Cayenne Pepper Recipes

Cayenne peppers are one of the most versatile chilies in the kitchen, with a steady, straightforward heat that works in powders, sauces, marinades, and just about anything that needs a spicy kick. This collection has cayenne pepper basics, homemade pantry staples, and recipes built to highlight that classic cayenne heat.

Cayenne Pepper 101

Before cooking with cayenne, it helps to know what you're working with. These posts cover the pepper itself, its heat level and flavor, what to swap in when you're out, and the health benefits that come along with the heat.

Homemade Cayenne Powders & Spice Blends

Cayenne is the backbone of many homemade spice blends, whether ground on its own or mixed into a seasoning blend. These recipes cover cayenne powder from scratch, a versatile chili powder blend, and a Jamaican jerk seasoning that leans on cayenne for its signature heat.

Cayenne Sauces & Condiments

Cayenne gives sauces and condiments a steady, building heat that works into everything from hot sauce to aioli. These recipes cover sweet Caribbean chili sauce, sambal oelek, carrot hot sauce, remoulade, chipotle aioli, and a homemade cayenne pepper sauce built for shaking onto just about anything.

Cayenne-Spiced Mains

Cayenne pepper gives these hearty mains a steady kick, from meatballs and chorizo to slow-cooked pot roast and jerk wings. These recipes lean on cayenne to keep the heat consistent throughout the dish instead of hitting all at once.

Salsas & Drinks

Cayenne heat isn't just for savory mains and sauces. This small group features a fruity papaya salsa and a chili-infused pineapple vodka cocktail, both proof that cayenne works just as well in something sweet as it does in something smoky.