When we talk about baking, a sheet tray is an ultimate powerhouse for every kitchen as it’s versatile. It doesn’t matter if you want to bake a cake or roast chicken, the sheet tray can be used without any worries.
However, lining the sheet tray is important because it can impact the baking outcomes. That being said, it is important to consider if baking with parchment paper vs. aluminum foil is better.
Baking With Parchment Paper vs Aluminum Foil
Aluminum Foil
Well, aluminum foil is what the name says; it’s an extremely thin aluminum foil that can be shaped and cut into the desired shape. The aluminum foil is easy to manipulate and it can be pressed into pans with tight corners, such as brownie pans. In addition, the aluminum foil can be formed into smaller packets but it’s not nonstick.
That being said, the stickier food items can stick to the aluminum foil (little food bits only). The aluminum foil is also available in a nonstick variant which makes it suitable for delicate yet stickier food items. For instance, the nonstick aluminum foil can be used with fish and marshmallows. For this reason, you must put food on the nonstick side.
The aluminum foil can handle higher heating temperatures as compared to parchment paper. That being said, it can be used on the grill and can be put under the broiler. In addition, aluminum foil is not permeable and has an insulation design. Consequently, it has the capacity to contain steam which results in moist and delicate cooking.
The best thing about aluminum foil is that it can be recycled and used multiple times (you can wash it for removing the food particles). It has a pliable design and is available in different thicknesses, such as 0.024mm or 0.016mm. For the most part, it promises even and consistent heat distribution and conduction without making the foil hot.
The aluminum foil can be used for lining the grill when you are grilling delicate food items, such as mushrooms, flaky fish, and asparagus. The users can also make foil packets for cooking succulent shrimps. In addition, if you want to roast potatoes or beets, aluminum foil can be used for keeping them tender. Moreover, it can be used as a cover for a casserole, roast, or pies.
The best thing about aluminum foil is that it can be used for wrapping leftover frittata, pizza, and quiche. Some people also use the foil for lining the stove’s bottom for cleaning up the dripping. On the contrary, it cannot be used for acidic foods and tends to add a metallic flavor to the food items.
Parchment Paper
To illustrate, parchment paper is coated with a thin silicon layer which leads to nonstick texture and also has resistance from water and heat. The parchment paper is available in natural brown or bleached white color but there is no difference in these variants. Generally, it is available in sheets, roll, and pre-cut rounds for people who want to line the cake pans.
However, if you opt for the sheets and rolls, you can cut them in your desired sizes. In addition, the parchment paper can be folded for creating the packets. The best thing about parchment paper is that it’s inexpensive and you can reuse them around three times. Moreover, it is compostable which means it won’t harm the environment.
It’s needless to say that parchment paper is sturdy which results in even baking and can create a thin air layer between paper and baking sheets. Also, parchment paper can regulate the temperature and it will ensure the prevention of hot spots. For this reason, it’s evident that parchment paper is suitable for baking bread, cakes, and cookies (everything will turn out evenly cooked).
In addition to ensuring even baking, this paper will reduce the chances of crumbs, and removing baked items from the bakeware will be convenient. The parchment paper will reduce spreading with cookie dough and other doughs; hence it will keep sticking to the pan. This paper has the capacity to absorb excess fats and will result in crispy food.
When it comes down to baking, parchment paper can be used in temperatures ranging from 420-degrees to 450-degrees Fahrenheit. However, it cannot withstand any higher temperature (it will start turning brown if the temperature exceeds 450-degrees Fahrenheit). Lastly, it has a porous design which helps the steam escape, so your food won’t turn soggy!