Have you ever wondered if parchment and wax paper are the same thing? You may have heard them mentioned in the same sentence, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they serve the same purpose.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced chef, it helps to know the difference between parchment paper and wax paper when baking. In this article, we will discuss what makes them different and provide tips on which is best suited for a variety of applications in your kitchen.
Is Wax Paper the Same as Parchment Paper?
Wax paper and parchment paper may look similar, but they are actually quite different. Wax paper is coated with a thin layer of wax, which gives it a glossy finish and makes it non-stick. This makes it great for wrapping food or lining baking sheets to prevent sticking. However, wax paper is not heat resistant and should not be used in the oven or microwave.
Parchment paper, on the other hand, is made from a special type of treated paper that is heat resistant up to 420 degrees Fahrenheit. It has a non-stick coating that makes it ideal for baking cookies, cakes, and other treats without having to worry about them sticking to the pan. Parchment paper can also be used as an alternative to wax paper when wrapping food since it won’t melt in the refrigerator or freezer like wax paper can.
What Is Wax Paper?
Wax paper is an incredibly useful kitchen tool that can be used for a variety of tasks. It is food-safe tissue paper coated with layers of paraffin wax, which also makes it non-stick.
This means that it can be used to roll out cookie or pie dough, wrap up blocks of cheese to store in the refrigerator and pound chicken breasts into chicken cutlets without sticking. Wax paper is available in rolls at most grocery stores and is relatively inexpensive.
However, wax paper should not be used for cooking as it is not heat resistant. If heated too much, the wax will melt and stick to whatever you are cooking, making a mess and potentially ruining your dish.
Additionally, wax paper should never be put in the oven or microwave as it could catch fire. When using wax paper for countertop tasks, make sure to keep it away from direct heat sources such as stovetops and grills.
What Is Parchment Paper?
Parchment paper is a food-safe paper that has been treated with silicone to make it nonstick and heat resistant. It is commonly used in baking, as it can be used to line sheet pans and cake pans for the oven or as a packet for cooking fish and veggies.
Parchment paper is available in both white and brown varieties; white parchment paper has been bleached, while brown parchment paper is unbleached and has never been treated with chemicals like chlorine.
Parchment paper can be used in place of wax paper, but wax paper cannot be used in place of parchment paper due to its lack of heat resistance. Parchment paper is ideal for baking because it prevents sticking without having to use additional oils or fats, which can add unnecessary calories to your dish.
It also helps keep baked goods from burning on the bottom by providing an extra layer of insulation between the pan and the food. Additionally, parchment paper makes clean up easier since you don’t have to scrub off any stuck-on food residue from your pans.
Wax Paper vs Parchment Paper for Baking
Parchment paper and wax paper are both commonly used in the kitchen for a variety of tasks, but when it comes to baking, parchment paper is the clear winner. Parchment paper is oven-safe and can withstand temperatures up to 420°F.
This makes it ideal for lining baking sheets and cake pans, as well as wrapping fish or other foods before cooking them in the oven. Wax paper, on the other hand, should never be put in an oven. The heat will cause it to melt and create a fire hazard.
Wax paper is still useful in the kitchen though; it can be used for tasks such as wrapping sandwiches or covering countertops while you’re working with sticky ingredients like honey or syrup.
It’s also great for rolling out dough since it prevents sticking without having to use extra flour. So while parchment paper is best for baking, wax paper still has its place in the kitchen too!
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