The silicone baking mats are available in various sizes and shapes and are widely used to cover cookie sheets. These silicone baking mats have a temperature threshold of around 430 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s a great way of protecting the baking sheets from scratches.
In addition, it makes the cleaning job easier. However, if you are unable to get your hands on a silicone baking mat, there are some substitutes that you can try!
Silicone Baking Mat Substitutes
Parchment paper is an important baking accessory as it’s used to line the baking sheets just like a silicone baking mat. It has non-stick properties, which makes it suitable for baking or doing the preparation tasks, such as sifting the flour and grating the cheese.
In addition, the parchment paper can be used to steam the fish. The parchment paper is actually coated with a silicone layer, which leads to a nonstick surface. The silicone coating of the paper promises higher heat and water resistance.
The parchment paper helps regulate the temperature and cook the food evenly. This paper is available in a rolled form and can be purchased from local grocery stores. In addition to rolls, parchment paper is available in pre-cut sheets as well.
- Wax Paper
Wax paper is designed with wax coating on each side of the paper, which prevents the food from sticking to the paper. It has a nonstick surface, which means it has a higher resistance to moisture. The wax paper is extremely affordable, which is why you can depend on it.
It can be used to store ice cream as it prevents the formation of ice crystals. Wax paper helps store cheese as well as other food items – it prevents the drying out of the food. It can also be used to roll the dough to make sure it doesn’t stick.
However, it is not heat-resistant, so it’s best that you use it for food preparation only (don’t bake with it). Keep in mind that wax paper can melt when exposed to a high temperature, which can be dangerous.
Aluminum foil is one of the most readily available options. The thin layer of aluminum foil can be used in baking – it’s affordable as well as flexible. The aluminum foil promises improved heat transfer when used for grilling, cooking, roasting, and baking.
It is extremely flexible, so you can lift the food and release it without any mess. Aluminum foil can be used to line the trays and molds to avoid spills and drips. In addition, aluminum foil can be used to stream meat and vegetables.
Also, you can wrap the food in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burns. However, there is no non-stick capacity in the foil, which means the food might stick to the aluminum foil. For this purpose, it’s recommended that you coat the foil with a bit of oil.
It has faster heat conduction, which is why you have to reduce the baking time – it helps prevent the burning or browning of the food.
- Greased Pan
A greased pan or a baking sheet is another substitute that you can try to bake if you don’t have a silicone baking mat.
You can also use an ungreased pan or baking sheet if you want to fry the veggies without butter or oil. However, we recommend using a nonstick pan to make cleaning easier and prevent the sticking of food.
- Cooking Spray
If you don’t want to purchase a silicone baking mat because it’s expensive, you can opt for a cooking spray because it’s more affordable. The cooking spray is readily available in grocery stores.
However, it can build up residues in the pan and oven, which is why you have to clean the pans properly after use. The best thing about the cooking spray is that it has high sticking power.
The cooking spray can be applied to the pan to make sure the ingredients don’t stick to the surface.
In fact, some people add cooking spray to the food ingredients to prevent the clumping of food items. The cooking spray basically has oil, which is evenly applied with a spray nozzle.
- Pyrex Baking Sheet
The Pyrex baking sheet is made from a borosilicate glass baking sheet, which can be used in place of a silicone baking mat (it doesn’t need to be lined). These baking sheets are odor-free and colorless, which means the food’s flavor won’t be impacted.
In addition, once you are done with baking, you can cut right on the baking sheet without worrying about damaging it. The Pyrex baking sheet is dishwasher-safe and has a temperature threshold of -40 degrees Fahrenheit to 572 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is resistant to thermal shock, so you can take it out of the freezer and put it in the oven immediately (it won’t crack).
- Butter
If your recipe allows, you can also use butter to prevent the sticking of the food. Keep in mind that using butter will add a bit of saltiness to the recipe and adds an exterior to the food.
However, if you don’t like the salty flavor of butter, you can also opt for shortening because it doesn’t have any flavor. In addition, you can use unsalted butter as it helps create a golden brown texture during baking.
- Flour
To create a nonstick effect in the pan without using a silicone baking mat, it’s recommended that you grease and flour the pan. Before you add ingredients to the baking pan, sprinkle some flour on the pan to make sure the grease adheres properly.
As a result, the food will stick to the grease and flour rather than the pan’s walls and surface. However, it is recommended that you use a bit of butter to grease the baking pan lightly and then add some flour.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that silicone baking mats aren’t readily available, which is why we have shared some substitutes. However, be careful not to over-grease the baking pans because it can negatively impact the texture and appearance of the food.