Butcher Paper vs Parchment Paper What’s the Difference
The right food paper is essential when it comes to baking, grilling or cooking. Butcher Paper, and Parchment paper are two of the most common options. Both are large sheets made of food-safe papers. Are they the same?
Butcher paper and parchment paper are not the same thing. Both can be used in the kitchen but they have very different uses. This guide explains the differences between parchment paper and butcher paper, when to use them, and how to avoid common mistakes.
What is Butcher Paper?
Butcher Paper a durable, heavyweight paper, is traditionally used to wrap fish, poultry and meat in butcher shops. The paper is made of kraft pulp, and it’s designed to be breathable while able to resist moisture.
Features of butcher paper:
- Thick and Strong Texture
- Breathable with some air circulation
- Wraps raw or smoked meats perfectly
- Available in different colors (white, pink, brown)
Butcher paper is becoming increasingly popular among barbecue enthusiasts. Pink Butcher Paper is used, for instance, by pitmasters in order to wrap the briskets during smoking. It seals in moisture, while allowing smoke to permeate. This creates the perfect bark with a juicy interior.
What is Parchment paper?
The parchment paper is a completely different product. It is a thin paper sheet coated with silicone or quilon to make it heat resistant. Most commonly, it’s used for baking and cooking.
Features of parchment paper:
- Non-stick surface
- It can withstand oven temperatures of up to 420-450degF (230-230degC).
- Grease and moisture resistant
- Easy to cut into pan sizes and dispose of
It’s perfect for baking sheets and roasting vegetables. You can also use it to make cookies that won’t stick.
Butcher paper is the same as parchment paper.
No is the simple answer. Although they may appear similar, they are not interchangeable.
- Butcher Paper is porous, breathable and ideal for smoking and meat storage. However, it’s not recommended for baking at high temperatures.
- Parchment Paper is heat-resistant and non-stick, making it perfect for baking, roasting and steaming. However, it lacks durability and breathability.
The wrong paper can cause poor results, or even create safety hazards in the kitchen.
Parchment Paper or Butcher Paper?
Butcher Paper Best Uses
- Wrapping raw meat in the butcher’s shop
- Smoking briskets, ribs or pulled pork
- Store deli meats and fish in the refrigerator
- Wrapping sandwiches for serving
Best Uses of Parchment Paper
- Making cookies, brownies or cakes
- Roasting fish or vegetables in the oven
- Line cake pans to make them easier to remove
- Cooking in Papillote (chicken or fish wrapped in paper packets).
Butcher Paper and Parchment Paper – A Side-by side Comparison
| Features | Butcher Paper | Parchment Paper |
| Material | Kraft pulp thick and durable | The thinnest silicone/quilon coated sheet available |
| Texture | Porous and breathable | Smooth, non-stick |
| Heat Resistance | Not for baking, but moderately flavored | High (upto 420-450degF). |
| Best For | Wrapping, smoking, storage | Baking, roasting and steaming |
| Colors | White, pink and brown | Most often white or brown |
| Reusability | Stronger than parchment, but only for single-use | Easy to tear, single-use. |
Can you substitute butcher paper for parchment paper?
Many home cooks ask: Can you substitute butcher paper or parchment paper in recipes. The answer to this question is: not usually.
- Butcher paper can burn or stick if you are baking cookies.
- When you’re cooking brisket with parchment paper, it won’t allow for enough airflow to properly cook.
- You can use parchment paper in a pinch to temporarily wrap meat, but it is not as durable.
Bottom line: Use each paper for the intended purpose.
Safety Considerations
The wrong paper can not only be inconvenient, but it could also be dangerous.
- Butcher Paper in the Oven: The majority of types are not designed to withstand prolonged high temperatures. They can burn, smoke or catch fire.
- Parchment on the grill. While parchment paper can withstand high temperatures in an oven, it can be burned quickly by direct flames and open grill heat. Paper gourmet food container 90mm A Complete Guide
Read the packaging carefully to make sure you are using the correct paper for food in the right environment.
Butcher Paper and Parchment Paper: Common Myths
Butcher Paper and parchment Paper are the same thing.
FALSE — they have totally different properties.
You could bake with butcher’s paper.
FALSE — it is not designed for oven baking.
Parchment works well for smoking brisket.
FALSE — parchment is a paper that locks in moisture, but does not allow airflow. It will therefore not produce the same results.
Wax Paper is the Same as Parchment Paper.
This is also false — wax paper has melted wax on it.
Alternatives to Butcher or Parchment paper
- When baking, use aluminum foil that has been lightly oiled or silicone baking mats.
- When smoking/BBQing: Use aluminum foil instead of butcher paper, as it will trap more steam.
- Wrapping and storage: Plastic wrap or wax paper can be used short-term.
The alternatives are useful for a quick fix, but the best results will come from the special paper made for the task.
Related Article: is butcher paper the same as parchment paper
Final Thoughts
No, it is not.
- Butcher Paper is a strong and breathable paper that’s ideal for wrapping meats and smoking them.
- Parchment Paper is heat-resistant and non-stick. It’s perfect for roasting and baking.
The use of these two tools correctly can make a huge difference to the taste, texture and safety.
FAQs
Can I use butcher paper in the oven?
Butcher paper was not made to be baked at high temperatures. It can handle moderate temperatures for wrapping meat but it could burn or smoke when baked. Use parchment paper if you want something that is oven-safe.
Can I use parchment instead of butcher’s paper to smoke briskets?
The answer is yes, but it’s not ideal. Parchment paper is too moist and does not allow smoke to pass through as well. Pink butcher paper will produce authentic barbecue results.
What is the difference between parchment paper and butcher paper?
Butcher paper has a thick, durable and breathable texture, which makes it ideal for wrapping and smoking food. Parchment is a thin, heat-resistant paper that’s non-stick and heat-resistant. It’s perfect for roasting and baking.
Can I bake cookies with butcher paper?
No. Butcher paper does not adhere to high heat and is not oven-safe. The paper will scorch or cookies may stick to it. Use parchment paper when baking.
What is the difference between wax paper and parchment paper?
No. Wax paper has a wax coating that makes it resistant to moisture but not heat. This paper should not be used in the oven.
