Parchment Baking Paper VS Waxed Paper: What is the difference?

Parchment Baking Paper VS Waxed Paper: What is the difference? Although they are similar in appearance, they are not the same. As an expert parchment baking paper manufactuer, we offer parchment baking paper roll, parchment paper sheets for baking and baking parchment paper. And we are also supplier of custom parchment baking paper. Let us show you the difference between parchment paper sheets (rolls) for baking and wax paper in details below.

Parchment baking paper is heat resistant and generally more expensive but much more versatile, wax paper is not heat resistant. Parchment baking paper sheet is a sturdy kitchen item made from silicone that repels grease and moisture. It's perfect for making cake molds or wrapping fish. You can safely use parchment paper in the oven. Wax paper also has a non-stick surface, but is not suitable for use around any type of heat source. The wax on the paper will melt. It’s best to use it to cover countertops for easier cleanup. You can also use it to roll out dough or mash chicken breasts.

Parchment baking paper appears frequently in recipes, including for baking and parchment wrapping. But many people, especially beginning bakers, wonder: What exactly is parchment paper sheets for baking, and how is it different from wax paper? What is its purpose? Baking parchment paper is an essential part of baking and a workhorse in the versatile kitchen, serving many functions besides lining baking sheets, which it's perfect for thanks to its non-stick properties. Not only is it perfect for baking a batch of biscuits, it's also a useful tool for preparations like grating cheese or sifting flour for steaming delicate fish.

There are many benefits to using parchment paper, but one drawback is that it can end up being expensive and wasteful since it is a disposable item. Whether you're on a budget, looking for a more sustainable option, or don't have any parchment paper on hand, there are many other methods you can use, depending on what you're using them for.

What is parchment baking paper?

Parchment paper is essentially paper coated with a layer of silicone, which is what gives it its excellent non-stick quality. The silicone coating also makes it heat and water resistant. Additionally, it helps regulate temperature and ensures even heating during baking.

Parchment baking paper roll often comes in rolls similar to aluminum foil and wax paper and may be found in the same places as paper at your grocery store, but you can also find it pre-sliced to fit standard-sized pans, cake pans, and muffin tins It's more likely to be purchased at a cake supply store.

What is baking parchment paper used for?

So many things! The flexible quality of parchment paper is great for baking projects where you need to line a loaf pan or baking sheet so that whatever you're baking doesn't stick to the pan. It's easy to cut the paper to the size you need so it lines up easily on the pan without any creases. Even better, if you're baking brownies or making fudge, a bit of parchment paper hanging over the side of the pan makes it super easy to lift them out for cutting.

Parchment paper is also great for decorating baked goods. Many professional bakers and cake decorators use a piece of parchment paper to form a DIY piping bag called a cornet, which they use to decorate desserts and write messages. Shaping parchment paper into a cone also doubles as a makeshift funnel, helping eliminate mess when transferring items like spices or sprinkles. If you're frosting a cake, sliding a piece of parchment paper under the cake before you start is a good trick to prevent the frosting from staining your cake stand.

Finally, parchment paper can be an excellent container for cooking delicate cuts of meat, such as fish. The French method of cooking on parchment is called "en papillote," which essentially creates a steam pocket that cooks the fish along with other delicate vegetables like leeks and asparagus. It's an easy way to create healthy, tempting meals that will impress your guests. In French cooking, a ring of parchment paper can also become a makeshift lid to cover the food, keeping it completely submerged in the braising liquid. In Japanese cooking, a special wooden lid called an otoshibuta or drop lid is used for the same purpose when stewing food, but can easily replace the parchment paper. In cuisines that feature large amounts of steaming, such as Chinese cooking, parchment paper is ideal for lining the bottom of a steamer to prevent sticking.

What is the difference between parchment baking paper and wax paper?

Waxed paper has a thin waxy coating on each side, making it non-stick and moisture-resistant (although it tends to absorb more moisture than parchment paper). It's a great alternative to parchment paper if you're trying to save money, as parchment paper often ends up costing twice as much. When it comes to using it for food prep, layering between desserts, or covering your work surface to prevent mess, wax paper is a great option that works just as well. It's important to note that wax paper is not heat-resistant, which means it is not suitable for baking or oven use as the wax may melt and create a fire hazard.