I. Core Baking Uses (Primary Functions) Non-Stick Properties: This is the core function of parchment paper. Placing it on a baking tray effectively prevents cookies, cakes, bread, and other pastries from sticking during baking, ensuring intact results and easy cleaning. Examples: Baking cookies, macarons, cream puffs, scones, bread slices, etc. Pan Lining: Used on the inner walls of cake molds to facilitate easy demolding. Examples: When making chiffon cakes or sponge cakes, lining the bottom and sides of a round mold with parchment paper ensures perfect demolding without the need for excessive greasing.

Food Wrapping: Used to wrap food for baking, locking in moisture, ensuring even heating, and keeping the baking tray clean. Examples: Baked fish (paper-wrapped fish), roasted vegetables, grilled chicken breast, etc. II. Other Culinary Uses (Beyond Baking) Steamer Liner: When steaming buns, mantou, or shumai, it can replace traditional steamer cloths to prevent sticking. Disposable after use, it is convenient and hygienic. Food Separation and Serving: Layering: In lunch boxes or food storage containers, parchment paper can separate different types of food (e.g., fruits, cookies, sandwiches) to prevent flavor transfer and moisture exchange. Serving Food: Directly used to hold fried foods (e.g., fried chicken, tempura) or grilled foods, absorbing excess oil, maintaining crispness, and eliminating the need to wash plates. Shaping Assistance: Piping Bag: Can be fashioned into a DIY piping bag for extruding cookie dough, chocolate sauce, etc. Cake Roll Shaping: When shaping cake rolls, wrapping them with parchment paper helps maintain form without sticking. III. Non-Culinary Practical Uses Countertop Protection: During dough kneading, chocolate making, or sugar art, spreading a large sheet of parchment paper on the countertop prevents mess. Simply discard the paper afterward, saving cleanup effort. Packaging Material: Due to its simple and clean appearance, it is often used to wrap sandwiches, bread, candies, etc., as packaging paper, making it aesthetically pleasing and hygienic. Gift Packaging Liner: Used as a lining or filler in gift baskets or boxes, especially suitable for handmade food gifts. Important Notes: Distinguishing Parchment Paper, Greaseproof Paper, and Aluminum Foil Parchment Paper/Greaseproof Paper: Heat-resistant (typically up to 220°C or higher), non-stick, and breathable. Not suitable for direct use over open flames or grilling. Aluminum Foil: Excellent heat conductivity, ideal for wrapping food to lock in moisture and heat. Commonly used for roasting meat and vegetables. However, it can stick to food and is not suitable for highly acidic foods (e.g., tomatoes, lemon juice), as it may cause chemical reactions. Silicone Baking Mat: Reusable, offers excellent non-stick effects, and is an eco-friendly alternative to parchment paper. However, it is relatively expensive and requires cleaning.