Heat Things Up with These Excellent Cayenne Pepper Alternatives

Running low on cayenne pepper? Don’t worry, we've got some great substitutes to spice things up.

How Does Cayenne Pepper Taste and What Is It Used For?

Cayenne pepper is moderately hot, with a Scoville rating of 30,000 to 50,000 SHU, ranking between serrano peppers and chile de arbol in terms of heat.

Cayenne pepper adds vibrant color and fiery heat to dishes like seafood, meats, stews, soups, eggs, casseroles, cheeses, sauces, and curries.

Check out the recipe: Blackened Seasoning Blend

Top Alternatives to Cayenne Pepper

Sweet or Spicy Paprika

Sweet paprika is commonly found in stores and makes a good replacement for cayenne pepper. While it delivers a similar flavor, it has a noticeably milder kick.

Hot paprika is a better match for cayenne pepper due to its higher heat level. Use it in dishes like sauces, stews, meatloaf, and dips for an added punch.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

Red pepper flakes bring heat but with a different texture, thanks to their small, flaky pieces. They’re milder than cayenne, so feel free to add more for an extra boost. This substitute is perfect for enhancing sauces, pasta, pizza, and grilled vegetables.

Chili Powder

Many chili powder brands contain cayenne pepper, making it a suitable alternative to ground cayenne. Generally, chili powder and cayenne can be swapped in recipes. It works well in sauces, stews, marinades, and meat dishes.

Chipotle Chili Powder

Chipotle powder has a smoky, peppery flavor that resembles cayenne, though it’s not as fiery. When substituting, adjust the amount based on your desired level of heat.

Ground Cumin

Cumin offers warmth and earthiness to a dish but lacks the spicy kick of cayenne. Use cumin as a substitute for cayenne in rice, stews, and soups for a different but complementary flavor.

Spicy Hot Sauce

Hot sauce can bring a similar level of heat as cayenne to a dish. Opt for a sauce with fewer ingredients to keep the pepper flavor pure. This fiery liquid is perfect for chili, pasta, and dips.

Fresh Cayenne Chiles

Fresh cayenne peppers are an effective substitute, but handle them with care and wear gloves, as the heat is concentrated in the seeds!

Serrano Chilies

Serrano peppers are a great substitute for cayenne in recipes that call for fresh pepper heat. Start with a small quantity and adjust to taste, as these peppers can be up to five times hotter than jalapeños. They’re commonly used in pico de gallo, salsa, chili, and meat dishes.

Jalapeño Chili

Since cayenne and jalapeño peppers come from the same pepper family, they can be swapped in recipes. Jalapeños are milder than cayenne, so use a little more to achieve a similar level of heat.