Calabrian chiles substitutes
Calabrian chiles substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Red pepper flakes
Same amount as the Calabrian chiles
Similar hot pepper with different flavor.
The best substitutes for Calabrian chiles are red pepper flakes, crushed red peppers, or other medium heat peppers like jalapeño or serrano peppers, depending on the use.
- Verdict —
- You'll taste it
- Best for —
- cooking
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Calabrian chiles | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Red pepper flakescooking | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 2 | Crushed red pepperscooking | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 3 | Jalapeño pepperscooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Serrano pepperscooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Fresno pepperscooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Thai chilescooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Red pepper flakes
different taste and texture
Similar hot pepper with different flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, rubs, spice blends
Different flavor, similar heat level.
Crushed red peppers
different taste and texture
Similar hot pepper with different flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, rubs, spice blends
Different flavor, similar heat level.
Jalapeño peppers
different taste, similar texture
Similar medium heat pepper with different flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, roasting, grilling, stir-fries
Different flavor, similar heat level.
Serrano peppers
different taste, similar texture
Similar medium heat pepper with different flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, roasting, grilling, stir-fries
Different flavor, similar heat level.
Fresno peppers
different taste, similar texture
Similar medium heat pepper with different flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, roasting, grilling, stir-fries
Different flavor, similar heat level.
Thai chiles
different taste, similar texture
Similar medium heat pepper with different flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, roasting, grilling, stir-fries
Different flavor, similar heat level.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use red pepper flakes instead of Calabrian chiles?
Yes, red pepper flakes are a good substitute for Calabrian chiles. They have similar heat level and can be used in most recipes that call for Calabrian chiles.
What's the difference between Calabrian chiles and red pepper flakes?
Calabrian chiles are Italian chili peppers with fruity, smoky flavor, while red pepper flakes are general red pepper flakes with different flavor. Both have similar heat levels and can be used interchangeably.
Can I use jalapeño peppers instead of Calabrian chiles?
Yes, jalapeño peppers can work as a substitute, though they may have a different flavor. They have similar heat level and can be used in most recipes.
Why are Calabrian chiles so popular in Italian cooking?
Calabrian chiles are popular in Italian cooking because they add medium heat and fruity, smoky flavor that complements the ingredients and cooking styles of Italian cuisine.
Tips for substituting Calabrian chiles
6 tips- Calabrian chiles add medium heat and fruity, smoky flavor to dishes
- Calabrian chiles can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
- Calabrian chiles pairs well with herbs, spices, and vegetables
- Calabrian chiles works well in marinades and rubs
- Calabrian chiles can be used to make spice blends
- Store Calabrian chiles in the refrigerator