Parchment paper can be used for many things in the kitchen, but one of the most popular uses is lining baking sheets and cake pans. But you may have heard otherwise because of the confusion about various kitchen papers. So is it true, can parchment paper go in the oven?
Yes, parchment paper can go in the oven up to 425˚F to 450˚F, depending on the brand. It is a safe way to cook food without adding oils or fats and protects the bottom of your bakeware. It will help prevent food from sticking and allow you to create a crispy texture.
Here are more answers you need to know before using parchment paper in the oven.
Is Parchment Paper Oven Safe?
Parchment paper is safe to use in the oven as long as it’s used correctly at the right temperatures. And it’s a great alternative to aluminum foil when you want an easy-to-clean surface.
Unlike using parchment paper in the microwave, there are more ways to make parchment paper unsafe in the oven:
Your parchment paper should never be used directly on an oven’s heating element or on the bottom of the oven. Doing this can cause the paper to catch on fire.
If you’re using parchment paper at high temperatures, make sure that it’s rated for those temperatures.
Exposing parchment paper to a flame will most definitely cause it to catch fire.
If you’re unsure whether your parchment is oven safe, you might have grabbed a box of waxed paper by mistake, so err on the side of caution and don’t use it in the oven.
Maximum Temperature For Parchment Paper
I took a look at 5 popular brands of parchment paper and their maximum rated temperatures to give you an idea of what to expect when purchasing a new roll.
| Parchment Paper Brand | MAX. Temperature |
|---|---|
| Katbite Heavy Duty Parchment Paper Roll | 450° F |
| Katbite Unbleached Parchment Paper Roll | 450° F |
| Reynolds Kitchens Unbleached Parchment Paper Roll | 425° F |
| Reynolds Kitchens Parchment Paper Roll with SmartGrid | 425° F |
| If You Care Parchment Baking Paper | 428°F |
| Glad Parchment Paper | 450° F |
| Baklicious Unbleached Parchment Paper | 425° F |
One of the main disadvantages of using parchment paper is that it can change colors and become brittle at higher temperatures.
The best way to help reduce the problem would be to find papers rated for 450˚F if possible. However, my advice is to avoid baking beyond 400˚F if your papers are rated for 425˚F and always avoid the broil setting when using parchment paper.
Why Doesn’t Parchment Paper Burn?
Parchment paper can burn when you use it at a temperature higher than its smoking point. The paper will begin to turn brown, and after some time, it will start to smoke, turn black, and eventually catch fire.
An open flame will set parchment on fire, so be extremely careful using it around gas stoves and ovens.
The good news is that parchment papers are able to withstand high heat because of their cellulose-based silicone coating, which also happens to give it non-stick qualities.
Unlike wax paper, where the wax coating would melt long before the paper itself starts to burn.
What Temperature Does Parchment Paper Burn?
According to Redditors’ experiences, baking at 500˚F may only lead to the paper’s browning or blackening. While there may be good explanations of why this is, I never recommend exceeding the manufacturer’s directions to keep it safe.
Can You Broil Parchment Paper?
No, you should never use parchment paper under the broiler. It’s great for ovens using lower temperature settings, but when you switch to your broiler, the high heat can create scorched bits of parchment or even set fire to it. I recommend using heavy-duty foil that is rated for broiling instead.
Final Thoughts
Parchment papers are a great way to bake food without having your recipes stick to the bottom of your pans.
In some cases, you can also use it in place of traditional foil, which will save your pans from getting dirty and make cleanup easier! As long as you stick to the directions on the box, this kitchen tool is extremely versatile and safe to use. Happy baking!
