Home / Spices & Seasonings / Paprika
What can I use instead of paprika?
Best substitute for 1 tsp paprika
1 tsp smoked paprika
Smoked paprika — Smoky version; 1:1.
tsp
Amounts below are for 1 tsp paprika
4 substitutes for paprika
| Substitute | Use this much | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Smoked paprika | 1 tsp smoked paprika | Smoky version; 1:1. |
| Chili powder | 1 tsp chili powder | Adds mild heat. |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper | Much hotter - use a quarter. |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes | For heat, not color. |
Paprika adds mild flavor and red color. Most swaps cover color or heat - cayenne is far hotter, so use sparingly.
Tips
- Paprika is mostly color and mild flavor - cayenne is far hotter.
- For smokiness use smoked paprika or a pinch of chipotle.
FAQ
- What's a substitute for paprika?
- Smoked paprika or mild chili powder 1:1; cayenne at a quarter for heat.
- Is paprika spicy?
- Standard paprika is mild; hot paprika and cayenne are much spicier.