Top 10 Paprika Alternatives

Paprika is a staple spice, known for its vibrant color and versatility. It comes in varieties like sweet, hot, and smoked, making it a must-have in any spice collection.

But what happens if you run out? If the dish you're preparing, such as paprikash, depends heavily on the spice, you may want to consider a different recipe. For most other dishes where paprika is just a small part, there are plenty of easy substitutes you can use.

What Exactly is Paprika?

Paprika is derived from capsicum annuum, the same plant family as cayenne pepper, and boasts a striking red or orange hue. This color comes from carotene, the same pigment that gives carrots their vibrant tone.

Paprika is cultivated in several regions, with Spain and Hungary being the most renowned. This spice is a cornerstone in the cuisines of both countries, featured in dishes like paprikash, goulash, stuffed peppers, chorizo, and traditional Spanish rice.

How Does Paprika Taste?

The taste of paprika varies depending on its type. It's typically labeled as sweet, hot, or smoked, and each variety brings a unique flavor profile to the dishes it seasons.

With its bold, unmistakable flavor of charred bell peppers, paprika can be a tough spice to replace when you're out of it.

Top Substitutes for Paprika

The choice between sweet, hot, or smoky paprika depends on the recipe and your personal taste. Sometimes, a combination works best: for example, if the recipe calls for hot paprika, you can substitute sweet paprika and then add a pinch of chili flakes for the heat.

When selecting a substitute, always consider factors like heat level, form, color, and smokiness to ensure you're choosing the best option for your dish.

Chili Powder

Chili powder is an excellent alternative to paprika because of its similar color and earthy taste. While it’s made using different types of peppers, its flavor profile is close enough to make a great substitute.

Chili powder is typically a blend of onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, cayenne, sweet paprika, and oregano. It adds depth without overwhelming the dish with heat. You can use it in the same quantity as paprika for marinades, vegetables (like whole roasted cauliflower), soups, stews, and roasts.

Cayenne

Cayenne is a great alternative for hot paprika. It provides the same level of heat but is a bit more intense, so use only half the amount. To replicate paprika’s flavor more closely, add a pinch of sugar (about 1/2 teaspoon of sugar to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne for every 1 teaspoon of paprika).

This will slightly reduce the heat while maintaining paprika’s vibrant color. It's a perfect substitute for sweet and spicy desserts, marinades, vegetables, and casseroles.

Chipotle Chili Powder

Chipotle chili powder is made from dried, smoked jalapeños and offers a similar color to paprika. However, it’s much spicier, so reduce the amount by half, and add a bit of sugar to balance the flavors. This will give you that mild sweetness and smoky flavor with an extra kick.

Aleppo Pepper Powder

Aleppo pepper may be a bit harder to find, but if you have some on hand or come across it in a specialty shop, it's worth giving it a try.

The heat of Aleppo pepper falls between cayenne and paprika, but it’s not overpowering in a dish. It’s a great substitute for paprika in recipes like baked spiced chicken, but use half the amount.

Red Chili Flakes (Crushed Red Pepper Flakes)

Red chili flakes are a chunkier, coarser alternative to paprika’s fine powder, but they offer a similar color and flavor. Use only about a quarter of the amount to avoid making the dish too hot.

Tomato Powder

Tomato powder is made from dried, ground tomatoes and is often used to make tomato paste or sauce. It imparts a bold tomato flavor, which differs from paprika’s earthy pepper notes but is just as flavorful. Use equal amounts of tomato powder in place of sweet paprika for a BBQ spice rub, sauces, or even deviled eggs.

Black Peppercorn

If you're using paprika as a light sprinkle, try freshly ground black peppercorns instead. They provide a stronger bite than regular ground pepper. If you don’t have a pepper mill, simply crush them in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin.

Hot Sauce

Hot sauce can replace any variety of paprika, depending on the type of sauce you choose. Like paprika, hot sauces come in a range of flavors from sweet and tangy to smoky and intensely spicy. The vinegar in hot sauce adds a nice tang, making it a great addition to rubs, marinades, soups, stews, roasts, or braises.

Start with a few dashes of hot sauce and adjust to taste. You can always add more, but once it’s in, you can’t take it out, so proceed with caution.

Chili Sauce

Like hot sauce, chili sauce works best in stews or sauces, where substituting a liquid for a powder won’t change the consistency. Use it in equal amounts to replace paprika, adding a vibrant red color and a mild heat.

Bell Pepper

For the adventurous, you can create your own paprika by drying red bell peppers in your oven (or using a dehydrator if you have one), then grinding them into a powder with a food processor. This will give you a fresh, vibrant alternative to store-bought paprika — and you might even find yourself hoping you run out more often.

If you're short on time or prefer a simpler approach, you can still use fresh bell peppers. Mince them as finely as possible and cook them down before adding to your dish. This works well in soup, stews, braises, or roasts as a substitute.