Mastering Parchment Paper in the Kitchen
You will eventually stop using non-stick sprays and greased pans once you start relying on parchment. It is the single most effective way to ensure consistent heat distribution and clean release for everything from cookies to cakes.
Distinguish your papers
Do not confuse parchment with wax paper; wax paper melts and smokes in the oven. Ensure your roll is specifically labeled as silicone-coated parchment.
- Kitchen shears
- Baking sheets
- Round cake pans
Fitting circles to pans
To line a round pan, fold your parchment square into a tight triangle repeatedly until you have a wedge. Align the point of the wedge with the center of the pan and trim the excess at the edge of the rim; when unfolded, it fits the base exactly.
The method.
Flattening the sheet
Parchment tends to roll up straight out of the box. Crumple the sheet into a ball, then flatten it back out to make it pliable and easy to seat against the corners of your baking pan.
Securing the paper
Place a tiny dab of butter or batter under each corner of the paper to anchor it to the pan. This keeps the paper from blowing over your food if you are using a convection oven.
Creating overhanging handles
When baking brownies or bars, cut two strips of parchment that are wider than the pan. Place them in a cross pattern with the ends hanging over the sides; once cooled, use these 'handles' to lift the entire block out of the pan for clean, square cuts.
When it doesn't go to plan.
Reuse the same sheet for multiple batches of cookies in one baking session if the paper remains clean.
Trim your parchment so it sits flat against the bottom of the pan to prevent air pockets that cause uneven browning.
If your pan has a lip, cut the corners of the parchment square diagonally so you can fold the sides up to create a simple tray for roasting fruit or nuts.
The ones that keep coming up.
Can I use parchment paper in a broiler?
No. Parchment paper will char and potentially ignite if placed too close to a direct flame or heating element.
Does it matter if the paper is brown or white?
The brown is unbleached and the white is bleached. Both perform identically, so the choice is entirely aesthetic.
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