Crushed Red Pepper is a must in every kitchen (and on every pizzeria table in the U.S.). These chilies are about a 3 to 4 on a heat scale of 1 to 10 and add a pleasant note of heat to any dish. Red pepper flakes are not made of one type of Chile, but from various combinations of ancho, bell, cayenne and more.

Sprinkle on pizza and salads. Add to pickling brines, chowders, gumbos, sauces, sausages, omelets, and marinades. One 1/2 t is equal to one small Chile. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes are not made of one type of Chile, but from various combinations of red (or ripened) chilis including ancho, bell, and cayenne. Though it won’t have the flaky appearance, Cayenne Chile Powder can be substituted for Crushed Red Pepper Flakes to add heat to dishes, although slightly less should be used since ground cayenne is typically spicier. Crushed Aleppo Chiles are another great substitute that brings their own unique fruity notes along with a similar heat level.