Updated: Jun. 24, 2019
Here's a closer look at when to use wax paper vs. parchment paper, plus an easy rule to remember.
Ever found yourself standing in the kitchen debating whether wax paper and parchment paper are interchangeable? You aren’t the only one. Although they look similar, wax paper and parchment paper are NOT the same. Using the wrong one could lead to dangerous consequences.
Wax Paper vs. Parchment Paper
Both wax paper and parchment paper are coated papers. They’re great for wrapping leftovers and food prep, but that’s where the similarities end. Here’s the best rule of thumb: Wax paper is great for all things cold while parchment paper can be used with heat.
What Is Wax Paper Used For?
Wax paper is coated in soybean or paraffin wax, and it should never be used in the oven. It melts at low heat, ruining your food and making a mess, and it could even ignite at higher heats!
Wax paper is typically coated on both sides. It’s nonstick and moisture-resistant, making it great for food prep. Placing a piece of wax paper on your counter before measuring messy ingredients, like flour and sugar, can make clean-up easy. Similarly, sifting your ingredients or grating cheese directly onto the paper before funneling them into the bowl simplifies the clean-up process. You can also use it for rolling out dough, icing cookies or pounding chicken cutlets into equal sizes.
It’s also great for wrapping sandwiches, butter, cheese and other foods. Layer a sheet of wax paper between foods you’re freezing to keep them from sticking together. Wax paper is also a great liner for no-bake treats, like one of these favorite no-bake dessert bars.
Find more genius ways to use wax paper.
What Is Parchment Paper Used For?
Like wax paper, parchment paper is nonstick, but its coating also makes it heat-resistant. This paper goes through a parchmentizing process, making it greaseproof, durable and heat- and moisture-resistant. Parchment paper can withstand temps up to 450°. It may darken, but it won’t burn.
Parchment paper is available in bleached (white) or unbleached (brown). It doesn’t matter which one you use, though unbleached has recently become popular as a pretty way to package food gifts.
Use parchment paper to line cake pans and pie pans to make clean-up easy. For a perfect fit, trace your pan on the paper before cutting. You may even find pre-cut rounds to fit your pans at the grocery store. Pro tip: Butter the pans before lining to help the parchment paper stick.
Parchment paper is also great for meatloaf, fish and vegetables. Lining the pans will prevent you from having to scrub crusted remnants. Or use parchment paper for baking cookies, which will make prep so much easier.
Check out additional ways to use parchment paper.
FAQs
But wax paper is not heat-resistant. The wax will melt at high temperatures, and the paper itself can catch on fire. Because of this, don't use wax paper to line baking sheets or cake pans or put it in a hot oven.
What happens if you accidentally use wax paper in the oven? ›
"At high oven temperatures, wax paper may smoke and catch fire as it is combustible,” says Kelly Magurany, senior manager of toxicology at the NSF.
What happens if you use wax paper? ›
Wax paper is moisture-resistant and nonstick, but it cannot withstand heat and should never be used in the oven. When exposed to high temperatures, the wax will melt and paper itself can catch fire. That's why you should never use wax paper in the oven, toaster oven or other appliances, regardless of temperature.
Why shouldn't you use wax paper in the oven? ›
No, you should not use wax paper in the oven.
The wax will melt at high temperatures and the paper could catch on fire. Always use parchment paper when it comes to baking. That said, wax paper is safe for use in the microwave, per the USDA—it is often used to cover foods and prevent splatter.
What is the correct way to use wax paper? ›
Use wax paper to line dishes that aren't going in the oven. Wax paper's best use is lining countertops and tables before rolling out pie crusts or kneading bread, to prevent a mess. Wax paper can also be used to wrap food for cold storage or even line a pan for making something like fudge.
What are the pros and cons of wax paper? ›
Pros: Wax paper is less expensive than parchment paper, making it ideal for use when heat is not required. Cons: Wax paper should not be used in the oven! It is not resistant to heat, and can be a fire hazard if used in the oven.
Can I use parchment paper instead of wax paper? ›
Both parchment and wax paper will do an excellent job lining pans, wrapping individual pieces, or creating barriers between layers when storing—the differences between the two papers for use with confections are minimal. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what materials you have on hand.
Can I bake without parchment paper? ›
Many baking recipes for cakes, muffins or quick breads skip the parchment entirely and just call for greasing and flouring the pan to prevent sticking. For roasting or baking savory foods, aluminum foil is a good alternative that allows for a simple clean-up.
Can I use wax paper to bake cookies? ›
The biggest difference between parchment paper and wax paper is that wax paper is not heat-resistant. This means you cannot use it for baking, or even use it in the oven at all because the wax could melt and even catch fire inside your oven.
Can I line a cake pan with wax paper? ›
There's one exception to the rule of keeping wax paper away from heat: it can be used to line the bottom of cake pans because the cake batter absorbs much of the heat and prevents the wax from melting.
Because wax paper is made with a coating of wax, it cannot handle heat well. Anything significantly above room temperature will cause the wax to start melting, and anything too high will be at risk for catching the paper underneath the wax on fire.
Can I put wax paper in the microwave? ›
Wax paper is not only microwave-safe, it's much safer to heat than plastic, per the USDA. Whereas wax paper is made up of only paraffin wax and paper, plastic containers and plastic wrap contain harmful chemicals that can end up in your food when heated.
Is there a right or wrong side to wax paper? ›
Baking paper has a silicone coating to prevent sticking. If yours is only coated on one side (the waxy side), this side should touch the food.
Which side of parchment paper touches food? ›
It is the shiny or glossy side of the parchment paper that should be face up on your baking sheet or cake pan. That way the shiny side can be in contact with your food and make the clean-up easy. As to whether you need parchment, aluminum foil, or wax paper, don't worry, we have you covered.
Is wax paper toxic if heated? ›
It's paper that has been coated in a thin layer of paraffin wax, which makes it nonstick and moisture resistant, but not heat resistant. If the paraffin wax makes you feel concerned, don't worry—it's totally food-safe.
Is it OK to use wax paper instead of parchment? ›
Think of parchment paper as useful for projects that involve direct heat, and wax paper more useful for projects that don't involve direct heat. It all depends on your intended usage. Summary: Unlike parchment paper, wax paper is not heat-resistant, making it unsafe to use when baking.
