Can You Use Wax Paper In The Oven? Don't Try It Without Knowing These Things

There are a ton of options in the world of kitchen wraps and liners. You've likely got some an assortment of aluminum foil, parchment paper, plastic wrap, and wax paper in your kitchen drawers, all with their specific purposes. You've also likely considered whether you could substitute one for another, especially if you run out of your preferred liner at the last minute. Most know the dangers of doing this in certain situations (e.g., you cannot put aluminum foil in the microwave), but you might not be so sure about the limitations of wax paper. Can you use it in the oven without ruining your meal or oven?

While there are many smart ways to repurpose wax paper around the house, there's only one scenario where you can safely use it in the oven, according to Reynolds: If you're baking batter that completely covers the bottom of the baking pan, you may use wax paper as a pan liner, provided the edges of the paper are not exposed to the direct heat of the oven. Otherwise, it's not safe to use in the oven. The paper has a wax coating (usually paraffin) over it. This makes it perfect for wrapping sandwiches or rolling out dough, neither of which involves high heat. However, the wax layer has a low melting point, meaning it is not heat resistant. If it's exposed to direct high temperatures (like in an oven), the wax will melt and create smoke. Even worse, the unprotected paper could easily catch fire, posing a significant safety risk. The wax can melt in temps as low as 120 degrees Fahrenheit, much less than the typical 350 degrees (or more) needed for baking.

While you can always find a good reason to use wax paper for lining your cabinet shelves, preparing meals, or storing foods, you'll need to find a different liner for any oven-related tasks. Parchment paper is the gold standard for use in the oven. This is because it's coated with silicone (instead of wax), which makes it heat resistant to about 420 to 425 degrees, but some products will withstand up to 450 degrees. You won't experience the melting, smoking, or potential fire that comes with using wax paper. The silicone offers excellent non-stick properties, making cleanup a breeze for baked goods and roasted items.

Another alternative to use in the oven is aluminum foil. There are numerous aluminum foil hacks that will give you a cleaner home, but one of its most essential functions is in the oven as a liner for sheets and pans and creating foil packets. Aluminum foil has a much hotter melting point (around 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit), so it can safely handle all standard oven cooking and baking temperatures (although some advise against using it above 400 degrees, as it could leach into certain foods at higher temperatures). Just make sure to keep it away from heating elements and never line the bottom of the oven, as it may cause significant damage. Unlike parchment paper, foil does not have natural non-stick properties (unless you purchase a non-stick variety), so you might need to grease it.