No chili flakes? No worries. Crushed red pepper? Perfect. Cayenne? Spicy but works. Fresh chilies? Even better.
Need mild heat? Paprika. Want that smoky kick? Chipotle powder. Adjusting spice levels? Mix and match.
Let’s break it down.
Table of Contents
What Are Chili Flakes?
Chili flakes (a.k.a. red pepper flakes) are dried, crushed chili peppers. Mostly from cayenne, they bring heat, a little smokiness, and a pop of spice to everything from pizza to pasta. The heat level? About 30,000-50,000 Scoville units so, moderately hot.
If you don’t have them, no stress. Plenty of swaps work just as well.
The Best Substitutes for Chili Flakes
For Similar Heat & Texture
Want that same spicy crunch? Try:
- Crushed Red Pepper – Literally the same thing. If the label says “red pepper flakes,” you’re golden.
- Dried Chili Peppers (Crushed) – Use what you have—Thai, cayenne, or even mild chilies.
- Aleppo Pepper – Less spicy, slightly fruity, and earthy.
For More Heat
If you like things spicier, these work:
- Cayenne Powder – Way hotter than chili flakes, so use less (start with 1/4 tsp for every 1 tsp chili flakes).
- Chipotle Powder – Smoky, deep, and bold. Great for Mexican dishes.
- Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes) – Milder heat, slightly sweet, and perfect for Korean cooking.
For Mild Spice
Need less heat but still some flavor?
- Paprika (Regular or Smoked) – Adds color and mild warmth, but no serious kick.
- Black Pepper + Paprika – Mild heat + depth.
- Chili Powder – Usually mixed with other spices, so milder than pure chili flakes.
For Fresh Alternatives
Got fresh chilies? Use them.
- Fresh Red Chilies (Minced) – Jalapeños, serranos, or Thai chilies work. Start small!
- Hot Sauce – A few dashes add instant heat. Adjust as needed.
- Sriracha or Chili Paste – Different texture, but same spicy goodness.
Substitution Guide: How Much to Use
| If your recipe calls for… | Use this instead |
| 1 tsp chili flakes | 1 tsp crushed red pepper |
| 1 tsp chili flakes | ½ tsp cayenne powder |
| 1 tsp chili flakes | 1 tsp gochugaru (milder) |
| 1 tsp chili flakes | 1 tsp minced fresh chilies |
| 1 tsp chili flakes | ½ tsp chipotle powder (smoky) |
| 1 tsp chili flakes | 1 tsp paprika (mild) |
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Start small – You can always add more spice, but you can’t take it out.
- Consider texture – Powders mix in smoothly, flakes give you crunch.
- Adjust to your dish – Chipotle for smoky BBQ, cayenne for pure heat, paprika for mild depth.
- Mix & match – Sometimes the best swap is a combo (like paprika + cayenne for heat and color).
FAQs
Can I just leave out the chili flakes?
You can, but your dish might lack spice. Add black pepper, paprika, or a dash of hot sauce to make up for it.
What’s the best substitute for pizza toppings?
Crushed red pepper or minced fresh chilies.
Can I use sriracha instead?
Yes! It won’t give you crunch, but it’ll add heat and flavor. Start with a few drops.
What’s the best mild substitute?
Paprika or Aleppo pepper—flavor without overwhelming spice.
No chili flakes? No problem. Whether you need heat, smokiness, or mild warmth, there’s always a swap. Adjust, experiment, and keep your food spicy just the way you like it.
