Parchment paper is a cooking essential that can be used to bake or store certain foods. However, if you do not happen to have parchment paper available, other alternatives can be used for the same purpose. Aluminum foil is a common substitute for parchment paper, but can it do everything that parchment paper can?
Can you use aluminum foil instead of parchment paper when cooking?
Aluminum foil can be a substitute for parchment paper. However, because the aluminum foil does not have the same non-stick properties as parchment paper, it is recommended that you coat it with grease if you want the same non-stick cooking effects. Foil transfers heat more effectively than parchment paper, this will cause the food placed on it to brown and crisp faster.
If you have run out of parchment paper and need a quick substitute, aluminum foil can help.
This article will discuss the similarities and differences between parchment paper and aluminum foil, the best time to use foil as a substitute, and other options you have if you find yourself without parchment paper and aluminum foil.
About Parchment Paper
Parchment paper is a sheet of paper that is coated with silicone. Because the silicone coat allows the paper to be non-stick and heat- and water-resistant, it is a popular lining solution for nearly all types of cooking tasks, including rolling out dough on countertops, storing meat, and baking.
Parchment paper can be purchased at your local grocery store or online in large rolls that you can cut yourself or in pre-cut sheets. They are also available in bleached white or natural brown rolls or sheets.
Uses for Parchment Paper
Parchment paper is extremely versatile and has many uses around the kitchen, such as:
- Lining dishes and pans for easy cleanup
- Lining countertops for baking purposes
- Cooking foods like vegetables and fish in the oven
- Steaming foods
- Storing food items
- Funneling ingredients
About Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foil is just as the name suggests: a thin piece of aluminum with a paper-like consistency. Like parchment paper, it is very versatile and can be used in several cooking functions, such storing food, steaming vegetables, and more.
Like parchment paper, you can buy foil at your local grocery store or online in large rolls or pre-cut sheets. It is generally effortless to come by if you are unable to find parchment paper.
Uses for Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foil is a suitable substitute for parchment paper because it has a few similar uses to it, such as:
- Lining dishes and pans for easy cleanup
- Steaming foods
- Storing food items
- Funneling ingredients
However, aluminum foil does have its own set of applications as well.
When Should Aluminum Foil Be Used?
Just because aluminum foil can be used in place of parchment paper does not mean it should always be used. There are some instances in which it may be better to use another alternative for parchment paper instead or adjust how the foil is used to make it work for your cooking project.
Some excellent uses of aluminum foil include:
- If you are baking, aluminum foil is an excellent substitute for lining baking pans. However, because the foil does not have the same non-stick properties as parchment paper, it is recommended that you grease the surface of the aluminum foil after lining the pan to ensure your food does not stick to it.
- Aluminum foil is an ideal lining option for broiling or roasting root-based foods – such as potatoes or beets – to keep them tender or cooking meats in the oven, even more so than parchment paper. Things like turkey, ham, or chicken, for example, can be loosely covered with foil during the first hour or two of cooking to prevent the top from cooking faster than the rest of the meat, as explained by “Aluminum Foil Do’s and Don’ts.”
- Aluminum foil is also useful for insulating foods that have recently been cooked, so if you want to keep your dishes warm long after dinner has been served, aluminum foil is the best way to go.
- Foil is great to use with foods that are being grilled because it keeps the flames from overcooking them. Aluminum foil is also useful in helping clean grill grates after cooking.
- Aluminum foil makes a great storage lining for foods going into the freezer. Well-wrapped, foil-covered foods are airtight and less prone to freezer burn.
- Some people also suggest using aluminum foil to line the bottom of the oven to catch any spillovers or messes that can be made.
Some instances for which aluminum foil is not suitable include:
- Healthline suggests avoiding the use of aluminum foil with acidic foods, such as lemons, tomatoes, or other tart or vinegar-packed foods, if you can help it. This will reduce the chances of the aluminum content of the foil leaching into the food.
- Also, do not use aluminum foil to heat foods in a microwave. Parchment paper will allow the microwave’s electromagnetic waves to pass through and heat foods evenly. Aluminum foil, on the other hand, will deflect these waves, which will not only unevenly heat your food, but could potentially damage your microwave, too.
Other Substitutions for Parchment Paper
Aluminum foil is a common household item, so chances are it is your best bet for a lining solution if you are out of parchment paper and will eliminate an unnecessary trip to the store.
However, if you happen to be out of both parchment paper and aluminum foil, the following are some other lining alternatives you can use:
Wax Paper
Wax paper is like parchment paper in that it is thinly coated on both sides, making it water-resistant and non-stick. However, wax paper is not heat-resistant and is, therefore, not suitable for use for baking or any other cooking that involves heat.
Because of this, some of the more common uses for wax paper include lining countertops to protect them from messes and wrapping foods like sandwiches.
Silpat Baking Mat
Silpat baking mats are entirely made of silicone, making them not only flexible but also heat-resistant and non-stick. Unlike parchment paper, aluminum foil, and wax paper, however, these baking mats usually come in set sizes, meaning they cannot be adjusted to fit different cooking projects like other lining options.
Also, Silpat baking mats harder to come by and are much more expensive than parchment paper. However, as a benefit, they can be cleaned and reused, which means they can last for many years.
Grease
Finally, if you are out of lining options, you can never go wrong with traditional grease. Grease your baking pans with your preferred cooking oil, like olive oil, coconut oil, or vegetable oil.
Pour a bit of the oil in the baking sheet or pan and spread the oil around using a folded paper towel. Butter also works!
If you are baking, it is also recommended to sprinkle a little bit of flour on top of the grease, enough so that it sticks to the grease easily and evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
Conclusion
Parchment paper is a very versatile kitchen item that can be used for several cooking projects, from baking to storage. However, not every household has parchment paper on hand when it is needed.
In these instances, it is safe to use one of parchment paper’s many alternatives, such as aluminum foil.
If you run out of parchment paper or do not have any on hand, aluminum foil makes a great substitute, especially when baking or storing foods. However, it is essential to stay mindful of its non-stick properties and be prepared to grease the foil if you are using it for baking purposes.