Updated on March 9, 2023
Parchment paper is used as a heat and moisture-resistant liner between the food and pan while baking and it is one of the handy things a baker can have in the kitchen. Since it comes in direct contact with the food, there are certain food safety concerns that come to mind when using parchment paper at high temperatures. One of the most commonly asked questions about parchment paper is:
“Can parchment paper go in the oven? People also ask if is it okay to use the parchment paper at temperatures higher than recommended. Since it is a food safety issue it’s okay to put all your queries forward no matter how obvious they are. In this guide, I’ll try to answer all your question related to using parchment paper in the oven.
Can Parchment Paper Go In Oven?
Yes, it is safe to use parchment paper in the oven. Parchment papers are designed to withstand high temperatures and the most reliable brands have listed the highest temperature of around 425-degree celsius. It is commonly used as a liner for pizza baked at 500 degrees. In addition to temperature, we need to consider other factors like time and composition of the parchment paper. Before we jump to details it is crucial to understand:
What Is Parchment Paper?
Parchment paper also known as bakery paper or the baking paper is a grease-proof paper used in baking and cooking. It is a food-grade paper that offers a heat-resistant and non-stick surface for the foods like pizza, cakes, and bread when they are baked at high temperatures. It prevents the overcooking, burning, and sticking of the food and helps you get the desired cooking condition for the food in the oven.
Composition
The major component of parchment paper is wood pulp. Wood pulp is dried and processed to convert it into a paper form. The processed wood pulp is rolled into large reams. Then both sides of the paper are coated with silicone to make it greaseproof and heat resistant. It is food grade coating used in non-stick utensils and baking accessories. The silicone coating does not release any harmful particles into food but its biggest limitation is that it is not flame retardant.
Is It Okay To Use The Parchment Paper In Oven?
Parchment paper is designed to resist heat and grease and it is perfectly fine to use in the oven. However, there can be conditions when parchment paper might not be safe. Therefore knowing the recommended temperature and time is crucial to avoid any issues.
What Temperature Is Parchment Paper Safe?
The maximum temperature listed for the different parchment papers varies between 400-450 Fahrenheit. This range is big enough for most cooking and baking purposes. However, on a commercial scale, the temperature required for baking and cooking is higher.
Since temperature is not the only factor that affects the quality and performance of the parchment paper, it is okay to go beyond the recommended temperature limit. It is generally considered safe to put the parchment paper in ovens as hot as 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The effect of excessive temperature is normalized by adjusting other factors like time.
For How Long You Can Put The Parchment Paper In Oven?
Normally parchment paper can resist the high temperature in the oven for 10-15 minutes. At this time it doesn’t turn brittle and the edges do not turn brown. However, there is no time limit for the parchment paper. It depends upon the temperature at which you place the parchment paper inside the oven. You can use the parchment paper in the pan until its color turns brown. If you use the parchment paper at 400+ degrees for more than 20 minutes it can fall apart and ruin the food.
Does Parchment Paper Leach Into Food?
Parchment paper is a food-grade paper that can be used at higher temperatures without any food safety concerns. It has a food-safe silicone coating that prevents it from turning brittle and leaching into food even at higher temperatures. If the parchment paper is used at a temperature higher than recommended it may turn brittle and release chemicals in trace amounts. However, these traces are negligible and there is no significant impact of these chemicals on the food quality.
Pro Tip Top Use The Parchment Paper In Oven Safely
- Carefully read the maximum temperature limit and safety guidelines of the parchment paper provided by the manufacturer.
- Never use the parchment paper close to an open flame since its silicon coating can catch the face very quickly. Also, avoid direct contact with too-hot elements like a stovetop or an oven rack.
- It is not recommended to reuse the parchment paper. The parchment paper begins to scorch and break when exposed to heat for too long. It doesn’t release toxic chemicals in food but can alter the taste and ruin the food.
FAQs
Can I use parchment paper in the oven instead of foil?
Yes, you can use parchment paper instead of foil. Parchment paper has better moisture resistance and heat resistance than ordinary foil. Also, the maximum temperature limit of the parchment paper is higher than foil making it safe to be used in ovens.
How long can parchment paper stay in the oven?
There is no specific time limit for the use of parchment paper in the oven. The time limit depends upon the temperature of the oven. At temperatures higher than 400 degrees you cannot use the parchment paper for more than 15 minutes.
Can you put parchment paper in the oven without a pan?
No, you can’t. Parchment paper can resist heat but it catches flame very quickly when it comes in direct contact with the rack or any other elements of the oven it may catch a flame leading to a serious accident.
Is it safe to cook meat on parchment paper?
Yes, it is safe to cook the meat on parchment paper. Parchment paper is one of the best grease-proof liners that can resist temperatures as high as 450 degrees. It allows you to tender, roast, and cook meat in the oven and air fryer.
Is parchment paper flammable?
Yes, parchment paper is flammable. The silicone coating on the parchment paper catches the flame in a few seconds. Therefore, you should not use the parchment paper close to an open flame.
Wrapping Up
From the above discussion, we can safely conclude that parchment paper can go in the oven without any personal or food safety concerns. However, you need to follow the maximum temperature limit and safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Also, you should avoid direct contact with hot surfaces like oven racks, edges, and a stovetop since it is flammable.
