Can You Use Wax Paper in the Oven? Is it Similar to Parchment Paper?

Are you out of parchment paper and considering baking with wax paper, but you’re unsure if it’s safe, so you’re looking for an answer? You did a good job and may have saved yourself from a mishap.

Can Wax Paper Go in the Oven?

No, wax paper CAN NOT and SHOULD NOT be used in the oven. Though it is convenient and moisture-resistant, it’s not heat-resistant, and you shouldn’t use wax paper for baking. Even if you want to place it in the oven below 350° F, it still poses a fire risk.

Because the wax mainly used in coating wax paper has a melting point lower than 200°F.

On the other hand, all the recipes that require an oven also need a high temperature. So, wax paper will burn in the oven.

So, I am saying that wax paper can’t withstand high temperatures for a long time. If you place it in a hot oven, it will crack, melt, and cause the paper to catch fire. And eventually, your kitchen will be flooded with smoke and the smell of burning wax paper.

Though the USDA says wax paper can be used in microwaves, I wouldn’t personally suggest you do so. Why take a risk when you have so many alternatives?

Tip : My honest advice is to never use wax paper in an oven, toaster oven, or in any high-heat situations.

What is Wax Paper? You Should Know It

Before diving into the answer to your question, let me briefly describe some of the characteristics of wax paper and how it is produced.

Wax paper is thinly coated in either paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum, or beeswax. Sometimes it is also coated in a thin layer of other organic waxes. This wax is 100% food-safe, and the coating makes the paper-

• Non-stick
• Moisture-resistant
• Grease-resistant

Uses of Wax Paper

Wax paper is handy for every kitchen task. It’s great for:

• Lining baking pans for no-bake bar cookies.
• Pounding chicken breast.
• Shifting dry ingredients onto wax paper.
• Rolling out all types of dough.
• Covering countertops while decorating iced cookies, dusting with powdered sugar, or handling melted chocolate.
• Wrapping sandwiches, wedges of cheese, or sticks of butter.

What is Parchment Paper?

Parchment paper is silicon coated, heat-resistant, grease-repellent, and non-stick. It’s also known as baking paper.

Parchment paper usually comes in two colors, white and brown. Both are high-temperature resistant. The only difference is white parchment is blanched and chemically treated, but brown one is unbleached.

There are countless ways to use parchment paper, and it’s more valuable than wax paper.

Wax Paper vs Parchment Paper

Wax paper and parchment paper come in rolls that are easy to tear and look almost similar. The truth is that they are identical and different from each other simultaneously.

Similarities

Both the papers are

• Non-stick
• Moisture- Resistant
• Grease-repellent

The papers are easily interchangeable for protecting the kitchen counter, sifting dry ingredients, pounding meat, and using as a surface for no-bake cookies or frozen treats.

Differences

The key difference between wax and parchment paper is that one cannot handle the heat, and the other can take it well.

As the wax paper is made with a thin coating of organic wax, anything above room temperature causes the wax to start melting. It is likely to catch fire and ignite the paper beneath it at high temperatures, which can be life-threatening.

The parchment paper won’t burn even if the temperature is over 450°F; the parchment paper won’t burn. It may only turn into a brown color. On the contrary, parchment paper is coated with silicon, and that’s why it is heat-resistant.

So, keep in mind that wax paper can do everything parchment paper can except go in the oven. And that’s the only difference between them.

Bonus Read!

Substitutes for Wax Paper

Let me suggest some oven-safe alternatives to Wax Paper:

• Parchment Paper
• Silicone Baking Mat
• Aluminum Foil
• Flour, Oil, or Butter
• Silicone Rubber Molds

Let’s see which serves which purpose.

1. Parchment Paper

Parchment paper is designed to withstand high temperatures for a prolonged time. So, instead of taking the risk of using wax paper, use parchment paper when baking and use the oven for other recipes.

Also, as you know, wax paper and parchment paper have many similarities, so you can easily replace wax paper with parchment paper.

2. Silicone Baking Mat

You can also use a silicone baking mat in the oven. It is layered with food-grade silicone and is resistant to high temperatures (up to 480°F). It’s non-toxic and has a non-stick surface. And you can recycle it up to 2000 times.

3. Aluminum Foil

Aluminum foil is oven-safe as it has an impressive heat tolerance. Also, you can shape it the way you want, which makes it versatile. To grate the surface of the bakery, use aluminum foil and butter or cooking spray. It will prevent the food from sticking.

4. Flour, Oil or Butter

They’re an excellent substitute for wax paper when you’re out of wax paper but in a rush.

If you want to use oil, coat the baking or cooking equipment with a sheer layer of oil using kitchen tissues, towels, or just your hands. It will make the baking or cooking surface non-adhesive.

You can use butter for baking instead of wax paper. Take some butter and spread it evenly across the surface. However, if you want a non-stick surface to knead doughs, it’s better to use oil or flour.

5. Silicone Rubber Molds

When it comes to baking, silicone rubber molds are the best substitute for wax paper because it is heat-resistant and long-lasting.

You can easily shape and size it according to your need and use it for a long.

You may also like: Can You Microwave Ziploc Bags

Key Takeaways

• Wax paper isn’t heat-resistant, so it’s not oven-safe either.
• Wax paper and parchment paper have one key difference: one can be used in an oven while the other can’t.
• When confused, always choose parchment paper. It’s more useful than wax paper.

If you’re now curious about “can you microwave paper plates?” Find the answer here.