What Is Parchment Paper and Why You Should Be Using It

If you’ve spent any time in the kitchen—baking cookies, roasting vegetables, or wrapping sandwiches—you’ve probably come across parchment paper. But what exactly is it? And more importantly, why do chefs, bakers, and food service professionals swear by it?

In this post, we’ll answer the question “What is parchment paper?” and explore its many uses, benefits, and why it should be a staple in every home and commercial kitchen.

What Is Parchment Paper?

Parchment paper is a food-grade, heat-resistant paper that has been coated—typically with silicone—to create a non-stick, grease-resistant surface. It’s made from cellulose (usually wood pulp) and treated to handle high temperatures in the oven, making it ideal for baking and cooking.

Unlike wax paper, which is coated in wax and can melt or catch fire when exposed to high heat, parchment paper is oven-safe—usually up to 420–450°F (215–230°C), depending on the brand.

Why Should You Use Parchment Paper?

Whether you’re a home cook, a caterer, or a bakery owner, there are plenty of reasons to make parchment paper a go-to tool in your kitchen.

1. It Prevents Sticking Without Grease

One of the biggest frustrations in baking and roasting is food sticking to pans. Parchment paper offers a natural, non-stick surface, which means:

• Cookies slide right off the tray

• Cakes release cleanly from pans

• Roasted vegetables lift without tearing

And best of all? You don’t need to add extra butter, oil, or spray, making it perfect for low-fat or clean-eating recipes.

2. It Makes Cleanup Quick and Easy

Let’s face it—no one enjoys scrubbing burnt food off a baking sheet. When you use parchment paper to line trays and pans, you dramatically reduce the mess.

Once you’re done, just toss the paper (or compost it, if it’s unbleached and clean), and your tray is nearly spotless. This is especially helpful for:

• Sticky foods like granola or caramel

• Baked items with melted cheese

• Greasy dishes like bacon or fries

3. It Promotes Even Baking

Parchment paper helps distribute heat more evenly, preventing the common issue of undercooked centers or overly browned bottoms. It creates a gentle barrier between the food and the metal pan, which results in more consistent cooking.

This is particularly important when baking delicate items like:

• Meringues

• Macarons

• Thin cookies or crackers

4. It’s Multipurpose and Versatile

Parchment paper isn’t just for baking. Here are more creative and practical ways to use it in the kitchen:

• Roasting: Line pans for mess-free roasted veggies or proteins.

• Food wrapping: Wrap sandwiches, baked goods, or snacks to go.

• Steaming (en papillote): Cook fish or chicken in parchment packets to trap moisture and flavor.

• Rolling dough: Prevent sticking when rolling out cookie or pie dough.

• Layer separation: Place between cookies, pastries, or burger patties to prevent sticking.

Whether you’re prepping, cooking, or packaging, parchment paper proves useful at nearly every stage.

5. It’s Safer and Cleaner Than Alternatives

Some people substitute aluminum foil or wax paper in a pinch. But parchment paper has unique advantages:

• Safer than wax paper in the oven (wax can melt or ignite)

• More non-stick than foil (especially for delicate baked goods)

• Less risk of leaching chemicals than non-stick sprays

Parchment provides a clean and neutral surface—it doesn’t impart any flavors or residues to your food.

6. It Can Be More Eco-Friendly

Many parchment papers today—especially unbleached varieties—are:

• Compostable

• Biodegradable

• Chlorine-free

• Made from sustainably sourced materials

So if you’re concerned about waste or sustainability, choosing the right parchment paper can be a small but powerful step toward a greener kitchen.

Types of Parchment Paper

There are a few different types of parchment paper to consider:

🔸 Bleached (White) Parchment Paper

This is chemically treated for a clean white appearance. It performs just as well as unbleached paper but may contain trace chemicals depending on the manufacturing process.

🔸 Unbleached (Brown) Parchment Paper

A more natural alternative. It’s untreated, free of chlorine, and often preferred by eco-conscious consumers.

🔸 Pre-Cut Sheets vs. Rolls

• Pre-cut sheets are convenient and save time.

• Rolls offer flexibility in size for different pans and uses.

Choose based on your preference and kitchen workflow.

Parchment Paper vs. Wax Paper: Know the Difference

Many people confuse parchment with wax paper, but the two are not interchangeable in all cases:

Use parchment for heat and wax paper for cold applications only.

Tips for Using Parchment Paper

To get the most out of your parchment paper:

• Cut to fit pans to avoid curling edges.

• Reuse clean sheets when possible (for low-grease items).

• Avoid direct flame or broiler use—it can burn.

• Store flat or in a tube to prevent wrinkles and creases.

Parchment Paper in Food Businesses

For food businesses—bakeries, delis, cafés, and food trucks—parchment paper is more than a cooking tool. It can be used for:

• Professional presentation

• Branded food wrapping

• Hygienic serving and lining trays

• Reducing kitchen waste

Some parchment products even allow custom printing, helping businesses combine functionality with marketing.

Conclusion

So, what is parchment paper and why should you be using it? Simply put, it’s a game-changer for your kitchen.

From baking and roasting to wrapping and serving, parchment paper delivers on convenience, cleanliness, and quality. It keeps food from sticking, supports healthier cooking, and saves time on cleanup—all while being safe and often eco-friendly. Whether you’re a home cook or a professional chef, parchment paper deserves a permanent place in your kitchen tools. Once you start using it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.

👉 Shop our parchment paper collection today and experience the difference quality makes.
Visit The Deli Paper