The Calabrian pepper is a staple in Italian cuisine, known for its spicy kick and tangy flavor. With a Scoville Heat Scale rating of 25,000 to 40,000 SHU, it adds both heat and flavor to various dishes. However, its intense spicy flavor might be too much for some or not readily available at your local grocery store. This calls for effective substitutes that can deliver a similar flavor and spice level without compromising the unique flavor of traditional Italian recipes.
Key Takeaways
- Serrano peppers provide a comparable spicy kick, ideal for Italian dishes needing moderate heat.
- Anaheim peppers offer a sweetly spicy taste, perfect for subtle spice in Italian cuisine.
- Habanero peppers bring intense heat and a fruity flavor to enhance traditional recipes.
- Cayenne peppers match Calabrian chili’s heat, which is suitable for maintaining authentic heat in various recipes.
- Fresno peppers add a sweet, fruity flavor with smoky undertones to pasta dishes.
- Guajillo peppers enhance dishes with their unique fruity flavor and mild spiciness.
- Ancho chilies offer a smoky, earthy flavor ideal for adding complexity to dishes.
This article explores seven versatile substitutes for Calabrian chili, each offering unique flavors and heat levels to suit different culinary needs. From the moderately spicy and crisp serrano pepper to the intensely hot and fruity habanero, these alternatives cater to a wide range of taste preferences. The milder Anaheim and Fresno peppers provide subtler spice notes with sweet undertones, while Ancho chilies offer a smoky flavor. Cayenne peppers offer a spice level on par with Calabrian chili, while Guajillo peppers add a mild, fruity dimension. These substitutes ensure that your cuisine retains its authentic spice and flavor, even when Calabrian chili is unavailable.
7 Best Calabrian Chili Substitutes for a Fiery Italian Adventure
1. Serrano Pepper
Serrano peppers are 2 times milder than Calabrian peppers.
(on average, based on available data)
| Calabrian pepper | Serrano pepper | |
| SHU | 25,000 - 40,000 | 10,000 - 23,000 |
| Median SHU | 32,500 | 16,500 |
| Flavor | Fruity, slightly sweet and smoky, and moderately spicy | Crisp, bright, vegetable and notably hot |
| Species | Capsicum annuum | Capsicum annuum |
| Origin | Calabria, Italy | Mexico |
| Uses | Toppings for pizza, sandwiches, pasta dishes, etc. | Salsas, sauces, pico de gallo, pickling, giardiniera, etc. |
Why are serrano peppers a good substitute for Calabrian peppers?
Serrano peppers provide a comparable spicy kick, ideal for Italian dishes requiring moderate heat levels.
The serrano pepper, with a Scoville rating of 10,000 to 23,000 SHU, offers a spicy, less intense flavor than the Calabrian chili. Its crisp texture and medium heat level make it a suitable substitute for those seeking a spicier taste without the intense heat of Calabrian pepper. Serrano peppers are incredibly versatile, seamlessly integrating into pasta dishes, and can be effectively used in hot chili sauce or spicy tomato paste, offering a similar flavor with a spicy kick that’s less intense than Calabrian chili.
2. Anaheim Pepper
Anaheim peppers are 22 times milder than Calabrian peppers.
(on average, based on available data)
| Calabrian pepper | Anaheim pepper | |
| SHU | 25,000 - 40,000 | 500 - 2,500 |
| Median SHU | 32,500 | 1,500 |
| Flavor | Fruity, slightly sweet and smoky, and moderately spicy | Mild, sweet and fruity, tangy |
| Species | Capsicum annuum | Capsicum annuum |
| Origin | Calabria, Italy | USA |
| Uses | Toppings for pizza, sandwiches, pasta dishes, etc. | Grilled, stuffed, salsas |
Why are Anaheim peppers a good substitute for Calabrian peppers?
Anaheim peppers offer a milder heat and fruity flavor, ideal for Italian dishes that require subtler spicy notes.
The Anaheim pepper, with a Scoville rating of 500 to 2,500 SHU, presents a milder, sweetly spicy alternative. Its medium heat is perfect for those seeking spice without overpowering intensity. Anaheim peppers fit well in Italian cuisine, particularly in dishes like roasted red peppers. As a substitute for Calabrian chili paste, they contribute extra flavor and a spicy kick, aligning with Calabrian chilies’ characteristics but offering a gentler heat. This makes them ideal for enhancing the cooking process without introducing too much heat.
3. Habanero Pepper
Habanero peppers are 7 times hotter than Calabrian peppers.
(on average, based on available data)
| Calabrian pepper | Habanero pepper | |
| SHU | 25,000 - 40,000 | 100,000 - 350,000 |
| Median SHU | 32,500 | 225,000 |
| Flavor | Fruity, slightly sweet and smoky, and moderately spicy | Fruity and floral, sweet with a significant heat |
| Species | Capsicum annuum | Capsicum chinense |
| Origin | Calabria, Italy | Peru, today biggest producer is Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico |
| Uses | Toppings for pizza, sandwiches, pasta dishes, etc. | Salsas, hot sauces, jerk seasoning, marinades, etc. |
Why are habanero peppers a good substitute for Calabrian peppers?
Habanero peppers provide a significantly higher heat and intense flavor, suitable for adding extra spice to Italian cuisine.
The habanero pepper, with a Scoville heat range of 100,000 to 350,000 SHU, offers significantly more heat and a fruity flavor. It’s a great substitute for Calabrian chili in dishes requiring a spicier ingredient. Habanero peppers are ideal for hot sauces and spicy condiments. They add a unique flavor and an extra spice kick to dishes traditionally using Calabrian peppers, enhancing the flavor profile with their intense heat and slightly sweet undertone.
4. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne peppers are about the same heat level as Calabrian peppers.
(on average, based on available data)
| Calabrian pepper | Cayenne pepper | |
| SHU | 25,000 - 40,000 | 30,000 - 50,000 |
| Median SHU | 32,500 | 40,000 |
| Flavor | Fruity, slightly sweet and smoky, and moderately spicy | Tangy, sligthly fruity, moderatly hot |
| Species | Capsicum annuum | Capsicum annuum |
| Origin | Calabria, Italy | French Guiana |
| Uses | Toppings for pizza, sandwiches, pasta dishes, etc. | Hot sauces, salsas, spice mixes, curry dishes |
Why are cayenne peppers a good substitute for Calabrian peppers?
Cayenne peppers provide a comparable spice level and flavor profile, suitable for replicating Calabrian chili’s authentic heat in various dishes.
The cayenne pepper, with a Scoville heat range of 30,000 to 50,000 SHU, closely matches the spice level and flavor of the Calabrian chili. It’s an ideal substitute for those aiming to preserve the original heat in Italian dishes. Cayenne peppers are versatile, suitable for hot sauces or as a spicy ingredient in pasta dishes, effectively maintaining the extra flavor and spice level typical of Calabrian pepper.
5. Fresno Pepper
Fresno peppers are 5 times milder than Calabrian peppers.
(on average, based on available data)
| Calabrian pepper | Fresno pepper | |
| SHU | 25,000 - 40,000 | 2,500 - 10,000 |
| Median SHU | 32,500 | 6,250 |
| Flavor | Fruity, slightly sweet and smoky, and moderately spicy | Sweet and fruity, with smoky undertones and moderate heat |
| Species | Capsicum annuum | Capsicum annuum |
| Origin | Calabria, Italy | United States, specifically Fresno, California |
| Uses | Toppings for pizza, sandwiches, pasta dishes, etc. | Salsas, sauces, pickling, grilling, stuffing, etc. |
Why are Fresno peppers a good substitute for Calabrian peppers?
Fresno peppers provide a slightly sweet flavor and mild heat, ideal for a subtle spice in pasta dishes.
The Fresno pepper, with a Scoville heat range of 2,500 to 10,000 SHU, is an excellent substitute for Calabrian peppers. Its sweet and fruity flavor, smoky undertones, and moderate heat make it suitable for various dishes, including those in Italian cuisine. This pepper’s vibrant red color and moderate heat offer a complexity that enhances the flavor profile of dishes, adding a spicy kick without overpowering them, making it ideal for pasta dishes and other Italian-inspired recipes.
6. Guajillo Pepper
Guajillo peppers are 9 times milder than Calabrian peppers.
(on average, based on available data)
| Calabrian pepper | Guajillo pepper (Dried Mirasol pepper) | |
| SHU | 25,000 - 40,000 | 2,500 - 5,000 |
| Median SHU | 32,500 | 3,750 |
| Flavor | Fruity, slightly sweet and smoky, and moderately spicy | Sweet, fruity and smoky, with a mild to moderate heat |
| Species | Capsicum annuum | Capsicum annuum |
| Origin | Calabria, Italy | Central America and Mexico |
| Uses | Toppings for pizza, sandwiches, pasta dishes, etc. | Sauces, salsas, stews, soups, marinades, etc. |
Why are Guajillo peppers a good substitute for Calabrian peppers?
Guajillo peppers offer a unique fruity flavor and mild spiciness, ideal for enhancing sauces and complex Mexican dishes.
The Guajillo pepper, with a Scoville heat unit range of 2,500 to 5,000 SHU, is a suitable alternative to Calabrian peppers. Known for their sweet, slightly spicy taste, Guajillo peppers are excellent in Mexican pepper sauces and stews. They add a unique flavor and moderate heat to dishes, making them a good substitute for those looking to add depth without too much heat in their cooking.
7. Ancho Chili
Ancho chilies are 26 times milder than Calabrian peppers.
(on average, based on available data)
Why are Ancho chilies a good substitute for Calabrian peppers?
Ancho chilies provide a unique smoky flavor and mild heat, perfect for adding a gentle spiciness and complexity to dishes.
The Ancho chili, with a Scoville heat range of 1,000 to 1,500 SHU, offers a deep, smoky flavor and mild heat, making it a suitable substitute for Calabrian peppers in various dishes. Its earthy taste is ideal for adding complexity to Mexican cuisine without overwhelming the palate. Anchos are excellent in mole sauces and can be incorporated into spicy tomato paste, providing a rich, nuanced flavor that is less intense than the Calabrian pepper.