Wax paper vs. parchment paper: Why you should never put wax paper in the oven

• Wax paper and parchment paper are both non-stick materials used in cooking.
• Wax paper and parchment paper can be used interchangeably for cold applications.
• Due to the potential for fire, wax paper is not safe for use with heat.

Wax paper and parchment paper look very similar. Both materials are alike in color and thickness, so it's not uncommon to confuse the two. But even though wax paper and parchment paper can be used interchangeably for some applications, it's incredibly important to know the subtle differences.

"If you accidentally use wax paper for any application involving heat, you'll never forget it," says Kathryn Gordon, pastry and baking arts chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education.

Wax paper can easily catch fire when heated due to the wax coating on the paper and should only be used for cold or room-temperature applications. Parchment paper, on the other hand, can be used for heated applications, making it more versatile for cooking and baking.

What is wax paper?

Wax paper is a paper that's coated in a layer of soy or paraffin wax. "This coating makes it non-stick, but it's suitable for cold applications only," says Gordon.

It's entirely food-safe, allowing wax paper to be utilized for food storage to prevent oxidation or freezer burn. Moisture can cause oxidation in food, changing its flavor and texture along the way. Wax paper can help to create a barrier to keep moisture out.

That same barrier prevents freezer burn, keeping food from changing in flavor and texture or drying out while stored in the freezer. Wax paper is also often used for food preparation as a quick and simple way to create a non-stick surface.

It's crucial to avoid heating wax paper because of its outer coating. According to Gordon, when wax paper is heated, the coating can easily melt and catch fire, ultimately ruining a dish. Even using it for cooking at low heat can be dangerous due to wax's low melting point.

Common uses for wax paper

• To wrap sandwiches. Because wax paper is moisture resistant, it will keep a lunch from getting soggy.
• Line a baking sheet for no-bake desserts or chocolates. The coating prevents sticking, even when treats are placed in the fridge to cool and set.
• For rolling out cookie dough or pie dough. The non-stick coating sprinkled with a small amount of flour will make rolling out the dough a breeze. However, it shouldn't be used while baking cookies or pie dough.
• To make a funnel. You can use wax paper to create a makeshift funnel in a pinch. Form the wax paper into a cone shape for pouring liquids or dry ingredients with ease.

What is parchment paper?

Parchment paper is an incredibly versatile tool in the kitchen. Like wax paper, parchment paper is non-stick, moisture resistant, oil-resistant, and food-safe. But where they differ is that parchment paper can be used for cooking and baking.

Parchment paper can be found in two different colors: brown and white. White, or bleached, parchment paper is treated with chlorine to produce its color, while brown, or unbleached, parchment paper is not treated with additional chemicals. Unbleached parchment paper is typically more expensive, but both options are food-safe and can be used interchangeably.

Parchment paper can burn at very high heat, but it is safe for use up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of its resistance to heat, it's most often used when baking cookies, cakes, and other desserts. However, parchment paper can be utilized for a variety of other applications including cooking vegetables, meatloaf, and food storage.

Common uses for parchment paper

• Line a cake pan to prevent sticking. Cut out a circle of parchment paper to fit inside the bottom of the pan. Spray the pan with cooking spray before placing the paper inside. Once the cake has cooled, it will come right out of the pan.
• Prevent cookies from sticking while baking. Line a baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper the same size as the baking sheet. The parchment paper can be reused several times as needed.
• Make a cooking packet. Also referred to as cooking "en papillote," this technique involves enveloping fish and/or vegetables in a parchment paper packet. Place the ingredients in the center of a piece of parchment, add seasonings, and fold the paper to create a tightly wrapped pouch, before placing it in the oven. The packet creates an environment to build up steam for cooking a flavorful dish.
• Prevent vegetables and meats from sticking. Line roasting pans with parchment paper while cooking vegetables or meat for easy clean-up.
• Wrap baked goods. Use parchment paper to wrap and store baked goods. Unbleached parchment paper is a beautiful option for wrapping and gifting loaves of banana bread, brownies, or fudge.

Insider's takeaway

While wax paper and parchment paper look very similar, it's important to know the distinction between the two. Both are food-safe and helpful for non-stick applications, but wax paper cannot be used when any heat is involved. The outer coating on wax paper can melt, causing the potential for fire. Parchment paper is a much more versatile option for a broader variety of uses in the kitchen.