A Significant Guide For The Difference Between Butcher Paper And Parchment Paper

In many recipes and cooking tutorial videos, we are told to wrap up foods in either butcher paper or parchment paper, and often, the two terms are used synonymously with one another.

But, have you ever wondered what the difference between butcher paper and parchment paper really is?

The two are actually different from one another and serve different purposes, so let’s take a look at what each of them really are, how we can use them and which is best to use!

What Is Butcher Paper?

Butcher paper is a special kind of paper designed for wrapping up meats to protect them from airborne contaminants and flavor contamination. Butcher paper is very durable and strong, and is often sold as a white or pink, food grade, meat wrapping paper: amazon 

This thick kind of paper is perfect for wrapping up meat and fish as it is sturdy enough to prevent any leaks or blood drippings, but is also able to allow the meat to breathe, so that it does not go soggy.

The main purpose of butcher paper is to wrap up raw meat and fish in order to protect it from becoming contaminated.

What Is Butcher Paper For?

Butcher paper got its name as it was originally designed and used by butchers so that they could wrap up their meat effectively.

Nowadays, butcher paper can be used for a variety of purposes, and it’s not just used by butchers themselves to sell their goods! 

Butcher paper can be purchased and used for a range of reasons. Whilst most people use butcher paper to wrap fresh meat and seafood, you can also use this thick kind of kraft paper to wrap up sandwiches, bagels and wraps.

Others use butcher paper for packaging to-go orders in restaurants, or as tray liners and table liners as it is absorbent and protects foods and surfaces from contamination.

You can also use butcher paper for the purpose of smoking meat as it can seal the juices and flavor inside, whilst being ventilated enough for the smoke to penetrate the meat through the paper.

RELATED: 10 Delicious Snack Ideas To Know What to Serve With Perogies

What Is Parchment Paper?

Parchment paper is slightly different from butcher paper, as it is mainly used for cooking and baking, which is why it is often referred to as baking paper.

Parchment paper is mainly used for making baked goods as it is a grease proof paper that can be used to line baking trays and cookie sheets. 

Parchment paper is a kitchen staple that can be found in many cupboards and pantries: amazon. This kind of paper is oven safe, which is why it is used for baking and cooking, and it provides a non-stick and heat resistant surface to bake on. 

Parchment paper is available in bleached and unbleached versions, but most types of this paper are coated with silicone, which is what gives it that non-stick heat resistant coating that makes baking a breeze. 

You simply place it onto your baking trays and sheets, and add your cake mix or cookie dough on the top. Once you’re done, you don’t have to scrape off any residue or crumbs baked onto the tray, you can just remove the parchment paper. 

What Is Parchment Paper For?

Parchment paper, much like baking paper, can be used for a variety of purposes. Its main use is for the purpose of baking and placing inside of the oven during cooking.

The most common way to use parchment paper is to line a baking sheet for easy, non-stick baking.

You can also use it to line baking pans for brownies or on cookie sheets and cake pans. Alternatively, you can use parchment paper to wrap up baked goods once they’re done cooking. 

Others use parchment paper in the oven to catch drips underneath a pizza or pie that you’re cooking for easy removal and clean up.

You can also use parchment paper to separate frozen foods by cutting up slices and placing them between pieces of chicken or burgers before you freeze them. 

How Is Butcher Paper Different From Parchment Paper?

Butcher paper is a heavy-duty kind of kraft paper that is used for wrapping meats, and is often utilized to wrap raw meat and fish, whereas parchment paper is perfect for baked goods as it has a non-stick coating. 

The main difference between them is that butcher paper is thick, durable, heavy-duty paper, whereas parchment paper is much thinner but has been treated with silicone to give it a non-stick coating. 

These papers also have different uses, as parchment paper is primarily used to line baking sheets for oven baking and cooking, whereas butcher paper is a thick wrap used to cover meats and seafood. 

That being said, you are able to substitute butcher paper for parchment paper if you are baking, as it is durable, oven safe and heat resistant. 

RELATED: 10 Delicious Snack Ideas To Know What to Serve With Perogies

Which Is Best: Butcher Paper Or Parchment Paper

Which paper is best depending on what you need it for? The type of paper that you choose to use will depend on your cooking and baking needs.

If you want to store cuts of meat, or you want to grill, or smoke the meat, then it is best to use butcher paper.

However, if you want to line baking sheets, cake tins, cookie trays and others inside of your oven whilst baking, then you are better off using parchment paper.

Despite their differences in thickness, durability and purpose, you can use them interchangeably with one another if you need paper and do not have the right one.

Butcher paper can work well in the oven, and parchment paper is often used for wrapping goods and foods up, so you can use it to wrap your meats if needed.

Summary

To summarize, butcher paper and parchment paper are two very commonly used kitchen tools. Whilst the two are very different in nature, they are often used interchangeably with one another.

On the one hand, butcher paper is largely used for wrapping meats, whilst parchment paper is used for baking.

However, you can swap one for the other if you’re out, and you’re in need of some paper to wrap up your food! 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is A Good Substitute For Butcher Paper?

An alternative to butcher paper is aluminum foil. Aluminum foil is a highly reflective metal that reflects light away from the object on the aluminum foil.

It is an excellent substitute for butcher paper, made from a woven fabric that absorbs light.

Is Parchment And Butcher Paper The Same Thing?

Parchment is made from animal skin, while butcher paper is made from paper pulp. In addition, parchment paper is often made from calfskin, while butcher paper is made from recycled paper.

The difference between the two materials is that parchment paper is made from thin sheets of animal skin, whereas butcher paper is made from a continuous sheet of paper.

When Should You Not Use Parchment Paper?

Parchment paper is not the best option when cooking with a wet ingredient

Jessica
Share

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top