Substitute for Bell Pepper: 4 Versatile Alternatives
The best substitute for bell pepper is Poblano Pepper at a 1:1 ratio. It works best for stuffing, roasting, fajitas. There are 3 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Poblano Pepper
1:1
Mild heat with a richer, earthier flavor. Great for stuffing and roasting. Remove seeds for the mildest result.
What are the other substitutes for bell pepper?
Anaheim Pepper
1:1
Slightly spicier than bell pepper but similar in shape and crunch. Works well in cooked dishes and salsas.
Cubanelle Pepper
1:1
Sweet and thin-walled with no heat. Sometimes called Italian frying pepper. Excellent sauteed or in sandwiches.
Pimiento Pepper
1:1
Sweet, heart-shaped peppers with thick flesh. Found jarred in most stores. Best for raw applications and cheese spreads.
What should you know before substituting bell pepper?
Green bell peppers are simply unripe and have a more bitter, vegetal flavor. If a recipe calls for red bell pepper, avoid substituting green as the sweetness level is very different.
How do you substitute bell pepper in a recipe?
A sweet, crunchy pepper available in green, red, yellow, and orange varieties. Red and yellow bell peppers are sweeter because they are fully ripened. Used raw in salads, roasted, stuffed, or sauteed in countless dishes.
The best substitute for bell pepper depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Poblano Pepper (1:1), which works well for stuffing, roasting, fajitas.
If you need a different option, Anaheim Pepper (1:1) is another reliable choice. Slightly spicier than bell pepper but similar in shape and crunch. Works well in cooked dishes and salsas.
When substituting bell pepper, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and FoodSafety.gov. See our testing methodology for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of bell pepper?
Poblano peppers are the best substitute for bell peppers when cooking. They have a similar size, mild heat, and work at a 1:1 ratio. For raw dishes, try cubanelle or pimiento peppers.
Are green and red bell peppers interchangeable?
They can be swapped at a 1:1 ratio, but expect a flavor difference. Red bell peppers are sweeter and fruitier because they are fully ripened, while green peppers have a more bitter, vegetal taste.