With so many baking surfaces, it can be confusing to know whether you should use parchment paper, wax paper, or a baking mat.
Fortunately, we’re here to help. Today, we’re breaking down these three baking essentials and when it’s best to use them.
Parchment Paper
Parchment paper is coated in a layer of silicone to create a heat-resistant, water-resistant, and non-stick surface. It also helps regulate temperatures to ensure even heating while baking. It’s safe to use up to about 450 degrees Fahrenheit and performs best in a conventional oven. This type of paper usually comes packaged in a roll, but can also be found in pre-cut sheets. Both sides of the paper are the same, so it doesn’t matter which side is facing up when using it.
This versatile kitchen staple serves many functions beyond lining a baking sheet, such as:
- Lining cake pans and muffin tins
- Catching drips at the bottom of the oven
- Roasting veggies
- Separating frozen foods, such as hamburger patties
- Separating baked goods for storage
- Protecting your ironing surface
- Guarding your counter while crafting
- Cooking pizza
- Laying out chocolate dipped fruit to dry
- Making sushi rolls
- Keeping a soufflé in place
Frugal tip: Parchment paper can often be reused!
Wax Paper
Wax paper has similar functions to parchment paper, but the difference lies in its coating. This type of paper is coated with wax on each side making it non-stick and moisture-resistant. Unlike parchment paper, however, it isn’t heat resistant and should never be used in the oven. High temperatures will melt the wax and could even cause it to catch on fire. Be sure to avoid using this type of paper to line baking sheets or cake pans. Instead, there are many other uses wax paper can provide, such as:
- Lining countertops for rolling out dough or kneading bread
- Wrapping food for cold storage
- Flash freezing fruit or other foods
- Preventing frozen items from sticking together
- Keeping blocks of cheese fresh
- Preventing freezer burn on ice cream
- Cleaning a can opener
- Preventing food splatters in the microwave
Silicone Baking Mats
Silicone baking mats are a great alternative to parchment paper. They’re made of high-quality, food-grade silicone and fiberglass making them non-stick and heat resistant. Most mats can reach temperatures close to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Perhaps the best feature of baking mats is that they are reusable. Simply wipe them clean after each use and they’re ready for whatever concoction you’re creating next.
Here are some of the best features and functions of these mats:
- Lining baking sheets
- Using as a surface to roll out dough
- Heating up food in the oven
- Covering baked goods in the oven to make sure they rise evenly
- Placing under a cake ring to keep batter from sticking to the pan
- Lining pans for dipped foods that need to dry
- Roasting vegetables
- Cooking pizzas
Visit Spoons ‘N Spice for Baking Essentials
Spoons ‘n Spice carries all the kitchen essentials you could ever need from parchment paper to cooking appliances. We’re mindful of the COVID-19 pandemic and currently offer online shopping, in-store pickup, and curbside pickup. Just give us a call when you arrive, and we’ll take the item you purchased outside for you.
We’re located in the Sugarhouse Shopping Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Contact us with any questions you may have today!