07.09.2018
Chili Powder Substitute
Quick swaps and DIY blends when you are out of chili powder. Tips on flavor, heat, storage, and how to mix your own at home.
- Chili powder is usually a spice blend, not just ground chiles, so you can mimic it by mixing paprika, cumin, garlic, oregano, and cayenne.
- Use common substitutes like paprika, ancho, cayenne, chipotle, crushed red pepper, hot sauce, or harissa, but adjust for heat and moisture.
- Make your own chili powder by following simple part ratios and store it airtight in a cool, dark place for best flavor up to a year.
Chili powder is a rich, bittersweet blend of ground chiles and other spice ingredients such as paprika, cumin, garlic, Greek oregano, and more. It is a star ingredient in many Tex-Mex recipes and in barbecue meat rubs. You can also find chili powder used in chili con carne, Spanish rice, and tacos. The spice level in chili powder can range anywhere from mild to hot.
Chili Powder Alternatives
Chili powder is a crucial ingredient in many dishes, but if you’re banking on making a special dish like Dad’s Favorite Chili, and realize you’re out of chili powder, here are some alternatives you can use without compromising too much flavor:
- Paprika
- Ancho chile powder
- Cayenne powder
- Chipotle powder
- Crushed red chiles
- Hot sauce
- Harissa Paste
How to Make Chili Powder
Because chili powder is a blend of herbs and spices, when you make your own you can control the flavor profile and spice level. When a recipe calls for “chili powder” vs “chile powder” it is in fact calling for the blend of spices as opposed to ground chiles. Below is a suggested recipe, but the ground chili powder you use is up to you based on what you have and how spicy you want the blend to be.
Chili Powder Recipe
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2 parts chile powder of choice (Ancho, guajillo, etc.)
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2 parts Garlic powder
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2 parts Mexican oregano, crushed
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1 part Ground cumin seed
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1 part Cayenne pepper
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1 part Black pepper
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½ part Onion powder
Mix all ingredients together until well combined and store in an airtight container.
Chili Powder Substitution FAQs
Can You Substitute Paprika For Chili Powder?
You can use paprika in place for chili powder and achieve a similar effect, but you should know when using paprika you’ll get less heat and a milder spice than when using chili powder
What Are Some Ways I Can Use Chili Powder?
Chili powder was invented for making chili con carne, a Tex-Mex dish that's name literally means, 'chile peppers and meat.' The powdered ingredients were sold as a blend to save people from using traditional cooking method that take longer to prepare. Today, chili powder is used in many other recipes like barbecue, taco seasoning, and corn on the cob. Learn more about how to use chili powder in our Spice Spotlight Chili Powder blog.
What Are Some Good Recipes to Try Chili Powder In?
Chili powder is great in all different kinds of chili recipes. Try our Yummy Good Chili Recipe, or this Vegetarian Chili with sweet potatoes and quinoa. The Spice House also has an excellent Chile con Carne with Beans recipe and Mikes Darkside Chili, which incorporates dark chocolate into this traditionally savory dish.Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use paprika instead of chili powder?
Yes. Paprika gives color and mild pepper flavor but less heat. Use smoked paprika for depth. Add cumin and garlic powder to get closer to store-bought chili powder.
What is the easiest 1:1 swap for chili powder?
Use another powdered chile like ancho or chipotle 1:1. If you only have paprika, use it 1:1 but add a pinch of cayenne and a little cumin for heat and earthiness.
How do I make my own chili powder blend?
Follow proportions: 2 parts chile powder, 2 parts garlic powder, 2 parts Mexican oregano, 1 part ground cumin, 1 part cayenne, 1 part black pepper, 1/2 part onion powder. Mix and store airtight.
What is the difference between chili powder and chile powder?
Chili powder usually means a spice blend with chiles plus herbs and spices. Chile powder refers to just ground dried chiles with no added spices.
Can I use hot sauce or harissa as a substitute?
Yes, but they add liquid and different flavors. Use sparingly, reduce other liquids, and taste as you go. Harissa adds olive oil and spices, so it changes texture and aroma.
Which ground chiles make the best substitutes?
Ancho is mild and fruity for Tex-Mex. Guajillo is bright and slightly sweet. Chipotle gives smoky heat. Cayenne gives pure heat. Pick based on desired flavor and heat level.
How should I store homemade or opened chili powder and how long does it last?
Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place away from heat. Ground spices keep best for 6 to 12 months for full flavor. After that they lose potency but are still safe to use.
Can I use paprika instead of chili powder?
Yes. Paprika gives color and mild pepper flavor but less heat. Use smoked paprika for depth. Add cumin and garlic powder to get closer to store-bought chili powder.
What is the easiest 1:1 swap for chili powder?
Use another powdered chile like ancho or chipotle 1:1. If you only have paprika, use it 1:1 but add a pinch of cayenne and a little cumin for heat and earthiness.
How do I make my own chili powder blend?
Follow proportions: 2 parts chile powder, 2 parts garlic powder, 2 parts Mexican oregano, 1 part ground cumin, 1 part cayenne, 1 part black pepper, 1/2 part onion powder. Mix and store airtight.
What is the difference between chili powder and chile powder?
Chili powder usually means a spice blend with chiles plus herbs and spices. Chile powder refers to just ground dried chiles with no added spices.
Can I use hot sauce or harissa as a substitute?
Yes, but they add liquid and different flavors. Use sparingly, reduce other liquids, and taste as you go. Harissa adds olive oil and spices, so it changes texture and aroma.
Which ground chiles make the best substitutes?
Ancho is mild and fruity for Tex-Mex. Guajillo is bright and slightly sweet. Chipotle gives smoky heat. Cayenne gives pure heat. Pick based on desired flavor and heat level.
How should I store homemade or opened chili powder and how long does it last?
Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place away from heat. Ground spices keep best for 6 to 12 months for full flavor. After that they lose potency but are still safe to use.
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