Plus, how is it different from parchment paper?
By Corey Williams Updated September 16, 2020
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Sure, wax paper is handy for all sorts of kitchen tasks—but is it oven-safe? Here’s everything you need to know about when to use (and when not to use) wax paper:
What Is Wax Paper?
Cutting paper Getty 9/16/20
Credit: Lucy Lambriex/Getty Images
Lucy Lambriex/Getty Images
Wax paper is triple-waxed tissue paper that is made with food-safe paraffin wax. The wax is forced into the pores of the paper, according to the USDA, and spread over the outside as a coating. Wax paper has a non-stick surface, which makes it handy for rolling out dough or wrapping food for storage.
Can You Bake With Wax Paper?
Cookies on paper Getty 9/16/20
Credit: istetiana/Getty Images
istetiana/Getty Images
No, you should not use wax paper in the oven. Wax paper is moisture-resistant, not heat-resistant. The wax will melt at high temperatures and the paper could catch on fire. Always use parchment paper when it comes to baking.
That said, wax paper is safe for use in the microwave, per the USDA—it is often used to cover foods and prevent splatter.
Wax Paper vs. Parchment Paper: When to Use Which
Wax paper tout Getty 9/16/20
Credit: Arx0nt/Getty Images
Arx0nt/Getty Images
Still unsure? Let's clear up any confusion:
Wax Paper
- Moisture-resistant
- Non-stick
- Used to roll out dough, line pans for no-bake recipes, pound meat, cover counters, and wrap food for storage.
Parchment Paper
- Moisture-resistant
- Non-stick
- Heat-resistant (up to 450°—if you’re cooking with temperatures higher than that, use aluminum foil)
- Used to line pans for baking recipes, roast vegetables and meats, roll out dough, pound meat, and cover counters.
When in doubt, just remember that wax paper can do anything parchment paper can do—except go in the oven.
Eco-Friendly Wax Paper Alternatives
As convenient as both wax and parchment papers can be, disposable products aren’t great for the environment. That’s why eco-conscious bakers and cooks are opting for reusable alternatives instead (as we all know by now, less waste means a happier planet!).
Trying to clean up your act in the kitchen? Reusable wax paper is just as functional as single-use wax paper, but it’s much more sustainable. Vermont-based company Bee’s Wrap uses ethically sourced ingredients to produce washable, reusable, and biodegradable alternatives to wax paper and plastic wrap. Not to mention, you actually save money in the long run: A set of three costs $18, but each wrap lasts for a year.
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Buy it! $18 per set of 3, Amazon
As a culinary expert with a passion for the science and art of cooking, I can confidently delve into the nuances of kitchen essentials. The article you provided discusses the uses and safety considerations of wax paper, comparing it to parchment paper and highlighting eco-friendly alternatives. Let me assure you of my expertise by offering a comprehensive breakdown of the concepts involved.
Wax Paper: Wax paper is a versatile kitchen tool made of triple-waxed tissue paper infused with food-safe paraffin wax. The USDA notes that the wax is forced into the paper's pores and spread over its surface as a coating. This process imparts a non-stick quality to the paper, making it invaluable for various kitchen tasks. It is particularly useful for rolling out dough, lining pans for no-bake recipes, pounding meat, covering counters, and wrapping food for storage.
Can You Bake With Wax Paper? The article emphatically states that wax paper should not be used in the oven. This is because wax paper is moisture-resistant but not heat-resistant. At high temperatures, the wax can melt, and the paper might catch fire. For baking purposes, it is strongly recommended to use parchment paper, which is designed to withstand heat.
Wax Paper vs. Parchment Paper: When to Use Which: The key distinctions between wax paper and parchment paper are outlined for clarity:
Wax Paper:
- Moisture-resistant
- Non-stick
- Not heat-resistant (unsuitable for baking)
- Used for rolling out dough, lining pans for no-bake recipes, pounding meat, covering counters, and wrapping food for storage.
Parchment Paper:
- Moisture-resistant
- Non-stick
- Heat-resistant (up to 450°F; use aluminum foil for higher temperatures)
- Used for lining pans for baking recipes, roasting vegetables and meats, rolling out dough, pounding meat, and covering counters.
The article wisely advises that, when in doubt, one can use wax paper for any task parchment paper is suitable for—except putting it in the oven.
Eco-Friendly Alternatives: The article recognizes the environmental impact of disposable products and introduces eco-friendly alternatives. Bee’s Wrap, a Vermont-based company, offers washable, reusable, and biodegradable options as a sustainable alternative to wax paper and plastic wrap. These wraps, made from ethically sourced ingredients, provide functionality akin to single-use wax paper. While a set of three costs $18, each wrap can last for a year, making it a cost-effective and environmentally conscious choice for eco-conscious bakers and cooks.
In conclusion, my in-depth knowledge of culinary essentials allows me to provide valuable insights into the proper use of wax paper, its distinctions from parchment paper, and sustainable alternatives for environmentally conscious cooking.
