Using Greaseproof Paper For Baking: Or Should You Avoid

Many people say that cooking feels therapeutic and baking among them is like a magical mix of chaos and precision. You measure every ingredient carefully, take hours into blending a perfect mixture, preheat patiently, and then - spend next few hours scraping the cake off from a burnt tray because you choose the wrong paper. Doesn’t it sound horrible? That’s why greaseproof paper is here to save you from pulling your hairs out at the end of the baking when you only aim to enjoy the sweet taste of your hard work.

But the question worth asking is: can we use greaseproof paper for baking? And in simple terms - Yes. but it depends on the type you are using.

Let’s unwrap the whole theory for you.

Greaseproof Paper Suitability for Baking

A custom branded greaseproof paper is manufactured from a special densification process that compresses the fibres and makes them naturally resistant to moisture, moderate heat, and baked goods. Greaseproof paper hence acts as a perfect barrier between your baked goods and the tray.

Uncoated greaseproof paper with its natural greaseproof property works brilliantly well for cooking, brownies, pastries, and savory baked items. It prevents sticking and makes the clean-up process afterwards simple and quick. You can get all the details on the materials and processes that directly affect its baking performance by exploring through “What is greaseproof paper? How is it Manufactured?”

Which Paper is Best?

This is the part where things get interesting. You are presented with two distinct options i.e. Coated or Uncoated greaseproof paper. We make the choice easy and summarize it for you.

Uncoated Greaseproof Paper It has natural oil barriers and can easily resist light grease and heat. It is the most economical paper option out there and widely available. Can be used for low to medium temperature recipes. It's ideal for everyday baking, cooking, and pastries.
Silicone-Coated Greaseproof Paper It is a high performing option with a stronger and naturally non-sticky look. It performs exceptionally well at high temperatures and a better option for long baking sessions, Wax Paper Global offers multiple options and types in greaseproof paper which can be accessed here - “Ultimate guide to greaseproof paper”

How Heat-Safe Greaseproof Paper Really Is?

Most custom printed greaseproof paper that are oven friendly are safe at temperatures up to 220-230°C (425-450°F). But greaseproof paper is not suitable for direct heat contact. Always avoid placing it under the grill or broiler. It is always recommended to look for labels carefully for the materials and coatings to save yourself and your food from any harm or later health issues.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Baking

Never ignore certain rules as they can turn out to be extremely lethal.

Using Wax Paper Never use wax paper in place of greaseproof paper. The wax would melt and ruin everything.
Avoid High-Heat Coils Avoid placing the greaseproof paper directly on high-heat coils as they would burn the paper.
Reusing Greaseproof Paper They over used paper would become brittle and lose its oil and grease resisting property along with strength.
Missing Out Heat-Compatability Check A poorly made greaseproof paper or recycled grade sheet would instantly fall apart when it came in contact with heat.

Can it be Used for Reheating Food?

Yes - it is completely safe for warming leftovers or baked food items. Greaseproof paper can tolerate the heat of the microwave up to a certain level and works well in it. But again, avoid using laminated or coated papers. A custom food wax paper is not suitable for oven use. If you would like to gain a deeper understanding of greaseproof paper’s microwave behavior check out our other piece “Can greaseproof paper go in the microwave?”

Where to Buy the Suitable Paper?

Greaseproof paper is easy to find as it's commonly used at several places and is an economical option. Supermarkets, packaging suppliers, and baking supply stores offer a great range. For other premium-grade options like silicone-coated, branded greaseproof, or pre-cut sheets, online marketplaces and platforms are ideal. Get a complete breakdown on different platforms at “Where can I buy greaseproof paper?”

And - That’s How We Unwrapped!

Greaseproof paper is a versatile tool in the baking world. Whether you are shaping dough, lining pans, lifting brownies, or wrapping pastries, do everything like a pro. Greaseproof paper makes baking and cleaning easy and enjoyable. With the correct type we guarantee that everything else would go right.