Q&A for How to Use Parchment Paper in Cooking

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Does it matter which side of parchment paper you use?

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Expert Answer

You can use either side! Use the stickier, shinier side if you're baking something that you're worried might be hard to peel from the paper.

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Can you cook meat on parchment paper?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

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Yes! Parchment paper isn’t just good for baking. You can also use it to line a pan for roasting meat or vegetables.

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How long can parchment paper stay in the oven?

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wikiHow Staff Editor

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With parchment paper, the main concern is temperature rather than length of time. Parchment paper is generally rated safe to around 450° F (232° C), so don’t use it if you plan to cook anything at a temperature higher than that.

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Can you put parchment paper in the oven by itself?

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wikiHow Staff Editor

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Parchment paper is oven-safe up to pretty high temperatures (around 450° F), so putting it in the oven by itself should be okay as long as you don’t turn the temperature up too high. Avoid letting the paper come into direct contact with any heating elements, since this could cause it to burn or release unpleasant fumes.

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How can I stop parchment paper from sliding off the baking sheet?

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To stop it from sliding, spray a thin coating of cooking spray over the baking sheet before lining it with parchment paper. The paper will stick to the spray on the surface and won't slide. You might also consider using a silicone baking mat instead of parchment paper if you don't want to spray the baking sheet; simply roll out the silicone baking mat over the top of the baking sheet and it will stay in place.

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When using with bread, should I let it cool before removing the parchment?

Community Answer

Yes, and this is true for basically all baked items. The only caveat to this is if the item has a syrup, cheese or other sticky layer that will set and stick the paper to the item. In that case remove the paper as quickly as possible.

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Is there a need to butter the parchment paper?

Qamar

Top Answerer

No, not really unless you want to add flavor to your food.

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Do I change paper after every tray of cookies?

Community Answer

As long as the paper is not charred, you can reuse it for each tray.

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Question

Is there any difference between the front and back of parchment paper?

Qamar

Top Answerer

No, both sides are the same.

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Can I use the same sheet twice?

Community Answer

Yes, you may reuse the sheet if it is not soiled from food or grease.

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Does using parchment paper affect cooking time?

Qamar

Top Answerer

No, it's just paper.

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Can I use it for baking bread?

Holly

Community Answer

Yes, you can. Parchment paper is used for many purposes, but it is mostly used in baking.

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Question

Can I use parchment paper to cover a dish that needs to bake in the oven for about 15 minutes?

Jo W

Community Answer

Yes, however it may get too hot if the temperature is high. Watch it, and change it if you need to.

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Can parchment paper be used with meat loaf?

Community Answer

Yes. Aluminum foil is also a good option -- and it's easier to conform to the shape of the pan.

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Question

Should I use cooking oil with parchment paper?

Shannon Challender

Community Answer

I use a very light coating between the pan and the parchment to stick the parchment to the pan. No cooking oil is needed between the baking mix and the parchment.

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Can it be used for toffee?

Qamar

Top Answerer

Yes, it can.

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Question

Can I use parchment paper to line the oven to catch spills instead of foil?

Community Answer

Foil is likely to work better for this purpose, as it will stay in place and will also reflect heat to assist with the cooking process. Even better would be to use a foil drip tray, which is easy to remove and clean or throw away––foil might get stuck on the base of the oven as a result of the baked-on spills, so a tray is easiest. Parchment paper is least useful as it will probably blow around the oven due to the breezes of the fan and/or heat, making it a risk for catching fire and burning.

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Can parchment be reused?

Qamar

Top Answerer

No, there could be left-over grease or oil.

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Question

Can I use parchment paper to separate cookies in a pan so they don't stick together after they are baked?

Community Answer

I love parchment and use it for baking and after baking. Yes, it works great for keeping cookies separated when putting several layers of cookies in one container. But make sure they are fully cooled first so steam and condensation don't form. It also makes a nice wrap for homemade fruit breads when giving as gifts.

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Question

If a recipe calls for greasing and flouring a cookie sheet, can I use only parchment paper instead?

Sofia C.

Community Answer

Yes. Parchment paper is a replacement for greasing and flouring.

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Question

Can parchment paper be put directly on the oven rack?

Holly

Community Answer

It can, as parchment paper can withstand high heat, but it is recommended to place it on a pan or tray so whatever you are baking does not slide through or off the rack.

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Can I use parchment paper with bacon?

Community Answer

The biggest issue with bacon is the amount of grease that's rendered, and parchment paper doesn't really absorb the grease. Your best bet for cooking bacon in the oven is to use a solid pan with a cooling rack, which allows the grease to drip into the solid pan underneath, rather than letting the bacon just soak in the drippings.

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Question

Can I use parchment paper for wrapping and cooking tamales?

Shannon Challender

Community Answer

Some people prefer to use corn husks to wrap tamales. If there is a reason you don't want to use corn husks, then, sure, you can use parchment.

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Do you just line the bottom of a pan for rolls with parchment paper, or the sides also?

Holly

Community Answer

The parchment paper should line the bottom and sides of the pan. Make sure that part of it hangs out of the pan on the sides so you can grab the entire roll out of the pan without accidentally touching the hot pan and potentially burning yourself.

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Question

Can it be used directly on racks?

Community Answer

Parchment paper can be used directly on cooking racks, it helps to keep the racks clean and avoid sticking.

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Can parchment prevent sides of bread from becoming hard?

Imapoetninoit

Community Answer

No, but a good bread container can.

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Question

I bought my parchment paper from a bookstore. I think it's for printing certificates. Can I also use it for baking?

Community Answer

Possibly, but it's probably not worth the risk of starting a fire trying it. Buy parchment paper from a grocery store or supply store for cooking.

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Does parchment paper take longer to cook?

Skiv

Community Answer

No, it doesn't. There is no time or temperature taken or added when you use it.

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Can I bake a cake on parchment paper?

Shannon Challender

Community Answer

Yes, you can. The parchment does not burn like regular paper. Of course, you will want to use your round pan to cut a circle of parchment paper to place in the bottom of the pan. If you are making a sheet cake, just cut a sheet off the roll that will fit. You don't need to use the parchment to protect the sides.

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How do I prevent the paper from sliding?

AbigailAbernathy

Top Answerer

Drizzle a small amount of oil in the pan and press the paper down on the oil to prevent it from slipping.

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