Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

The Classic, Fiery Kitchen Staple With Bold Heat and Endless Versatility

When you want clean, straightforward heat that plays well with practically every cuisine, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes are the spice-cabinet MVP. These ruby flakes deliver a sharp, lively heat and a bright chile flavor that instantly wakes up your food without stealing the spotlight.

If you’ve ever eaten pizza, pasta, ramen, tacos, stir-fry, or chili… you’ve experienced the magic.

The Flavor Profile: Sharp Heat, Bright Pepper, and a Clean Finish

Crushed red pepper flakes bring:

• Medium-high heat that hits quickly and cleanly

• Bright, fruity chile notes from dried red peppers

• A subtle smokiness (depending on the peppers used)

• A crisp finish that doesn’t linger too long

• A hint of bitterness that adds complexity

They’re not complex on their own — but that’s exactly what makes them so versatile. They add heat without changing the flavor identity of your dish.

Where Crushed Red Pepper Comes From: A Global Heat Source With American Roots

Born From Italian & Mediterranean Traditions

While chile peppers come from the Americas, the concept of crushed red chile flakes became iconic in:

• Italian-American kitchens

• Mediterranean cooking

• Pizzerias across the U.S.

• American BBQ and chili culture

What’s Actually in Crushed Red Pepper?

Traditionally, crushed red pepper flakes are made from cayenne-type red chiles, though blends can also include:

• Chile de árbol

• Jalapeño

• Fresno

• Anaheim

• Papriya-type chiles

Whatever the blend, the goal is consistent: bright heat in an easy-to-use format.

Why It Became a Table Staple

In the 1900s, Italian restaurants started placing crushed red pepper on tables next to parmesan — and heat-loving Americans never looked back. Today, it’s one of the top five most-used spices in American kitchens.

Why Cooks Love Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

Heat That Respects the Dish

You get bold heat without:

• Smokiness

• Sweetness

• Strong aromatics

• Competing flavors

It’s heat that enhances, not distracts.

Perfect for Both Cooking and Finishing

Sprinkle it on raw, bloom it in oil, simmer it in broth — it shines in every application.

Works Across Dozens of Cuisines

Crushed red pepper is common in:

• Italian

• Chinese

• Korean

• Mexican

• Thai

• Indian

• American comfort food

• BBQ

• Mediterranean cooking

Consistent, Clean, Reliable Heat

Unlike whole chiles or powders, the flakes retain essential oils longer and release flavor gradually as they hydrate or cook.

How to Use Crushed Red Pepper Flakes in Your Kitchen

Everyday Favorites

• Pizza

• Pasta

• Scrambled eggs

• Avocado toast

• Soup & stews

• Chili

• Grilled vegetables

• Stir-fry

Italian Classics

• Arrabbiata sauce

• Aglio e olio

• Red pepper infused olive oil

• Meatballs & marinara

Asian Dishes

• Ramen

• Mapo tofu

• Fried rice

• Dan dan noodles

• Spicy dumpling sauces

BBQ & Proteins

• Rubs for chicken, pork, or beef

• Chili rubs for burgers

• Cajun-style dishes

• Seafood marinades (shrimp LOVES red pepper flakes)

Creative Uses

• Sprinkle over popcorn

• Add to salad dressings

• Mix into compound butter

• Fold into hummus or creamy dips

• Make spicy honey

• Shake into cocktail rims

• Add to bread dough or focaccia

Pro Tip

Bloom red pepper flakes in hot oil to unlock deeper, richer flavor.
Bloom in butter for immediate magic.

The Essential Heat Source for Every Kitchen

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes bring bold, bright, reliable heat to almost anything you cook. They’re simple, versatile, and iconic — the kind of spice you reach for again and again because it always delivers.