What is white parchment paper used for?

Author: Mr. Collin Buckridge  |  Last update: Saturday, April 5, 2025

Parchment paper is a food-safe coated paper used in baking and cooking. Its heat-resistant, nonstick surface is ideal for a variety of kitchen tasks, from lining pans to funneling ingredients, and even pipe icing onto baked goods.

When should you not use parchment paper?

Do not ever use parchment or wax paper in the broiler. Despite its heat resistance, parchment paper can't handle the heat of any broiler, which can reach temperatures upward of 500°F. And wax paper? It should never come near the high heat of the oven or broiler.

What are the disadvantages of parchment paper?

However, this is not without its own drawbacks. Unbleached wood fibers can contaminate food with which they come into contact, and since lignin is the component responsible for wood charring when burnt, unbleached parchment paper could be more prone to smoking at high temperatures6.

What's the difference between white and brown parchment paper?

White parchment paper is bleached, and brown parchment paper is unbleached. Brown (unbleached) papers keep their natural colors and can be more ecologically friendly.

What is the point of parchment paper?

It helps ensure baking sheets stay clean, prevents baked goods from over-browning and sticking to the pan, keeps poaching liquids from evaporating, and can be used as a sling around bread dough or cheesecake to help release them from the pan. You can even use it to line the basket of your air fryer.

Ask the Test Kitchen: What's the Difference Between Wax Paper and Parchment Paper?

Can I bake without parchment paper?

A greased baking sheet is a quick, easy substitute for parchment paper. This method works for most cases unless you have a particularly sticky ingredient.

What's the difference between baking paper and parchment paper?

Baking paper – also known as bakery paper or parchment paper, as it is often called especially in the US – is greaseproof paper that is used for baking and cooking. Baking paper is the multi-purpose kitchen helper that can be used for several different applications.

Why is some parchment paper white?

White and brown parchment paper differ in one big way: brown parchment paper is unbleached and white parchment paper is bleached. This indicates whether or not the wood pulp used to make the paper underwent a bleaching process using a chemical like chlorine.

Does color of parchment paper matter?

From a cooking perspective, bleached and unbleached parchment paper can be used interchangeably for all the same tasks. The color or treatment of the papers will not affect the expected outcome of a recipe.

What kind of parchment paper is best for baking?

Baker's Signature Parchment Paper Baking Sheets

Compared to white parchment paper, these sheets are more pliable, and they're microwave-safe and heat-tolerant up to 450 degrees. These sheets come packed in a flat box so they keep their shape, making it easier to spread them out on your pan.

Why did people stop using parchment?

Although parchment never stopped being used (primarily for governmental documents and diplomas) it had ceased to be a primary choice for artists' supports by the end of the 15th century Renaissance. This was partly due to its expense and partly due to its unusual working properties.

Is there a wrong way to use parchment paper?

When shouldn't you use parchment paper? Parchment paper is not meant for high-heat cooking. The product box should indicate the highest temperature it can safely withstand, which is usually around 500℉. Do not use parchment paper when grilling or otherwise near an open flame.

Why is parchment so expensive?

Cost. One of the primary disadvantages of parchment is its high budget due to the meticulous process involved in preparing animal skin. It can limit its accessibility for widespread use, especially compared to more cost-effective alternatives.

What are the negatives of parchment paper?

While parchment paper used in cooking and baking is generally safe, there are some potential concerns to keep in mind. These include: Inhaling chemicals: Heating parchment paper at high temperatures (above 220°C) may release chemicals into the air that can be potentially harmful when inhaled.

Can I use aluminum foil instead of parchment paper?

For times when you run out of parchment paper, you can substitute it with wax paper, aluminum foil, or silicone baking mats. If baking, it's best to replace parchment paper with either a greased baking sheet, silicone baking mat, or aluminum foil coated in oil.

Does parchment paper make things crispy?

Parchment paper won't absorb the oil in the sauté pan or stick to the fish. It allows contact between oil and the fish that allows the skin to become extra crispy without any direct contact with the pan.

Is white or brown parchment paper better?

As you'd expect, the bleached baking paper has been treated with chlorine; unbleached baking paper (brown) has not. Why is this an issue? Because when chlorine bleached parchment paper is heated, there is concern that it may leak a chemical called dioxin1.

At what temperature should you not use parchment paper?

Parchment is a non-toxic, grease- and moisture-resistant paper specially treated for oven use and can withstand temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can I put white parchment paper in the oven?

Parchment paper should not be used for any baking temperatures higher than 420°F, and the maximum time parchment paper can be left in the oven is about half an hour.

Why does everything stick to my parchment paper?

If your parchment paper stuck it's from using an inferior brand. Reynolds brand always works for me. I got a cheaper parchment paper once and everything stuck to it. I only use Reynolds brand – it never sticks.

Do you really need parchment paper?

Unlike wax paper or aluminum foil, parchment paper is moisture-resistant and grease-resistant, and absolutely should be on hand whenever you set out to cook or bake anything.

Is it OK to use parchment paper when baking a cake?

It can withstand temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not confuse it with wax paper, which is not suitable for oven use. A snug piece of parchment at the bottom of your pan is a must for all baking—not just cakes, but brownies, shortbreads, bars, and so much more.

Can I use parchment paper in an air fryer?

Parchment paper can handle the heat inside your air fryer - up to 428°F (220°C). To get the best results, add the parchment paper to the air fryer basket at the same time as you add your ingredients. This prevents the paper from lifting up and coming into contact with the heating element while cooking.

Can you microwave parchment paper?

To put it simply, yes—parchment paper is safe to use in the microwave. It can withstand temperatures up to 450°F, well beyond what most microwaves can reach, and it contains no metallic coatings that could spark during use.

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