If you’re like me and love growing hot peppers, you know there are countless varieties, from super-hot to those with just a gentle warmth. Not everyone wants that intense burn; sometimes you simply want mild chili peppers that add color and flavor without taking over the dish. So, which chili is actually the mildest? Below are five mild chili peppers that are perfect when you want taste first and heat second.
Table of Contents
- 5 Mild Chili Peppers for Everyday Cooking
- Do You Also Love the Hot Stuff?
- Summary: Which Chili Is the Mildest?
5 Mild Chili Peppers for Everyday Cooking
1) Poblano – The Mexican Favorite
Poblano is a classic among mild chili peppers. At roughly 1,000-2,000 SHU, it’s very approachable. Thick-walled, dark green (ripening toward brownish-red), and slightly earthy, it’s fantastic for stuffing with cheese and rice or using in Mexican stews. When dried, it becomes ancho, a sweeter, smokier staple for sauces. If you ask me for the best mild chili, I’ll choose Poblano most days. For more information on drying hot peppers:
2) Jalapeño – Mild Enough, Always Tasty
The Jalapeño is arguably the most famous pepper, and for many, it’s a perfect starter among mild chili peppers. At 2,500-8,000 SHU, it’s mild for most people yet provides a pleasant kick. I grow jalapeños every season and use them for pickles, poppers, salsas, and hot sauces. Let them fully ripen to red for a rounder, slightly sweeter flavor. And if you’re swimming in Jalapeños too, don’t miss what to do with too many jalapeños.
3) Anaheim – Big, Versatile, and Mild
Sitting around 500-2,500 SHU, Anaheim offers a mild, almost fruity profile. Its elongated shape makes it ideal for stuffed chiles, grilling, or slicing into salads. It’s also easy to grow, especially in a greenhouse or warm, sunny spot.
4) Cherry Chili – Round, Sweet, and Gentle
Cherry chili resembles small red tomatoes and typically ranges in heat from 500 to 1,000 SHU. It’s one of the gentlest options among mild chili peppers. I love it pickled with garlic and herbs, its light sweetness and mild acidity brighten sandwiches, burgers, and cheese boards.
5) Banana Pepper – The Family-Friendly Choice
Banana peppers range from 0 to 500 SHU, making them extremely mild and beginner-friendly. Crisp and fresh with a gentle tang, it’s great in salads, on pizza, or as a pickled topping for burgers and subs. If you’re new to chili, this one’s a confidence booster.
Do You Also Love the Hot Stuff?
Even though this post spotlights mild chili peppers, I’ll admit I also love the fiery side, including Habanero and Carolina Reaper. The range from mild to wild is what makes peppers so fun to cook and grow. If you’re curious about the hottest end of the spectrum, don’t miss my post on the world’s hottest chiles.
Summary: Which Chili Is the Mildest?
If we’re talking about truly mild options, Banana Pepper and Cherry Chili are at the top. Jalapeño and Poblano offer a touch more bite without going overboard. Which one you choose depends on how you plan to use it: cooking, pickling, or adding color and crunch to fresh dishes. I believe the best mild chili is made from the Poblano pepper.
Got a favorite among mild chili peppers? Drop a comment and tell me which one you reach for, and how you use it. And if you found this helpful, share it so more pepper fans can find their new favorite gentle heat.
This post is also available in sv_SE.