13 Easy Cayenne Pepper Substitutes for Any Recipe

Cayenne pepper is a smoky spice with a kick. This common ingredient can enhance any dish with its bright red color and impactful flavor. You can sprinkle it on avocado toast, add it to soups and even mix it into taco meat. 

But what happens if you run out of this ingredient while you’re in the middle of preparing a recipe? Can you substitute cayenne pepper for chili powder? What about jalapenos?

Let’s go through the wide variety of cayenne pepper substitutes to help you when you’re in a pinch.

Table of contents

• Paprika
• Chili powder
• Gochugaru
• Red pepper flakes
• Chipotle powder
• Jalapeno powder
• Tabasco pepper
• Serrano pepper
• Thai pepper
• Jalapeno pepper
• Guajillo pepper
• Habanero pepper
• Hot sauce

1. Paprika

Hot paprika is a common cayenne pepper substitute at most grocery stores. Although these two seasonings aren’t identical, they both come from chilies and are similar in color. If you want to match the heat level, make sure the label says “Hot paprika” vs. “Paprika,” which is sweeter.

Form: Dry powder 

Flavor: Smoky, slightly sweet and spicy

Heat level: Mild to hot

How much to use: Use double the paprika as a cayenne pepper substitute.

2. Chili powder

Chili powder, also known as chile powder, is a dusty, dry form of various chili peppers. This cayenne pepper replacement has a smoky flavor. Some chili powders use darker red peppers, so it’s best to test the seasoning before adding it to your recipe — this could alter the flavor of your dish.

Form: Dry powder 

Flavor: Smoky, earthy and mildly spicy

Heat level: Mild to hot

How much to use: Use the same amount of chili powder in place of cayenne pepper.

3. Gochugaru

Gochugaru is a flaky seasoning made from dried red pepper. This seasoning has a smoky, earthy flavor that adds texture and mild spice to recipes. While you can use this cayenne substitute for any recipe, it’s common in Korean dishes. If the flaky texture bothers you, use a grinder to break down the coarse seasoning.

Form: Flaky, dry powder 

Flavor: Smoky, earthy and slightly sweet with mild heat

Heat level: Mild

How much to use: Use the same amount of gochugaru as you would cayenne pepper.

4. Red pepper flakes

Red pepper flakes are a close substitute for cayenne pepper due to their heat level. However, cayenne pepper has a more powdery consistency, whereas red pepper flakes have more texture. While you can use red pepper flakes to kick up the spice to any dish, it’s commonly used as a pasta and pizza topping. You can also use a grinder to change the texture to a more finely ground spice.

Form: Flaky, dry powder

Flavor: Spicy, pungent and slightly fruity

Heat level: Hot

How much to use: Use 1 to 1.5 times more red pepper flakes for a cayenne pepper substitute.

5. Chipotle powder

Chipotle powder is a cayenne pepper replacement for folks who prefer more of a mild, earthy flavor. This powder spice is created by crushing smoked, dried peppers. Chipotle powder is often in Mexican dishes, but you can also use it in other recipes to add mild spice.

Form: Dry powder

Flavor: Smoky, earthy and mildly spicy

Heat level: Mild

How much to use: Use 1 to 2 times more chipotle powder for a cayenne pepper alternative.

6. Jalapeno powder

If you’re looking for a mild spice to replace cayenne pepper, you can opt for jalapeno powder. This spice is on the sweeter side but very aromatic. Enjoy this seasoning in Cajun food for Mardi Gras, Mexican cuisine or any other favorite recipe.

Form: Dry powder

Flavor: Sweet, aromatic and mildly spicy

Heat level: Mild

How much to use: Use 1 to 2 times more jalapeno powder for a cayenne pepper alternative.

7. Tabasco pepper

The closest cayenne pepper substitute in terms of heat and flavor is the tabasco pepper. These peppers are often used to make hot sauce. You can also dehydrate tabasco peppers to create a powder or chop them up and use them in low calorie meals for additional heat.

Form: Fresh pepper

Flavor: Tangy, spicy and slightly fruity

Heat level: Hot

How much to use: Use the same amount of tabasco pepper as cayenne pepper.

8. Serrano pepper

Opt for serrano peppers if you’re looking for spice, but not as much heat as cayenne. While these peppers won’t burn your insides, they will leave some heat. Use serrano peppers to elevate your taco meat or any Mexican dish.

Form: Fresh pepper 

Flavor: Bright, crisp and moderately spicy

Heat level: Mild to hot

How much to use: Use 1 to 1.5 times more than cayenne pepper.

9. Thai pepper

Thai peppers are double the hotness of cayenne pepper, but they have a similar texture. These skinny but mighty peppers can turn up the heat for any recipe. If you’re looking for a hotter cayenne pepper substitute, Thai peppers are the way to go.

Form: Fresh pepper 

Flavor: Spicy, fruity and slightly floral 

Heat level: Very hot

How much to use: Use 1 to 2 times less than the amount of cayenne pepper.

10. Jalapeno pepper

Jalapeno peppers are much milder than cayenne pepper, but they are found in most grocery stores. These peppers add a smoky flavor to any dish. You can roast jalapeno peppers to create a similar flavor profile as cayenne pepper. Use this spice in any of your favorite dinner ideas for two.

Form: Fresh pepper 

Flavor: Smoky, mild and slightly sweet

Heat level: Mild

How much to use: Use 2 to 3 times the amount of cayenne pepper.

11. Guajillo pepper

Guajillo peppers are commonly used as a base for fresh salsa and sauces. Although these peppers aren’t an identical substitute for cayenne pepper, they have a mild heat with a sweet taste. Guajillo peppers come from Mexico and can be used in traditional Mexican recipes.

Form: Fresh pepper 

Flavor: Mildly spicy, sweet and slightly fruity

Heat level: Mild

How much to use: Use 2 to 3 times more than the amount of cayenne pepper.

12. Habanero pepper

Habanero peppers are a hotter replacement for cayenne pepper. In fact, these peppers are nearly four to five times hotter on the Scoville scale. Use habanero peppers to enhance your favorite sauces, soups and all other dishes.

Form: Fresh pepper 

Flavor: Fruity, citrusy and intensely spicy

Heat level: Very hot

How much to use: Use 1 to 2 times less than the amount of cayenne pepper.

13. Hot sauce

You can use any hot sauce at home if you’re out of cayenne pepper. Keep in mind that every hot sauce has a different flavor and level of heat. Try to choose a hot sauce that doesn’t have vinegar in it because it dilutes the flavor.

Form: Fresh pepper 

Flavor: Varies by brand, but typically spicy, tangy and flavorful

Heat level: Mild to hot

How much to use: Use 8 to 10 drops of hot sauce to substitute half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper.

Cayenne pepper substitute recipes

If you find yourself without cayenne pepper in your pantry, fear not. There are plenty of creative ways to add heat and flavor to your dishes using alternative spices and peppers. 

Here are some delicious recipes that incorporate cayenne substitutes, ensuring you can still achieve that perfect kick in your meals:

• Chorizo, cheese and paprika empanadas
• Garlic and olive oil linguine pasta
• Countryside chicken paprikash 
• Mexican-style watermelon salsa
• Buffalo chicken wings with hot sauce
• Chicken breading with paprika and thyme

Cayenne pepper FAQ

Still have questions about the cayenne pepper substitutes? We’ve answered some of the most common cayenne pepper replacement questions below.

Sending you off with a kick

Now that you’re an expert on cayenne pepper substitutes, it’s time to prepare your meal. Remember the level of spice you’re looking for and which ingredients are readily available. Try using hot sauce or paprika for a cayenne pepper replacement.

If you’re set on using a certain spice, you can always order your dry, fresh and liquid peppers with Instacart. Place your order today and receive your ingredients right to your doorstep.