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Are you often messed up to understand when to use the right one between butcher paper and parchment paper?
Relax! I’ll help you to identify when and how the papers have the best use in cooking time.
Most of us always have lots of paper in our kitchen cupboards. But as they work in versatile styles, we hardly understand which one is appropriate to consume in different cooking stages.
Last week I threw a grill party for my friends to celebrate my graduation. I usually use parchment paper to cover the food while grilling.
Surprisingly one of my friends noticed this and tried this technique at home after a few days. But he wasn’t sure about using parchment paper and butcher paper.
Today I decided to explain everything based on my experimental cooking journey and the specialized cooking advisors on butcher paper vs parchment paper.
Let’s keep going through the article so as not to get confused by holding the papers in the middle of cooking further!
Butcher Paper vs Parchment Paper – Which Is Meet Your Needs
Can’t decide which is best for you? Then let me share with you the best uses of butcher paper and parchment paper.
A Quick Comparison Chart Between Butcher Paper and Parchment Paper
| Specifications | Butcher Paper | Parchment Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Colour | Variety of colors | Single color |
| Temperature | Lower temperature rating | Higher temperature rating |
| Material | Kraft pulp | Cellulose fibers |
| Strength | High construction | Low strength |
| Versatility | Limited range | Used for many things |
| Ideal for | Cooking in grill & Smoker | Cooking in an oven |
| Our Top Pick | Pink Butcher Paper | Reynolds Kitchens Parchment Paper |
| Price | Check on Amazon | Check on Amazon |
What Is Butcher Paper & Which One Is The Best
From the name, we usually think of it as something used for wrapping raw meat and fish when you buy them from a butcher’s shop. But wait, its work isn’t limited here.
Butcher paper is efficiently used for wrapping sandwiches and subs to keep it warm.
But in the case of smoking and grilling, there is some controversy about butcher paper. Some like to use it as a fire starter on the grill and keep the foods warm after grilling.
Therefore, butcher papers let your meat breathe and trap moisture so that you can use this paper to save the meat from being soggy before smoking.
Amazingly, you can also consume this paper to wrap meat while smoking. But be confirmed to use it in indirect heat on the smoker because it will catch up the fire too quickly.
Pink Butcher Paper For Meat Smoking
The food-grade butcher paper will be a top choice if you want the smoky flavor in your meat. Pink Butcher Paper from Meat Hugger comes in premium quality and will be a great choice for smoking. The paper is available in sizes of 175 feet and 225 feet.
Thus, there won’t be any problem wrapping any large piece of meat. There are 3 different colors available as well. Pink, White or Natural – you may pick the one you need. The paper will keep the flavor real and will make your BBQ dishes yummy, juicy and tender.
Top Features
- Food-grade & smoker-safe
- 100% uncoated butcher paper
- Heavy-duty paper for Texas-style bbq
- Available in pink, natural and white
- It comes with a dispenser box
| Specifications | Parameters |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 17.75″ x 3.88″ x 3.88″ |
| Weight | 3.65 lbs |
Brisket, ribs, and steaks will get an amazing taste by using this butcher paper. In addition, you will have a superior strength of paper that won’t fall apart when soaked.
If you want to know more about this butcher paper, check the detailed features below –
Tender Meat
You won’t get any tough meat by using this butcher paper. The meat will be palatable, smoky, and crunchy. The pink butcher paper helps meats to reach the optimum temperature faster. You will have the flavor in your meat. Whether it’s brisket or steak, the meat will stay juicy.
Food Grade
A food-grade butcher paper will always be the first priority for food lovers. There are so many manufacturers that it’s quite tough to find a standard one.
This pink butcher paper will surely satisfy you as the product comes with no toxic elements. It will be completely safe for direct food contact. The product comes with proper approval as well.
Heavy Duty
The paper falls apart when soaked in oil or food juices that create trouble during smoking. Don’t need to worry if you are using this butcher paper. The paper is a high-grade butcher paper that won’t have any problem with oil or food juices.
Uncoated
Coating or wax is a common way to enhance the durability of butcher paper. If you are using the butcher paper mentioned above, it will be completely safe for meat or other types of foods.
There is no wax coating used in the paper thus, you are getting the real flavor in your food. The paper is made with all-natural elements.
Also Read: Best Butcher Paper For Smoking Meat (Pink, Peach, White, and More)
What Is Parchment Paper Which One Is The Best
Parchment paper is a kind of thinner paper famous for its versatile uses. Mostly is renowned for baking and grilling purposes.
For many years professional chefs and ordinary people also kept it in their kitchens as cooking paper. You can safely use it in your oven for baking. It is also ideal for use in grilling as a butcher paper substitute. But it is wise to keep it away from direct heat.
On top-notch, you’ll love it as it holds the juiciness of foods and doesn’t crumble into ashes.
Reynolds Reusable Non-Stick Parchment Paper
If you are looking for premium parchment paper for baking, you may pick Reynolds Kitchens Parchment Paper. The paper comes with unique features to make your baking easier and more effective as well.
There are SmartGrid lines used in the paper that will help you to evenly space your dough on the paper. The paper is easy to cut, so you will make it exactly how you need it. In addition, the non-sticky paper will get the slide off easily.
Thus, you won’t need any oil or grease while baking an item. You may make ice-cream sandwiches as well with the Reynolds Kitchens Parchment Paper.
Top Features
- Reusable for three times
- Comes with smart grid for solid cut
- Made with sourced wood fibers
- Passed the parchmentizing process
- Oven safe and non-stick
- Compostable baking parchment
| Specifications | Parameters |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2.31″ x 15.31″ x 2.31″ |
| Weight | 13.7 ounces |
| Style | Roll – 90 Sq Ft |
The paper will be excellent for this food item. The paper can be reused at least three times so you’ll have a budget-friendly item in your hand by using this product.
Have a glance at the detailed features
Oven Safe
The paper will be safe for oven use. As this is parchment paper, you will definitely be going to use this paper in the oven. The paper will be able to withstand a temperature of 425℉. The non-stick paper with this temperature range will provide you a perfect bake with no sticking to the pan.
Smart Grid
This is one of the unique features of this parchment paper. The smart guidelines will make you able to place your dough exactly how it should be. This will save you from wasting paper as well. There are 1-inch and 2-inch lines available in the parchment paper.
Compostable
The parchment paper from Reynolds will be a great choice for home or commercial purposes. The quality will surely satisfy you with the performance. This is a compostable baking parchment that will simplify your cleanup.
Reliable
This is a reliable and reusable parchment paper. You will be able to use the same butcher paper for three different attempts. Thus, you are saving your budget and getting a quality product as well.
Also Read: How To Wrap Brisket In Foil, Butcher Paper & Parchment Paper
SMARTAKE Baking Sheets Non-Stick Parchment Paper
The food-grade parchment paper from Smartake is a non-toxic and unbleached product that will provide you with quality baking. The biodegradable paper will make your dish amazing and will make your cooking experience pleasant.
Smartake Parchment paper will be a great choice for stamping bread, grilling, and others. The paper can withstand the temperature of 450℉ that makes it oven-safe paper.
You will get a pack of 200pcs by purchasing this product. The paper is available in four different sizes. You may pick the one based on your requirement.
Top Features
- The paper won’t curl
- High temperature resistant
- Food-grade non-toxic paper
- Perfect for cooking and baking
- Unbleached paper & safe for food contact
- Precut and greaseproof
| Specifications | Parameters |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12 x 0.8 x 16 inches |
| Weight | 2.09 pounds |
| Size | 12‘’ x 16” |
| Sheet Count | 200 |
You won’t need to cut the paper into pieces. The paper won’t curl. Thus, you’ll save the same paper after baking that will be easier to remove.
Food Grade
The paper from Smartake is a food-grade paper that doesn’t contain any toxic elements. The product will be completely safe for baking, grilling, and frying. For most baking applications, this will be a top-choice parchment paper.
Precut
Cutting parchment paper is a regular job for baking. You won’t need to cut the paper if you purchase SMARTAKE parchment paper as the paper comes in a pre-cut shape.
There are 200pcs of the same size that will make it easier for you to bake food items. There are different sizes available for precut papers. Thus you will be able to choose the required one of yours.
Non-Stick
The non-stick parchment paper will make your baking experience better than usual. The paper won’t get stuck in the food item. You will be able to easily slide the paper off from the baking tray.
No Curly Baking Paper
Sometimes, the curly baking papers make the surface of the baking item look bad. Say no to this problem if you are using this parchment paper from Smartake. The paper won’t get curly even after a complete bake. This will help you to get the perfect bake you’re expecting.
Also Read: 3 Mil Vs 4 Mil Vacuum Bags – Which Suits You Best
If You Care Greaseproof Unbleached Parchment Paper
If You Care a premium parchment paper that will don’t contain any toxic elements. This paper will be entirely safe for baking. The paper is silicone coated and doesn’t have any unfavorable coating.
The unbleached paper is FSC certified and is completely safe for food contacts. A single pack comes in a 70 sq feet of parchment paper. This is heavy-duty parchment paper that is completely safe for oven use. The paper can be used for other kitchen purposes as well.
You may use this paper for roasting, reheating, or wrapping as well. The paper won’t affect the taste of your food for sure.
Top Features
- Doesn’t contain any toxic coating
- Suitable for versatile use
- The paper is Microwave safe
- FSC certified paper
- Silicone coated
| Specifications | Parameters |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12.5 in. x 16 in. |
| Material | Silicone |
| Size | 70 Sq Ft |
So, there should not be any doubt while using this paper. The manufacturer ensures the least environmental impact and also delivers the highest quality product at the same time.
Find out more amazing features of If You Care Parchment Baking Paper below –
Silicone Coated
There are some parchment papers available in the market that comes with Quilon coating. This is really dangerous for food contact. The parchment paper from If You Care paper comes with a Silicone coating that is completely safe for users. The coating doesn’t leave any toxic trace in the food or baked goods.
Versatile
You will be able to use this parchment paper for other purposes as well. The paper is compatible with roasting, reheating, and wrapping leftovers as well. The paper won’t affect the food flavor or taste for sure.
Quality Paper
The paper comes with premium quality that will be a perfect kitchen item for every food lover. The product is carefully crafted to ensure the best output while baking. There is no environmental impact of using this product.
Best Value
A single pack of this product comes with 70-sq feet of paper. The unbleached paper will ensure you the best use of the material. If you prefer a budget-friendly purchase, you should definitely try this parchment paper from If You Care.
Also Read: Best Cooler For Resting Meat (Top 5 Picks)
Difference Between Butcher Paper and Parchment Paper
You might think, how can you differentiate butcher paper and parchment paper from each other? If you want to figure out which one is specialized for which purpose, you must distinguish them.
Construction
The first difference I notice between the papers is in their making materials. For butcher paper, paper pulp, sulfide, and caustic soda are used in its construction. These chemicals make the butcher paper strong and thicker, plus tear resistance.
On the contrary, parchment papers have sulfuric acid, paper pulp, and silicone properties. Silicon helps to hold the food moist, prevents stickiness and grease. On top, make the paper heatproof.
Difference Uses for Food Types
As I mentioned earlier, the butcher paper is stuck with wet foods. But it works best for preparing the dry foods item. Alternatively, parchment paper is ideal for wet foods rather than dry foods for its non-stick properties.
Tear-Resistant
The material used in butcher paper makes its density solid and tear-resistant. But this quality you can’t find on parchment paper.
Color Variation
The butcher paper comes in a variety of color options, from tan to dark pink. On the other side, the parchment paper only comes in brown color, but sometimes in white if it bleaches.
Use of Papers
The main difference between the papers is their using purpose. The butcher paper is specially used for consuming brisket or meat, and here the parchment paper is best for cooking or baking in the oven.
Grilling
When it comes to the grill, parchment paper is good at grilling. But for butcher paper, most people don’t recommend using it in a grill.
Similarities Between Butcher Paper and Parchment Paper
Despite the dissimilarities, there are also some similarities between both papers. You should know them and keep them in your mind.
Gladly, you can use parchment paper instead of butcher paper if you want to use one paper instead of another in these cases.
Heat-Resists
If you’re looking for a high heat-resistance paper, you can use both butcher paper and parchment paper. The butcher paper can withstand temperatures up to 420°F. Besides, the parchment paper can withstand temperatures beyond 450°F.
But if you go over 450°F temperature, both the parchment paper and butcher paper indeed burn before your food is cooked.
Production
Again, both the paper similarly produce from paper pulps. So initially, they’re common in their primary ingredient. That’s why their texture and flexibility match the scenario of grilling.
Is Butcher Paper And Parchment Paper The Same
No, the butcher paper and parchment paper aren’t the same. Most people often get confused about their purposes because they are commonly used for the kitchen and cooking goals.
But if you take a close look at both of them, you will find that both have several differences. Also, they have specific application areas in your kitchen.
I’ll discuss the best uses of each paper. But first, let’s get to know what butcher paper and parchment paper are.
Best Uses of Butcher Paper
With my grilling experiment, I saw butcher paper works best for some particular purposes. From expert chefs to backyard enthusiasts also like to use it in their cooking process.
- Use in BBQ
In recent years pink butcher papers are the most popular to wrap meats for cooking or smoke. Professional BBQ experts also use this paper.
Using pink butcher paper in bbq is popularized by the chef and owner of Franklin bbq, Aaron Franklin. If you heard his restaurant name, then you must know how much mouthwatering barbecue it makes.
Butcher paper is a perfect alternative to aluminum foil. Pink butcher paper lets the meat breathe and allows it to hold moisture, plus the more smoky flavor in the meat while smoking.
So the experts think you should wrap brisket or meat to keep it more tender and juicy, resulting in deliciousness.
That’s why it amazingly became popular among backyard pitmasters who may once do a beef brisket in a year. But you can’t get the same effect by wrapping the brisket with white butcher paper.
- Durability
The high density of butcher paper makes it solid and durable. So you don’t need to be worried about tearing the paper when you carry food items on it. Or to act as a protective cover to rest the meat.
- Specifications
Originating from Kraft pulp, the butcher paper is low ligning with the mixture of caustic soda and sulfide, which on top makes the paper heavy-duty that can’t tear easily. Otherwise, the construction is absolutely safe for use with food.
No wonder they’re ideal for protecting raw meats and fishes from flavor contamination and airborne contaminants.
- Availability
Butcher papers are available in almost all grocery stores near your home. Otherwise, you can order them from Amazon and the other online stores.
- Easy to Use
Butcher paper comes in various sizes. No matter how large you cut your meat, butcher paper can easily wrap it.
Pros and Cons of Butcher Paper
Maybe you can’t get a clear clue about the advantages and disadvantages of butcher paper? So I like to list the pros and cons of it. I’m sure it’ll help you to overcome half of your hesitation.
Pros @ a Glance
- Non-toxic paper approved by FDA
- High density for heat resistance
- It comes with both in roll and sheets
- Affordable comparing other cooking papers
- Durable to tear resistance
Cons @ a Glance
- Not suitable for wet foods
- Can’t prevent stickiness
- Doesn’t greese-prove
Best Uses of Parchment Paper
Parchment paper is famous for years in the cooking and baking field. But to be sure, check out below the most practical and best uses of parchment paper.
- Lining a Baking Sheet
Parchment paper is ideal for making cookies and cakes evenly in the oven. It is more effective than using an oil brush in a baking tray. As this paper eliminates sticking, the cookies and cakes nicely shift from the sheet without cracking or breaking.
- Grilling or Smoking
If you can use the parchment paper in the oven, you can also use it in the grill. This is common sense because this paper comes in contact with heat with both devices. At the start of this grilling method, I burnt the paper in the grill because I put it directly on the fire.
So you must avoid this and try to keep the paper away from the fire. Otherwise, your grilling or smoking will go in vain. You can simply grill meats, fish, or potatoes plus vegetables on parchment paper.
- Durability
Parchment paper may not be durable as butcher paper as it is not tear-resistant. But if you’re handling it softly, then it can be reusable.
- Specifications
This paper is made with cellulose properties which allow more heat resistance. Besides, the silicon used for coating the paper made it non-sticky, which is a great thing to use in an oven.
However, you get parchment paper in bleached and unbleached form. Unbleached parchment is found in brown color free from chlorine. At the same time, the bleached parchment added chlorine and gave it a white color. It’s your wish to choose the suitable one for you.
Pros and Cons of Parchment Paper
There I also put together some significant advantages and disadvantages of parchment paper to get a possible idea.
Pros @ a Glance
- Applicable for multiple times
- Non-stick and ideal for baking
- Heat resistance
- Grease resistant
- Suitable for use in the oven
Cons @ a Glance
- Bleached parchment contains toxic dioxin.
Now, What’s Your Opinion?
In my opinion, and according to experts’ statements, I think nothing can’t beat the butcher paper for wrapping.
And nowadays, you can use butcher paper in smoking with indirect heat to get a more smokey flavor. But I won’t tell you to use it to wrap food on the grill.
Otherside, use parchment paper for your baking purposes as it’s non-sticky. Also, you can use it on the grill to make your dishes tastier and save them from drying out. On top of this, the paper is excellent to use for cleaning purposes while you’re cooking.
So I think both the papers are incomplete without each other and gives you a beautiful finish in your cooking together. So consider it!
Can you use both sides of parchment paper?
Of course, you can use both sides of parchment paper because both sides are the same in the material. So actually, there is no right or wrong side for using.
Can I use parchment paper for meat?
Absolutely yes. You can use parchment paper to wrap the meat while cooking or grilling.
Can I bake cookies on butcher paper?
No. The butcher paper doesn’t belong to any non-sticky properties, which makes it unsuitable for baking. So you can’t bake the cookies on butcher paper. But you can bake cookies on butcher paper at ease.
Does parchment paper breathe?
Unlike foil paper and plastic wrap, parchment allows meat or foods to breathe but in small quantities.
Will parchment paper catch on fire in the oven?
Usually, parchment paper is designed for baking in the oven. It can bear the temperature one uses in an oven. So there is no chance to catch on fire in the oven. But if you leave the paper alone in the dry oven for a long time, then it must catch up to the fire.
Can I cook chicken on parchment paper?
You can cook chicken and even beef on parchment paper. For this, you need to cut a sheet of parchment paper to fit on the bottom of the baking sheet.
Put the prepared chicken over it and cook as usual in the oven. Once the chicken is done, throw out the parchment paper. But remember not to try cooking chicken on butcher paper.
Can you freeze meat in parchment paper?
No, parchment paper is not suitable to freeze the meat. Because the lack of coating doesn’t allow it to lock moisture while freezing; as a result, your meat can’t remain fresh.
But on the other hand, butcher paper can efficiently freeze the meat. But it may not work great as freezer paper.
Should you grease parchment paper?
No, it would be best if you didn’t grease on parchment paper.
Should I wrap my smoked chicken shoulder in butcher paper?
It’s not compulsory to wrap smoked chicken shoulder or other meats after finishing cooking. But if you want to preserve the juiciness of meat until the time to eat, it’s practical to wrap the smoked chicken shoulder in butcher paper.
Can parchment paper go in the microwave?
Parchment paper is designed as microwave-safe. So don’t be scared to put it in your microwave.
What can you cook with parchment paper?
You can bake cake and cookies on parchment paper. Moreover, it is also great for cooking any chicken, meat, or foods on your grill or smoker.
Can parchment paper go in the toaster oven?
No, the parchment paper can’t go safely to the toaster oven. Most parchment paper manufacturers and the Reynolds Kitchen also prohibited parchment paper from using in a toaster oven.
Does parchment paper burn on the grill?
Parchment paper can be used in an indirect grill within 420°F temperature. But if you’re going to cook something at a higher temperature, then the paper will burn.
Is it safe to broil with parchment paper?
Though the parchment paper is heat-resistant but not heatproof, so wisely, it’s not safe to broil with parchment paper because the paper will start to ignite soon. The same thing is also applicable for butcher paper.
Can you fry eggs on parchment paper?
Yes, you can fry eggs on parchment paper. Just pour the eggs onto the paper and put the pan in your oven. Then bake for 15 minutes at 400° F temperature. But this thing you can’t try on butcher paper.
