What is Parchment Paper?

Here at Napkins.com, we offer several products that are made from parchment paper, including a parchment decorating triangle and several sizes of sheet cake and round cake liners. Many customers wonder what exactly parchment paper is and what they can use it for, so we're here today to answer those questions.

What is parchment paper?

Parchment paper, also known as baking paper or baking parchment, is a cellulose-based paper that provides a non-stick surface for baking. It's made by running sheets of paper pulp through sulfuric acid. The result is a paper that is dense and heat-resistant with a low surface energy. This is what gives parchment paper its heavy duty,  non-stick, grease and moisture-resistant, and easy-release properties. You can use parchment paper in the oven without worrying about it catching fire or smoking, and it eliminates the need for greasing baking sheets and pans with butter or oils. Cookies, scones, or whatever you happen to be baking will slide right off parchment paper, and you won't even need to clean the pan or a spatula afterward. Plus, it will lengthen the life of your baking sheets because there won't be any need to scrape burned bits off your trays.

How do I use parchment paper?

Place a sheet of parchment paper in the baking sheet or baking pan you're using. We offer handy pre-cut sheets of parchment paper that are already cut to fit standard cake pan sizes. If you need to cut paper to fit your pan, simply trace the bottom of the pan and trim the paper to fit!

What can parchment paper be used for?

Parchment paper has many useful applications, including:

• Lining baking sheets for cookies, biscuits, macarons, meringues, and other sweets.
• Baking sticky sweets. Its non-stick surface guarantees the final product will slide right off.
• Baking cakes. You can cut rolls of parchment paper to fit your cake pan. Or, for extra convenience, check out our pre-cut parchment cake liners.
• Making disposable pastry bags. Check out our parchment cake decorating triangle that's pre-cut to the perfect size for piping icing onto cakes and cookies.
• Baking foods en papillot, a method that involves cooking food and spices together inside a parchment envelope.
• Freezing meat. Put layers of parchment paper between burgers and other meat before freezing for easy separation when you take them out.
• Microwaving leftovers. Safe for use in the microwave, parchment paper will keep leftovers like pizza from getting soggy when you warm them up.
• Serving greasy snacks like chips, French fries,and popcorn. Roll parchment paper into a cone and tape together for an easy and fun way to serve snacks.
• Steaming seafood.
• Roasting veggies , garlic, chicken, and meatloaf.
• Sifting dry ingredients. Avoid dirtying a bowl by sifting onto a sheet of parchment paper instead.
• Replacing placemats.
• Baking cupcakes or muffins. In a pinch, parchment paper can be used in lieu of cupcake liners.
• Cooling cookies and baked goods instead of using cooling racks.

And there are many, many more unique ways to use parchment paper in and out of the kitchen. It's a must for professional bakers and home cooks alike!