I get asked the question, "Can wax paper go in oven?" all the time. The answer is no; wax paper cannot be baked with because it will not withstand high heat.
However, there are other ways to use wax paper that I will discuss in this article. I will also discuss better alternatives to use instead of wax paper, such as parchment paper that withstands the high temperatures of an oven. Continue reading to learn more.
What Is Wax Paper?
Wax paper is a paper product coated with a thin layer of wax, mostly paraffin wax, to make it more resistant to moisture, grease, and dirt. It can be used in the kitchen for preparing all sorts of foods.
It is waterproof and grease resistant; hence can protect food from moisture and oil. Depending on the thickness and softness in texture, wax paper is used in the kitchen in different functional roles.
Can You Bake with Wax Paper?
No, you cannot bake with wax paper because it is not heat resistant. As a general rule, if a recipe says to use wax paper in the oven, you should instead use parchment paper.
A wax paper is coated with wax that melts when exposed to high temperatures; hence it is not heat resistant. Using wax paper in the oven can make your baked goods taste like wax, especially when it melts on your cookies, bread, etc.
Wrap Food for Cold Storage
Wax paper has been used both in the kitchen and around the house. The wax on the surface makes it resistant to moisture, making it a great choice to wrap food before freezing it.
The wax also prevents sticky food from sticking to the paper, making it easier to remove the food later. It can keep things fresh for longer, too, as it inhibits air circulation, shielding food from exposure to dust or other particles that may affect its quality.
Wax paper is also great at helping you transport foods from one location to another without getting them mixed up with others.
Best for Lining Countertops to Prevent a Mess
Use wax paper for lining oven shelves or drawers to prevent baked food from sticking or for covering tables and countertops when kneading dough for easier cleaning when you are done.
What is a Parchment Paper?
A parchment paper is a paper that is coated with a silicone-based food-grade lubricant. The coating makes it moisture resistant, grease resistant, non-sticky, and heat resistant. Use parchment paper in the oven because of these qualities.
Can you use parchment paper in a toaster oven? Yes!
This lightweight, oil-resistant paper is available in both bleached and unbleached varieties.
Parchment paper has many uses, including baking, roasting, preventing fats & oils from dripping during frying or sautéing, covering bowls for steaming foods, or keeping food warm.
Provides a Non-Stick Surface to Bake on
Parchment paper is an extremely versatile specialty baking paper. This handy invention came about when a pastry chef noticed that when she baked cookies on waxed paper, they stuck to it.
She then experimented with baking the cookies on parchment paper and soon realized that she had discovered a new baking tool when she noticed that her cookies didn't stick to the parchment.
You'll have better results, save money, time and energy because parchment paper requires no pre-greasing or oiling.
Paper Parchment Withstands High Temperatures
Unlike wax paper, parchment paper can go in the oven because it can withstand oven temperatures up to 490 degrees without melting. When preparing to use any parchment paper, first line your pan with it, then place your food on top before baking. After use, simply discard the parchment paper for easy cleanup.
The parchment paper will protect cooking or baking surfaces such as pans and cookie sheets from unwanted seepage such as grease and food particles.
It is Grease Resistant
Parchment paper is nonporous and grease-resistant, which means messes won't soak through to the baking sheet. Think of it as a way to help everything you bake turn out perfect every time.
Can Cover a Work Surface
Keep your parchment paper on hand in the kitchen to cover your work surface while making cookies, tacos, or making any other messy preparation. This makes cleanup faster and easier because you can simply toss out the parchment paper after dinner instead of having to scrub down your counters.
It will also keep the table from becoming scratched or marked with most items, making it perfect for all kinds of serving needs.
Moisture Resistant
Parchment paper is designed to retain moisture between it and its contents, providing a moisture-resistant barrier that allows food to be streamed directly on the paper without losing water.
Why Can You Not Use Wax Paper in The Oven?
Wax paper cannot go in the oven because it has a thin coating of wax on each side and will melt when exposed to heat. This makes it a poor choice for use in the oven.
Line baking sheets or use Aluminum foil if you want to bake or cook using your oven. It is also lined on the pans, trays, and rolls before placing inside the oven to avoid sticking.
Also, the use of parchment paper in baking helps to provide an even color on baked goods and to eliminate the need for greasing the pans.
On the other hand, the wax paper is used to wrap or cover bowls or plates containing foods transferred from the oven or taken to the refrigerator.
What Temp Does Wax Paper Melt?
Wax paper is a paper product mostly coated with paraffin wax to make it water-resistant and durable.
Paraffin wax is a petroleum-based product used in candles, cosmetics, crayons, and candles. According to ScienceDirect, the melting point of paraffin wax is between about 115 degrees Fahrenheit to 154 degrees Fahrenheit. As with most waxes, the melting point of paraffin wax drops as the temperature increases.
It is because of this property that you cannot use wax paper in the oven. However, you can use wax paper to wrap foods like cheese, keeping it from coming into direct contact with the plastic wrap.
You can also wrap sandwiches and other food to protect it from direct contact with metal and other material surfaces.
How Are Wax Paper and Parchment Paper Alike?
Many cooks think wax paper and parchment papers are the same things since they are used in basically the same way. They are both thin sheets of paper coated to make them durable. Parchment paper is coated with silicone, while wax paper is coated with wax.
Both Have Non-Stick Properties
Wax paper and parchment paper are both nonstick, though their primary purposes are quite different. Parchment paper is used for baking cakes, bread, etc., without worrying about the paper getting stuck to the bottoms of your delicious baked goodies.
On the other hand, Wax paper is used to wrap food before putting it in a container or covering it. The paper keeps the food from sticking to the container or box and prevents the food from drying out.
Grease Resistant
Wax and parchment paper are both grease-resistant papers. Wax and parchment papers both work great for wrapping food to avoid splatters and messes. Used in kitchens for over a hundred years, they're the ideal solution when you need a grease-resistant barrier to prevent oil from seeping through from food.
How Are Wax Paper and Parchment Paper Different?
Many people ask the question, "What is the difference between wax paper and parchment paper?" Although they are made from paper, parchment paper and wax paper have a few distinct differences that set them apart from each other. Here are a few of the most prominent qualities:
Have Different Coating
Parchment paper is coated on both sides with silicone. This material prevents sticking from grease, moisture, milk, and a few other things. On the other hand, wax paper comes coated with wax.
This gives its non-stick and moisture-resistant properties.
Have Different Uses
Wax paper is used in the kitchen to keep food fresh, while parchment paper is commonly used in baking. Waxing paper can be used in place of aluminum foil.
Waxing paper is used to wrap food. The paper helps the food retain its freshness and helps to protect it from stains and spills while it is being stored.
Use parchment paper in the oven. Parchment paper—the original nonstick surface—is ideal for baking or cooking because it prevents food from sticking to the pan. It’s flexible, easy to clean, and creates beautiful results. Place or line the papers under food in casserole dishes before cooking, or wrap meat when you are cooking on the grill for easy cleanup.
