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    Home » Helpful Guides

    15 Best Scotch Bonnet Pepper Substitutes

    Published: Nov 7, 2022 by Kristen Wood - This post may contain affiliate links.

    In need of a scotch bonnet pepper substitute? Look no further than this fun list of the best scotch bonnet substitutes!

    A wooden bowl filled with fresh, colorful scotch bonnet peppers.

    If you're looking for a scotch bonnet pepper substitute, you're in luck. There are a number of different peppers that can be used as a stand-in for scotch bonnet chili peppers. While they may not be an exact match, these substitutes will still give your dish the same flavor and heat that you're looking for. So, whether you are looking to make sauces like a good hot sauce, or simply add a little heat to dishes like stir-fries, you're in luck!

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    Jump to:
    • What is a Scotch Bonnet Pepper?
    • 1. Jalapeño Peppers
    • 2. Habanero Peppers
    • 3. Thai Chili Peppers
    • 4. Cayenne Peppers
    • 5. Tabasco Peppers
    • 6. Serrano Peppers
    • 7. Anaheim Peppers
    • 8. Poblano Peppers
    • 9. Chipotle Peppers
    • 10. Guajillo Peppers
    • 11. Pequin Peppers
    • 12. Peri-Peri Chiles
    • 13. Aji Chiles
    • 14. Rocoto Chiles
    • 15. Fresno Chiles
    • Conclusion
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    What is a Scotch Bonnet Pepper?

    A scotch bonnet pepper is a type of chili pepper that is commonly used in Caribbean cuisine. These peppers are small, but they pack a mighty punch – they're typically one of the spiciest peppers on the Scoville scale. Scotch bonnets also have a delightfully fruity flavor. Scotch bonnet peppers can be used in a variety of dishes, from scotch bonnet pepper sauce, soups, and stews to jerk chicken and curry.

    1. Jalapeño Peppers

    An orange bowl filled with fresh green jalapeno peppers.
    Jalapeno peppers.

    Jalapeño peppers are a common substitute for scotch bonnet peppers. They are similar in heat, with jalapeños typically falling between 2,500 and 8,000 on the Scoville scale (compared to 100,000 – 350,000 for scotch bonnets). Jalapeños also have a similar flavor profile to scotch bonnets, with a slightly fruity and grassy taste. See fermented jalapeno hot sauce.

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    2. Habanero Peppers

    Orange habanero peppers resting on a wooden table.
    Habanero chili peppers.

    Habanero peppers are another common substitute for scotch bonnet peppers. They are significantly hotter than jalapeños, falling between 100,000 and 350,000 on the Scoville scale (compared to 2,500 – 8,000 for jalapeños). Habaneros also have a more intense flavor than jalapeños, with a fruity taste that is often described as being similar to apricots or peaches. See fermented habanero hot sauce.

    3. Thai Chili Peppers

    A black bowl filled with red and green Thai chili peppers.
    Thai chiles.

    Thai chili peppers are a good substitute for scotch bonnet peppers if you want something that is both hot and flavorful. Thai chili peppers fall between 50,000 and 100,000 on the Scoville scale (compared to 2,500 – 8,000 for jalapeños and 100,000 – 350,000 for habaneros). Thai chiles have a sharp, fiery flavor that is often used in Southeast Asian cuisine. See this sambal oelek recipe.

    4. Cayenne Peppers

    Sliced red cayenne peppers on a wooden table.
    Cayenne peppers.

    Cayenne peppers are another good option if you’re looking for a hot pepper with a lot of flavor. Cayenne peppers fall between 30,000 and 50,000 on the Scoville scale (compared to 2,500 – 8,000 for jalapeños and 100,000 – 350,000 for habaneros). Cayenne peppers have a sharp bite that is often used in a large variety of spicy dishes from around the world.

    5. Tabasco Peppers

    Fresh red tabasco peppers on a green vine.
    Tabasco chili peppers

    Tabasco peppers are another good substitute for scotch bonnet peppers if you want something that is both hot and flavorful. Tabasco chili peppers fall between 30,000 and 50,000 on the Scoville scale (compared to 2,500 – 8,000 for jalapeños and 100,000 – 350,000 for habaneros). Tabasco peppers have a sharp flavor that is often used in Mexican cuisine.

    6. Serrano Peppers

    Serrano peppers.

    Serrano peppers are another common substitute for scotch bonnet peppers. They are similar in heat to jalapeños, falling between 10,000 and 23,000 on the Scoville scale (compared to 2,500 – 8,000 for jalapeños). Serrano peppers also have a similar flavor profile to jalapeños, with a fresh and grassy taste. See mint cilantro chutney.

    7. Anaheim Peppers

    Fresh light green anaheim peppers on a white table.
    Anaheim peppers.

    Anaheim peppers are another good option if you’re looking for a milder pepper with a lot of flavor. Anaheim peppers fall between 500 and 2,500 on the Scoville scale (compared to 2,500 – 8,000 for jalapeños). They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor with notes of citrus and grass.

    8. Poblano Peppers

    Fresh, dark green poblano peppers on a wooden table.
    Poblano peppers.

    Poblano peppers are another common substitute for scotch bonnet peppers. They fall between 1,000 and 2,000 on the Scoville scale (compared to 100,000 – 350,000 for scotch bonnets). Poblano peppers have a mild flavor with notes of chocolate and coffee. This is an excellent choice if you want some flavor, but not a ton of heat. See this salsa verde recipe.

    9. Chipotle Peppers

    Dried dark red chipotle peppers resting on a white table.
    Chipotle peppers.

    Chipotle peppers are smoked jalapeño peppers. They have a smoky, earthy flavor with a moderate amount of heat. Chipotle peppers fall between 2,500 and 8,000 on the Scoville scale (compared to 100,000 – 350,000 for scotch bonnets). See chipotle Peruano beans.

    10. Guajillo Peppers

    Dried guajillo peppers on a wood table.
    Guajillo chiles.

    Guajillo peppers are a common ingredient in Mexican cuisine. They have a fruity, slightly sweet flavor with moderate heat. Guajillo peppers fall between 2,500 and 5,000 on the Scoville scale (compared to 100,000 – 350,000 for scotch bonnets).

    11. Pequin Peppers

    Small red pequin peppers in dark gray bowl.
    Pequin peppers.

    Pequin peppers are one of the hotter chili peppers. They have a smoky, fiery flavor with intense heat. Pequin peppers fall between 50,000 and 100,000 on the Scoville scale (compared to 100,000 – 350,000 for scotch bonnets).

    12. Peri-Peri Chiles

    Bright red piri piri chiles on a light wooden table.
    Peri peri chiles.

    Peri-peri chiles are a type of African bird’s eye chili. They have a sharp, citrusy flavor with moderate heat. Peri-peri chiles fall between 50,000 and 100,000 on the Scoville scale (compared to 100,000 – 350,000 for scotch bonnets). See peri peri sauce.

    13. Aji Chiles

    Bright orange aji chiles close up.
    Aji chiles.

    Aji chiles are a type of chili pepper native to South America. They have a fruity, floral flavor with moderate heat. Aji chiles fall between 50,000 and 100,000 on the Scoville scale (compared to 100,000 – 350,000 for scotch bonnets). See aji Chombo hot sauce.

    14. Rocoto Chiles

    Colorful round rocoto peppers.
    Rocoto chili peppers.

    Rocoto chiles are a type of chili pepper native to South America. They have a fruity, slightly spicy flavor with moderate heat. Rocoto chiles fall between 50,000 and 100,000 on the Scoville scale (compared to 100,000 – 350,000 for scotch bonnets).

    15. Fresno Chiles

    Bright red fresno peppers resting on tan linen fabric.
    Fresno peppers.

    Fresno chiles are a type of chili pepper native to California. They have a fruity, slightly spicy flavor with moderate heat. Fresno chiles fall between 50,000 and 100,000 on the Scoville scale (compared to 100,000 – 350,000 for scotch bonnets).

    Conclusion

    If you find yourself in need of a scotch bonnet pepper substitute, any of the above-mentioned peppers will do the trick. Just remember to use them sparingly, as they can all pack quite a punch! Happy cooking!

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    kristen wood

    About Kristen Wood

    Hi, I'm Kristen! A mama, food writer, photographer, recipe developer, and cookbook author. I enjoy sharing both wildly creative and ridiculously practical gluten-free vegetarian recipes that are approachable for all. Welcome!

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