When Substituting Sweet Smoked Paprika, There's One Spice That Brings The Heat

Sweet smoked paprika is one of those spices that can elevate a wide variety of dishes, from oven-baked tacos to fettuccine Alfredo and perfectly tender pulled pork shoulder. However, if you're looking for a solid substitute with a similar flavor profile but an added kick of heat, chipotle chili powder is an excellent choice. Unlike smoked paprika, which is made from a blend of dried and smoked mild, sweet, and spicy peppers, chipotle powder is made primarily from smoked and dried jalapeño peppers.

While sweet smoked paprika can be used to add more peppery complexity to almost any dish, chipotle chili powder has a more intense finish. You already know smoked paprika is the secret to making store-bought queso taste better, but chipotle chili powder makes a great alternative when you're in the mood to upgrade your appetizers and meals with a bit of extra spice.

Whether you're enhancing oven-baked mac and cheese with chipotle powder and sliced jalapeños or giving your next pan of paella a spicy twist, chipotle powder is the way to go. While sweet smoked paprika and chipotle chili powder have distinct flavor profiles, they share the same deep red hue and smoky undertones that add a touch of complexity to your dishes.

If you enjoy meals with a decent amount of spice, you might want to try an even spicier alternative to chipotle powder. Sure enough, cayenne pepper, made from dried red cayenne peppers, is the spice to reach for when you want a fiery kick. The main difference between cayenne pepper and sweet smoked paprika is that cayenne has a more muted flavor and lacks an earthy profile. Truth be told, cayenne pepper is mostly used to add heat to dishes. Therefore, if you love spice but also want the smokiness of sweet smoked paprika, try mixing chipotle powder with cayenne pepper for a more effective substitute. For an extra pop of color, add chili flakes as a last-minute topping.

If you want to substitute cayenne or chipotle powder for sweet smoked paprika but don't want your food to be overly spicy, use half the suggested amount and include a small pinch of sugar to balance the heat. Alternatively, instead of reducing the amount of chipotle powder or cayenne pepper in your Southwestern pasta salad, you can choose a milder substitute like chili powder. Made from a combination of dried chilies, cumin, garlic and onion powder, and oregano, chili powder has a well-balanced flavor similar to sweet smoked paprika. Use it when you want to give your meals a smoky twist without adding too much spice.