That trusty roll of parchment paper in your drawer might be hiding a dangerous secret. While it makes baking cookies and roasting vegetables effortless, used incorrectly, it can actually catch fire in your oven.
The problem lies in its heat limitations. Despite its silicone coating, parchment paper wasn’t designed for extreme temperatures. At 420-450°F (depending on brand), the paper begins breaking down. In broiler settings that reach 500°F+, it can ignite surprisingly fast—especially if edges curl up near heating elements.
Common mistakes turn this kitchen staple into a hazard:
• Using it in toaster ovens where heating coils are inches away
• Letting paper overhang baking sheets where it can touch oven walls
• Accidentally substituting wax paper (which melts at just 200°F)
• Walking away during high-heat baking
The solution? Treat parchment like the specialized tool it is. Keep it away from direct heat sources, monitor temperatures carefully, and when in doubt, use heavy-duty foil instead. Your cookies (and kitchen) will thank you.
