What Is the Best Paper for Baking Bread?

When it comes to baking bread, selecting the right paper is key. With several options available—greaseproof paper, parchment paper, and baking paper—it can be confusing to know which one to use. Baking paper is the best option for both professionals and home bakers.

Baking paper, also known as baking parchment, is designed to handle the high temperatures and moisture involved in bread-baking. It offers heat resistance, non-stick qualities, and moisture protection—ideal for achieving perfect loaves of bread every time.

Why Baking Paper Is Best for Baking Bread

1. Heat Resistance

Baking paper can withstand high oven temperatures (up to 450°F/232°C), making it ideal for baking bread. Whether you’re baking a loaf of sourdough or a simple sandwich bread, this paper won’t burn or deteriorate at high temperatures.

2. Non-Stick Surface

The non-stick properties of baking paper mean your bread won’t stick to the pan or the paper. You can bake with ease, ensuring your bread comes out without sticking or tearing. Unlike greaseproof or wax paper, baking paper doesn’t require greasing, which simplifies the process and reduces mess.

3. Moisture and Grease Resistance

Bread dough releases moisture and fat as it bakes. Baking paper resists absorbing these elements, helping to keep the bread’s bottom crisp and the overall texture intact. This ensures an even bake and prevents sogginess—a common issue with other types of paper.

4. Easy Bread-Shaping and Transfer

Baking paper is perfect for shaping and transferring bread dough. Simply line your pan or baking stone, place the dough, and transfer it into the oven. This convenience is particularly helpful when working with delicate dough like sourdough or ciabatta.

Can Greaseproof Paper Be Used for Baking Bread?

Greaseproof paper is often used as an alternative to baking paper, but it’s not ideal for bread baking. While greaseproof paper does provide some resistance to grease, it doesn’t have the same heat resistance or non-stick properties as baking paper.

Why Greaseproof Paper Isn’t Ideal:

Lower Heat Resistance: Greaseproof paper can catch fire or degrade at high temperatures.

Lacks Non-Stick Coating: You’d need to grease greaseproof paper manually, which is less effective and messier than using non-stick baking paper.

Absorbs Moisture: It tends to absorb moisture, which can lead to a soggy crust.

When to Use Greaseproof Paper:

Greaseproof paper is more suitable for low-heat baking, like for cookies or pastries. For bread, however, baking paper is the superior option.

Can I Use Parchment Paper for Baking Bread?

Parchment paper shares many qualities with baking paper but is generally thinner and less durable. Both are heat-resistant and non-stick, but baking paper is thicker and designed to withstand the prolonged heat involved in bread-baking.

Differences Between Parchment Paper and Baking Paper:

Durability: Baking paper is thicker, offering more durability for high-heat and long-duration baking.

Better Non-Stick Properties: Baking paper provides a more reliable non-stick surface, making it perfect for bread.

While parchment paper can be used, baking paper is the better choice for long-term, high-heat baking needs.

What About Silicone Baking Mats?

Silicone baking mats are reusable and provide a non-stick surface. However, they may not produce the same crisp bottom crust as baking paper due to less heat conduction. Silicone mats are also harder to clean and require more maintenance.

Pros of Silicone Baking Mats:

Reusable and eco-friendly

Good non-stick properties

Can withstand high heat

Cons:

Softer crust compared to baking paper

Requires cleaning and care

Less convenient for disposable use

When to Choose Baking Paper for Bread

If you’re looking to bake bread with consistency and quality, baking paper is the most reliable choice. Here’s why:

For Artisan Loaves: Baking paper ensures rustic breads like sourdough or French bread bake evenly and easily come out of the pan.

For Sandwich Loaves: Even for simple sandwich loaves, baking paper ensures the bread doesn’t stick, allowing for smooth removal.

For Temperature-Sensitive Bread: Baking paper ensures your bread bakes at the right temperature, giving it a crispy crust without the risk of burning.

For anyone baking bread—whether at home or professionally—baking paper is the most reliable and versatile option. Its heat resistance, non-stick properties, and moisture resistance make it the best choice for baking perfect bread every time. Unlike greaseproof or parchment paper, baking paper delivers superior results, ensuring you get the best from your bread-baking efforts.

Runjia New Material can provide you with baking paper products suitable for your use.