10 Best Substitutes for Paprika Powder to Spice Up Your Cooking

Paprika powder is a kitchen staple that adds a sweet, smoky, or spicy flavor to many dishes. Whether you’re making a hearty stew, sprinkling it over roasted vegetables, or using it as a garnish, paprika brings color and flavor that’s hard to beat. But what if you’re all out of paprika powder? No need to panic—there are several great substitutes that can fill in for paprika and keep your dish on track.

Here’s a list of the best substitutes for paprika powder, with suggestions on how to use them to ensure your recipe turns out perfectly.

1. Cayenne Pepper

If you’re looking for a spicy substitute for paprika, cayenne pepper is a great choice. It’s much hotter than paprika, so use it sparingly, especially if you’re not a fan of too much heat. Cayenne works best when you need a sharp, spicy kick in your dish.

• How to Use: Replace paprika with a smaller quantity of cayenne (start with about ¼ teaspoon for every teaspoon of paprika). It’s perfect for spicing up chili, stews, or even sprinkled lightly over eggs.

2. Chili Powder

Chili powder is a blend of various ground chili peppers and spices, making it a flavorful substitute for paprika. It usually contains ingredients like cumin, garlic powder, and oregano, which means it can bring a more complex flavor to your dish compared to straight paprika. It’s a great option if you’re looking for both heat and depth of flavor.

• How to Use: Use an equal amount of chili powder in place of paprika. It’s ideal for Tex-Mex dishes, stews, soups, or as a rub for grilled meats.

3. Smoked Paprika

If you’re out of regular paprika but have smoked paprika on hand, you’re in luck! Smoked paprika has a deep, smoky flavor that adds more complexity than regular paprika. It’s perfect for barbecued meats, roasted vegetables, and hearty dishes that can handle a smoky touch.

• How to Use: Replace regular paprika with smoked paprika in equal amounts if you don’t mind the smoky flavor. Be aware that the smokiness will be more pronounced, so it’s best in dishes that complement that flavor.

4. Hot Paprika

Hot paprika, as the name suggests, brings more heat than sweet or regular paprika. If your dish can handle a bit of spice, hot paprika can step in as a substitute. It’s particularly good in dishes where you want both the color of paprika and an extra spicy punch.

• How to Use: Use an equal amount of hot paprika in place of regular paprika. Adjust to taste if you prefer a milder dish.

5. Chipotle Powder

Chipotle powder is made from smoked and dried jalapeño peppers, giving it a rich, smoky flavor with a moderate amount of heat. It’s a good substitute for paprika if you’re aiming for a more robust and slightly spicy flavor in your dish.

• How to Use: Use chipotle powder as a 1:1 substitute for paprika if you want a smoky kick. It’s perfect for chili, stews, or even spice rubs for meat.

6. Ancho Chili Powder

Ancho chili powder is made from dried poblano peppers, and it has a mild, sweet, and slightly smoky flavor. It’s not as spicy as cayenne or chipotle powder, making it a good alternative to paprika if you’re looking for a gentle heat with a rich flavor.

• How to Use: Substitute ancho chili powder in equal amounts for paprika. It’s a great option for Mexican dishes, sauces, or slow-cooked stews.

7. Red Pepper Flakes

Red pepper flakes offer a quick and easy substitute for paprika when you need to add some heat to your dish. While they lack the sweetness of paprika, they can bring a burst of spiciness, especially in recipes where texture isn’t a concern.

• How to Use: Use red pepper flakes sparingly, starting with about ¼ teaspoon for every teaspoon of paprika. They’re great for pizza toppings, pasta dishes, and spicy sauces.

8. Pimentón de la Vera

This Spanish spice is essentially a type of smoked paprika, known for its rich, smoky flavor. Pimentón de la Vera can be either sweet or hot, depending on the variety you choose. It’s a fantastic substitute for paprika when you want to add both smokiness and vibrant red color to your dish.

• How to Use: Use in a 1:1 ratio with regular paprika, but be prepared for a stronger, more intense flavor. It’s ideal for paella, roasted meats, or stews.

9. Garam Masala

For a completely different twist, garam masala can be an interesting substitute for paprika, especially in Indian or South Asian-inspired dishes. Garam masala is a blend of spices including cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cloves, and it adds warmth and complexity to any dish.

• How to Use: Use garam masala in smaller quantities than paprika, as it has a much more robust and varied flavor profile. It works well in curries, stews, and even as a seasoning for roasted vegetables.

10. Black Pepper

If you’re out of all other options, good old black pepper can fill in as a substitute for paprika in a pinch. While it won’t provide the same color or sweetness, black pepper will give your dish a mild heat and enhance the overall flavor.

How to Use: Use black pepper in smaller quantities compared to paprika, as it has a sharper taste. It’s perfect for soups, stews, and grilled meats.