Wax paper is a versatile tool that’s commonly used for wrapping foods for storage, baking, and even shelf lining. Because wax paper can be used in so many ways, it is easy to run out quickly and leave yourself wondering, what can I use instead of wax paper? The answer really is not so simple because the alternatives will depend on the intended use.
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What is Wax Paper Usually Used For?
Wax paper is a type of paper that is made from a combination of wood fibers and wax. The wax imparts several properties to the paper, including water resistance, grease resistance, and a high gloss finish.
Wax paper is most commonly used in cooking as a way to prevent food from sticking to surfaces such as pans and baking sheets. Many people use wax paper in the oven to line baking sheets so that cookies, cakes, and pastries can slide right off the pan and onto the cooling rack.
Additionally, wax paper can be used as an emergency substitute for parchment paper when baking.
Wax paper is often used as a wrapping paper for food, because the wax prevents the food from sticking to the paper. The wax on the paper also helps to keep the food fresh and prevents it from drying out. The special coating on one side helps keep moisture locked into the food without letting exterior moisture content inside.
In addition, wax paper can be used to protect surfaces such as counters and tables from getting scratched or stained. Wax paper is nonstick and can be used for many other uses such as lining countertops to keep them clean during food preparation.
What Can I Use Instead Of Wax Paper for Storing Food
If you are using wax paper to store food in your freezer, the best alternative is freezer paper. However, there are a few other options that you can use to store dry food or refrigerated food.
Freezer Paper
Freezer paper is thick and coated with either plastic or wax on one side and will not be safe for use in baking or on heated surfaces. Freezer paper is used to wrap food for storage in your freezer and the coating is designed to keep the moisture in so that meat or cheese does not dry out or get freezer burned.
Aluminum Foil
If you use wax paper to wrap up food, aluminum foil can serve the same purpose. Foil can be molded for a variety of shapes and sizes to prevent spillage, contain cooking messes, and can even be used for campfire cooking.
Many people line their grills with foil which cannot be done with wax paper because it will catch fire. However, you must keep in mind that aluminum foil is not nonstick, so it is not great for baking on top of or anything else that demands a no-stick cooking surface. Aluminum foil can be used for food storage or cooking.
What Can I Use Instead of Wax Paper for Cooking Food
When it comes to cooking food, the best answer to what can I use instead of wax paper is parchment paper.
Parchment Paper
Parchment paper is nonstick and used by professional bakers by the stockpile. Parchment paper is smooth to the touch and coated in silicone to make it heat-resistant. Wax paper is often avoided during cooking under high heat because the wax coating can melt or burn, making the food inedible and even causing a fire if you are not careful.
Flour, Butter or Oil
When you are using wax paper to cook and need a replacement, the best and often easiest alternative is to use butter, oil, or flour to create your nonstick surface.
No matter what you cook, whether you are baking, roasting, grilling, sauteing, or broiling, you want to ensure the food does not stick to the surface of your cookware and ruin it. Fish, baked goods, and eggs are notorious for sticking if the surface is not prepped first.
Flour, oil, or butter, depending on what you are making, can do the trick. If you are baking, make sure to use unsalted butter.
Silpat Paper or Silicone Mat
Silpat paper or silicone baking mats are exceedingly popular because they are durable and make cleaning up baking sheets no hassle at all. Silicone mats or Silpat paper can be placed on top of baking sheets to ensure that nothing sticks. They are also easy to clean in soap and water, super flexible, and great to use under high heat.
Cooking Spray
Our parents swore by cooking sprays that were easy to use and could coat a pan or baking dish quickly. However, many cooks tend to overspray causing their foods can become greasy and the edges can become too crisp.
Nevertheless, cooking sprays are still a great way to make sure your food does not stick to the pans, especially if you are in a rush.
What Can I Use Instead of Wax Paper for Food Prep
There are lots of assorted products you can use to prepare your surface for food prep. Some of them such as parchment paper, flour, and silicone mats are already listed above, but one great alternative many people do not think about are brown paper bags. These can even be deconstructed to create larger surface area and can be cut into smaller squares.
Closing Thoughts
There are so many alternatives to wax paper out there, if you find yourself wondering, what can I use instead of wax paper, first consider the intended use and that answer should guide the rest. Just remember, not all alternatives are safe to be used in the freezer or overheat, so read all the packaging information if you are ever not sure.
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