Which side of parchment paper goes up? As the question relates, do you simply want to know which side of the parchment paper goes up? It’s not like it comes with instructions to help you out, so how are you supposed to figure it out.
With parchment paper, there’s no right or wrong side. Both sides are coated with silicone, which makes them non-stick, grease-resistant, and moisture-proof.
Parchment paper is used quite often in the kitchen, especially if you’re baking. Its non-stick and humidity resistance makes it ideal for covering your baking tray before you lay down the food that needs to be baked or cooked, and it’s super-easy to work with and dispose of.
However, there are some specific objections derived from this particular topic that needs to be addressed in order to have a better understanding of it. They would be discussed below:
Parchment paper explained
Parchment paper is made by coating one side of a piece of paper with paraffin wax. This prevents the paper from absorbing moisture and helps keep baked goods fresh longer.
However, some parchment papers, typically the ones from value brands at the store, only come coated on one side of the paper. If that’s the case, this should be indicated on the packaging. It’s rarer, but always make sure to double-check.
A simple way you can get to discover the side that’s glossier or shiny is to hold the parchment paper up to a light to be able to see it better so that you can check which side is shinier than the other.
It is the shiny or glossy side of the parchment paper that should be coming into contact with your food (and should therefore be the side that goes up).
What do I use if I don’t have parchment paper?
A lot of recipes, especially those within baking, will often require you to use parchment paper to cover your baking tray before placing it in the oven.
But what if you don’t have any parchment paper at home? Does this mean you have to stop, go and buy some, and then continue?
Not at all, there are plenty of alternatives to parchment paper that you might happen to have at home instead.
Here are the best main substitutes for parchment paper:
- Aluminum foil
- Cooking non-stick spray
- A baking mat
- Silicone rubber molds
- Butcher’s paper or wax paper; that is for wrapping foods.
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Can I use parchment paper in the oven instead of foil?
The answer to this is Yes! Parchment paper is an excellent and completely viable alternative to aluminum foil, and it can be used in the oven at temperatures of up to 420Of (215oC).
In fact, many people prefer to use parchment paper over aluminum foil in the oven, and in cooking in general.
There are a few reasons why you should use parchment paper instead of foil. They include;
1. Health concerns
Both parchment paper and aluminum foil are perfectly safe to use in the kitchen and in the oven. But there’s a possibility that foils leach into your food a tiny bit, especially when used at a higher heat or with a specific type of food.
2. Taste and outcomes
Aluminum foil is made of metal, and so it can sometimes slightly affect the flavor of the food that you’re cooking, even if practically unnoticeable. But parchment paper leaves nothing behind and can be used with all types of foods without the risk of flavor leaking in any way.
3. Versatility
Parchment paper can be used in many ways than aluminum foil, and it can be used with more different types of recipes and cooking styles.
4. Non-stick properties
Parchment paper has more properties, such as it being non-stick, which aluminum foil isn’t.
5. Convenience
Aluminum foil tends to be a lot more convenient, which is why it’s still so popular. It can be used and then thrown away without leaving a mess behind but parchment paper is becoming more and more accessible, and it can be just as convenient. Plus, some parchment paper is compostable and can be reused.
Does parchment paper burn in the oven?
Unfortunately, parchment paper does indeed present the risk of burning in the oven. However, if used properly, this should never be a problem, and should never even happen.
Most parchment papers are safe to be used up to an oven temperature of 450OF (215OC), although there are some that can withstand temperatures higher than that if necessary.
Parchment paper has humid resistance, so it’s already designed to stay dry. If it is left in an oven that is too dry for too long, it might begin to burn and even catch fire.
So, if the parchment paper is too big, and overflows from the baking tray, touching the walls of the oven, it might catch on fire. So be careful!
Conclusion
After all, I hope this article about “What Side of Parchment Paper Goes Up?” helped clear up all the confusion surrounding this kitchen tool.
You now know everything you need to know about parchment paper. Hopefully, we were able to answer most of your questions regarding this topic.