The Foolproof Method For Getting Parchment Paper To Lay Flat

Parchment paper, sometimes called baking paper, can be your best friend in the kitchen. Made from untreated fibers of different materials, parchment paper keeps foods from sticking to the pan during the cooking process.

Parchment paper is the papillote in the French cooking method known as en papillote — translated as "in paper." The en papillote method is used to wrap foods, gently steam them in their juices, and create a beautiful table presentation (per The New York Times). But, you don't need to be a French chef to enjoy the benefits of parchment paper. It's perfect for lining a baking pan or cookie sheet, creating a nonstick surface without using oil.

You may have used parchment paper in the past and gotten frustrated by how hard it is to get it to lay flat. No matter what you do, it wants to curl into its original tube shape. Some recommend cutting the paper to fit your sheet pans and storing the sheets with something heavy on top, but that seems like an impractical waste of time and won't help when you're using the paper to line a casserole dish. Don't worry. There's a better way.

The foolproof method for getting parchment paper to lay flat is fast and ridiculously easy. Simply crumple it up into a ball and then spread it out to smooth out any wrinkles. That's all you need to do to keep it from rolling back into its original shape. What could be simpler?

Another equally quick and simple technique is to slightly dampen the paper or the surface of your sheet pan or casserole dish with water (via Cuisine at Home). The water allows the paper to cling to the inside without rolling up.

According to Help Me Compost, unbleached, unwaxed parchment paper can easily be composted, too, making it an eco-friendly choice in the kitchen. However, don't be too quick to toss it. The same piece of parchment paper can be used up to five times provided it's not too soiled with food scraps or oil (per America's Test Kitchen). Just gently wipe it off, and it will be ready for the next time you bake. There's a bonus to reusing parchment paper, too. You'll have no problem getting it to lay flat after it's been used.