for adding heat to a dish. It's often part of red pepper flake blends, so it will work well in most recipes. However, be cautious when using it as a topping—it's much stronger than red pepper flakes. Use half the amount called for in the recipe and try it in curries or vegetable stews.

Chili Powder

Chili powder is milder than typical red pepper flakes, but its flavor is quite similar. You'll need to use twice as much chili powder to match the heat of red pepper flakes, as it’s less potent. It's a great option if you're making stews or baking dishes that normally call for red pepper flakes.

Hot Paprika

Hot paprika is a fantastic substitute, offering a similar flavor profile with the added benefit of vibrant color. While regular paprika provides the flavor, it lacks the heat. If you use standard paprika, you'll need to use about four times the amount of red pepper flakes, though you can always taste and adjust as needed.

Find the recipe: Spicy Red Bell Pepper Soup

Chile de Arbol

If you enjoy Mexican or Latin American cuisine, or if you happen to have chile de arbol on hand, it makes a great one-to-one substitute for red pepper flakes. It's slightly milder but has a similar flavor profile. Use it in dishes like salmon, salsa, chili, or even in a rub.

Chipotle Powder

Chipotle powder is not as fiery as red pepper flakes, so you'll need to use almost double the amount. It's perfect for dishes like pico de gallo, salsa, guacamole, or a hearty pot of red beans and rice.

Hot Sauce

Hot sauce brings extra ingredients like vinegar and spices, which can alter the flavor of a dish. If you don't mind the flavor shift, use it, but if you just want heat, a couple of dashes for each tablespoon of red pepper flakes should do the trick.

One of the biggest advantages of hot sauce is that it can be added directly on top of your dish. For instance, if you're out of red pepper flakes for your pizza, a few spritzes of hot sauce are a perfect substitute.