Aleppo pepper is a spice made from dried and coarsely ground Halaby chile peppers. This Middle Eastern ingredient adds tang, sweetness, and moderate heat to meat, kebabs, beans, salads, and dips.
The best substitutes for Aleppo pepper are spices such as paprika and cayenne pepper, which resemble the sweet, savory, spicy flavor of Aleppo pepper.
Best Substitute for Aleppo Pepper: Sweet Paprika and Cayenne Pepper Mix
Aleppo pepper has a similar flavor and complexity to sweet paprika. However, paprika lacks the heat that Aleppo pepper provides. Cayenne has a moderate heat similar to Aleppo, but its flavor isn’t as complex.
Combine four parts sweet paprika with one part cayenne pepper and use at a 1:1 ratio to Aleppo.
If you don’t have Hungarian sweet paprika in your pantry, regular paprika will also work in this spice mix.
Other Aleppo Pepper Substitutes, Alternatives, and Replacements
Here’s a list of other ingredients you can use in place of Aleppo pepper:
Crushed red pepper has a heat comparable to Aleppo pepper, but its flavor lacks the same depth. Grind the crushed red pepper with a mortar and pestle to bring out more of its flavor. Crushed red pepper can be used at a 1:1 ratio to the original.
Paprika
Paprika makes a good Aleppo pepper substitute but it is less spicy. Use sweet or regular paprika or a combination of paprika varieties with cayenne pepper to match Aleppo’s flavor. Use this substitute at a 1:1 ratio to the original.
Chipotle Powder
Chipotle has a history of use in Mexican recipes, and its moderate heat is similar to Aleppo pepper. Though chipotle powder isn’t as sweet as Aleppo, it makes a suitable 1:1 substitute in rice-based dishes. This ingredient doesn’t make a good Aleppo pepper substitute in meat-based dishes.
Chile Flakes
Chile flakes are made from crushed chile peppers and are used to add heat to a variety of dishes. Chile flakes lack Aleppo pepper’s complexity of flavor, but, since they have a similar heat level, they can be used at a 1:1 ratio to replace Aleppo in some recipes.
Ancho Powder
Ancho powder, also known as poblano pepper powder, is a great alternative to Aleppo pepper because it has a similar mild heat. Ancho powder doesn’t taste as sweet and rich as Aleppo. Use this ingredient at a 1:1 ratio as an Aleppo pepper substitute in sauces and spice rubs.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is an adequate replacement for Aleppo pepper, especially when paired with sweet paprika. Cayenne pepper lacks the sweet and savory flavor of Aleppo, but the two peppers have similar heat levels. Cayenne pepper can be used at a 1:1 ratio in place of Aleppo in any recipe.
