The term "Chileheads" refers to passionate connoisseurs of chile (chili) peppers. Chileheads appreciate the range of spicy heat levels and flavors that peppers provide – and often get addicted to ever-spicier peppers like the Carolina Reaper. Hot sauce (including homemade Hot Sauce Recipes) takes up a whole shelf in their fridge, and chili-cookoffs are considered a good challenge.
While Chileheads are usually known for their addiction to spicy heat, they also love the different flavors of different peppers – you'd be surprised at how good Habanero's taste! There are even no-heat Habaneros for those who love the fruity flavor but want to cut the heat.
Chileheads can also refer to people of the Hatch area in New Mexico, who love their chile – and, due to the terrior (soil, weather, climate), their Hatch chile tastes uniquely delicious and has a huge fan base.
And don't worry if you're not acclimated to super hot heat yet, there are also mild Hatch chile varieties that have all the flavor with just a mild heat. Find our list of Hatch chile from Mild to Hot here »
You Might be a Chilehead if:
- You find yourself adding hot sauce to pretty much every meal. Pizza, salad, soups, stir fries, rice, beans, you name it.
- You like hot salsa
- You like putting hot peppers or hot pepper flakes onto everything
- You like the burn and perspiration and elation of eating something spicy
- Your friend or spouse gets you addicted to hot sauce
- You can't stop eating spicy food even though you're' crying
- You just like peppers. All peppers. Sweet to spicy.
Find all of our favorite Chilehead recipes that pack a punch.
