3 Alternatives You Can Use When You Don’t Have Parchment Paper

Parchment Paper is paper used in baking bread so that the bread does not stick to the baking sheet. Parchment paper can also be called Baking Paper.

At a glance, Parchment paper is very similar to wax paper. The difference between parchment paper and wax paper is that parchment paper has different properties from wax paper, which is very heat-resistant and the coating will not melt even if inserted into the oven, unlike wax coating. Parchment paper can withstand baking temperatures up to around 200 degrees Celsius.

On the contrary, waxing paper, as the name suggests, is coated with wax, which cannot be inserted into an oven while baking. Therefore, parchment paper cannot be replaced with wax paper because the coating on the wax paper will melt and even burn at high temperatures.

Don't be surprised by the high price compared to other papers. Parchment paper can be used more than once. Even for people who often make bread, for example, 2 times a week, one roll containing 5 meters can be used for 2 to 3 months.

Despite its many advantages, parchment paper is not an irreplaceable item. If you don’t have or run out of parchment paper, there are other alternatives or substitutes for parchment paper that you can use. For example, aluminum foil, using Silpat, or coating the baking sheet with flour or oil. Next, are the alternative ingredients that you can use to replace the parchment paper!

I'm always surprised to hear that so many bakers haven't discovered the shining attributes of parchment paper. (thepioneerwoman.com)

1. Aluminum foil

One of the best parchment paper substitutes is aluminum foil. This replacement for parchment paper lets you get similar results, but with a few extra steps.

Aluminum foil can give the same satisfying results as using parchment paper. Simply brush the surface of the aluminum foil with oil or butter before you start baking and the result is you can get a crispy edge. Besides, cooking using aluminum foil can be a little faster. Even though it saves time, you should be more careful when using it in the oven so it is not overcooked or burned.

This is because when you're using a heavy-duty foil, the metal in the piece of foil absorbs heat and gets very hot with time. If you don’t pay attention to your baking or cookie sheet at this point, there’s a good chance of your food getting burned. 

2. Coat with oil or flour

To prevent the dough from sticking when it is in the oven, you can sprinkle flour or apply oil on the top of the baking pan beforehand. Apply oil or butter evenly on the surface of the pan before the mixture is poured or arranged. It might not be as effective as using parchment paper, but in emergencies, this method is very useful and easy to do.

Nonstick cooking sprays can also be a helpful tool when you're using this method without a sheet of parchment. The non-stick spray ensures that messy baking projects don’t end up sticking to the pan in the absence of parchment baking paper.

3. Silpat

For you who are lazy to put on a baking sheet if you make cookies, whether it's baking cookies, bread, just anything that needs to be shaken with a pedestal first, or that makes your hands sticky, Silpat is a tool that is perfect for you.

As the name implies Silpat, a silicone baking mat, Silpat is shaped like baking paper with a slippery surface like plastic. You can buy these silicone mats, sheets or rolls and then cut according to the size of the baking pan you are using. But no need to bother, this Silpat does not have to be cut out every time you want to use. It’s a convenient alternative to use when you don’t have a piece of parchment for your cake pans.

Simply measure and cut to size for one pan and you can use it repeatedly. Silpat is available in various sizes, some are thick and thin, and there are several colors to choose from. Not only that, but there are also cheap and expensive prices. You can choose according to your needs.

Like parchment paper, these baking mats help to keep your baking dish clean, so you don't have to wash them after every use.

How do you bake without parchment paper?  

Line your tray, pan or mold with aluminum foil and coat with cooking spray or butter. The purpose of using parchment paper in baking is twofold: the first being to prevent the item from sticking, and the second to act as a handle to lift the baked item from the pan if the pan is too small or the baked good too delicate to flip. Foil will not stick to the pan, and you can cut it to have extra length for easier removal. You have to butter or grease the foil to prevent the baked item from sticking to the foil. (leaf.tv)

Is Wax Paper the Same as Parchment Paper? | Better Homes & Gardens - BH&G (bhg.com)

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Tips & Tricks

• When sifting dry ingredients , sift them onto the parchment, then fold the paper to form a funnel for easy pouring. When you funnel ingredients, you save up time and energy on both cleaning and effective pouring.
• Since Aluminum foil conducts heat faster, you might also need to reduce your baking time. But it will only be slightly different. (kitchenfeeds.com)
• Using the bottom of the pan as a guide, trace a circle on the paper, then cut out the round and fit it in the pan. This will keep cakes from sticking. (marthastewart.com)
• I use parchment paper not just for baked goods, but for roasted meats and vegetables as well to make cleanup fast and efficient. 7 - Breathe easy. (thepioneerwoman.com)
• You can either use butter and flour or baking spray. (completelydelicious.com)

Final Word

Although parchment paper is one of the best materials to use while baking to ensure proper results, there will be times when you won't have access to it. To make sure that you don’t have to keep your baking on hold, this article outlines the best 3 alternatives that you can use on your baking mold instead of strips of parchment.

Coating your sheets, using aluminum foil, or using Silpat can all work beautifully for your needs. 

We hope that this article has helped you figure out substitutes for parchment sheets for your baking needs. If you're interested in similar topics, feel free to check out our other articles, as well!