Types of Hot Pepper Powder and Substitutes

Paprika powder

• Comes in sweet, spicy, and smoked variety
  • Use sweet for garnish and a more subtle flavor; substitute with cayenne powder, though heat level would change.
  • Use spicy for a big kick of heat; substitute with sweet paprika plus cayenne powder.
  • Use smoked for a noticeable charred note, which is lovely in bbq dishes; substitute with sweet/spicy paprika plus chipotle chili powder/ancho chili powder.
• If your spice jar is just labeled as "paprika", it is generally on the sweet side.