National Parchment Day, observed every year on the last Wednesday of June, is a fun and delicious reminder of how something as simple as parchment paper can revolutionize your cooking. In 2025, this celebration falls on Wednesday, June 25.
While it might not get the spotlight like fancy gadgets or rare spices, parchment paper plays a critical role in modern kitchens. From crispy cookies to perfectly steamed fish, this humble kitchen tool helps home cooks and chefs alike achieve consistent, healthy, and mess-free results. Let’s explore why parchment paper deserves its own holiday and how you can celebrate it with style.
What Is National Parchment Day?
National Parchment Day was founded in 2016 by PaperChef, a company that produces culinary parchment products. Their goal was to increase awareness of the benefits of using parchment in cooking, especially for those seeking healthier and more sustainable kitchen practices.
Since then, it has become a day where home cooks, chefs, and food enthusiasts come together to celebrate the wonders of cooking with parchment. Whether you’re baking pastries or steaming vegetables, parchment makes food prep cleaner, healthier, and more efficient.
Why Parchment Paper Is a Kitchen Essential
Parchment paper is more than just a baking accessory, it’s a versatile, eco-friendly tool that simplifies cooking while promoting healthier techniques. Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen during National Parchment Day:
1. Effortless Non-Stick Cooking
- Eliminates the need for excess oil or butter, making it ideal for low-fat baking and roasting.
- Perfect for sticky foods like cookies, pastries, and granola.
2. Even Baking & No Scorching
- Distributes heat uniformly, preventing burnt edges and undercooked centers.
- Great for delicate foods like macarons or roasted veggies.
3. Hassle-Free Cleanup
- Catches drips and spills, keeping pans spotless.
- No more soaking or scrubbing baked-on messes.
4. Sustainable Choice
- Many brands offer chlorine-free, compostable options.
- Reduces reliance on aluminum foil and plastic wrap.
5. Enhances Cooking Techniques
- En Papillote (French steaming method): Locks in moisture and flavor for fish, chicken, and veggies.
- DIY piping cones, funnels, or baking cups for creative uses.
Creative Ways to Celebrate National Parchment Day
Parchment paper isn’t just for baking, it’s a kitchen superhero! Whether you’re a home cook, meal prepper, or baking enthusiast, here are some fun and delicious ways to celebrate National Parchment Day:
🍪 1. Host a “Parchment-Only” Bake-Off
- Challenge friends to bake cookies, brownies, or pastries using only parchment paper (no greasing!).
- Vote on the best texture, creativity, and ease of cleanup.
🥕 2. Master “En Papillote” Cooking
- Try the French steaming technique by wrapping fish, chicken, or veggies in parchment with herbs & citrus.
- Bonus: It makes a gorgeous, flavorful presentation when served folded.
🎨 3. DIY Parchment Art & Food Wrapping
- Cut parchment into fun shapes for gift-wrapping homemade treats.
- Use food-safe markers to decorate edges for a rustic, personalized touch.
🌱 4. Go Zero-Waste with Parchment Hacks
- Use it as a compostable funnel for spices or dry ingredients.
- Make quick piping bags for icing or melted chocolate.
- Line air fryer baskets for grease-free crisping.
📸 5. Parchment Paper Food Photography
- Use its neutral background for stunning flat-lay food photos.
- Crumple it for texture in rustic-style shots.
🍫 6. Make No-Mess Parchment Treats
- Melt chocolate on parchment for homemade bark (add nuts, dried fruit, or sea salt).
- Fold into quick snack pouches for nuts, popcorn, or trail mix.
♻️ 7. Share Your Best Parchment Hack
Post your favorite trick (like reusing parchment for multiple bakes) with #NationalParchmentDay!
Best Foods to Cook during National Parchment Day
Parchment paper isn’t just for baking, it’s a versatile, non-stick, mess-free kitchen essential. Here are the top foods that shine when cooked with parchment, along with pro tips for perfect results!
🐟 1. Fish (Salmon, Cod, Halibut)
- Why? Steams gently, locking in moisture.
- Best Method: En papillote (folded pouch) with lemon, herbs, and butter.
- Pro Tip: Add thin veggies (zucchini, asparagus) for a full meal.
🥕 2. Roasted Vegetables
- Why? Prevents sticking and promotes even caramelization.
- Best Picks: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, or broccoli.
- Pro Tip: Toss with oil and spices before roasting for crisp-tender perfection.
🍫 3. Homemade Granola & Bars
- Why? No sticky cleanup, just lift and slice!
- Bonus: Use parchment to press granola firmly for even bars.
🍕 4. Pizza & Flatbread
- Why? Crispy crust without sticking to the pan.
- Game Changer: Slide parchment + pizza directly onto a preheated stone.
🍪 5. Delicate Cookies & Meringues
- Why? Prevents spreading and scorching.
- Best For: Macarons, shortbread, and lace cookies.
🌱 6. Tofu or Tempeh Packets
- Why? Infuses flavor without drying out.
- Try: Asian-style with soy, ginger, and sesame oil.
🍳 7. Egg Cups & Frittatas
- Why? Easy release for meal-prep breakfasts.
- Hack: Line muffin tins for portable egg bites.
🥐 8. Pastries & Bread
- Why? Stops scones or croissants from fusing to the pan.
- Bonus: Use it to fold and shape laminated dough.
✨ Bonus Uses for Parchment
- Pack lunches: Wrap sandwiches, cheese, or baked goods for a rustic touch.
- Prevent freezer burn: Layer between patties, cookies, or dough.
- DIY piping bag: Fold for drizzling chocolate or icing.
🔥 Pro Tip:
Reuse parchment 2–3 times if it’s still clean, just wipe off crumbs!
Parchment Paper Pro Tips: Do’s & Don’ts
✅ DO:
- Check the Max Temp (usually 420–450°F/215–230°C) – higher heat risks burning.
- Reuse It! If clean, flip and reuse for multiple bakes (great for cookies or roasting).
- Custom-Cut It:
- Cake pans? Trace the bottom and cut a perfect circle.
- Muffin tins? Press crumpled parchment into cups for liners.
- Seal Pouches Tightly for en papillote – fold edges like a calzone to lock in steam.
❌ DON’T:
- Confuse It with Wax Paper – wax melts and smokes in the oven!
- Use Under the Broiler – intense direct heat can ignite parchment.
- Assume It’s Non-Stick for Everything – super sticky foods (like caramel) may still need grease.
💡 Bonus Hack:
Crumple parchment first for better airflow when roasting veggies (prevents soggy bottoms!).
Parchment = smarter cooking. Follow these tips for flawless results every time! 🔥
Frequently Asked Questions
What is parchment paper made of?
Parchment paper is usually made from cellulose fibers (typically wood pulp) that are treated with silicone or other coatings to make it non-stick and heat-resistant.
Is parchment paper safe in the oven?
Yes! Most parchment paper is safe up to 420°F (or sometimes 450°F). Always check the packaging for temperature guidelines.
Can I use it in an air fryer?
Yes, but only if the food is heavy enough to weigh it down, never place parchment in an air fryer when preheating or without food on top, as it may fly into the heating element.
Is parchment better than foil?
For baking and healthy steaming, parchment is often the better choice, it won’t react with acidic foods and doesn’t need oil to prevent sticking.
From Ancient Scrolls to Modern Baking: The Evolution of Parchment
📜 Medieval Origins:
The word “parchment” comes from Pergamon (an ancient Greek city), where animal skins were scraped thin to create durable writing surfaces for scrolls and manuscripts. Fun fact: The U.S. Constitution was written on parchment!
🍳 Kitchen Revolution:
In the early 1900s, engineers developed plant-based parchment paper by treating paper with sulfuric acid (a process called “parchmentizing”) to make it heat-resistant and non-stick—without a single animal product.
🔥 Why It’s a Kitchen Staple Today:
- Eco-Friendly: Unlike wax paper (petroleum-based) or foil (energy-intensive), modern parchment is often compostable.
- Versatile: Survives oven temps up to 450°F (230°C), making it ideal for baking, steaming, and roasting.
- Legacy of Practicality: Just as scribes relied on parchment for preserving words, cooks now rely on it to preserve flavors, without sticking or scorching.
💡 Trivia:
Some bakers still call it “baker’s parchment,” a nod to its historical roots.
From monastic scripts to chocolate chip cookies, parchment’s journey proves even the oldest innovations can find new life in the kitchen! 🏰→🍪
🛍️ 5 Related Products Suggestions from Temu
- Silicone Baking Mat (Reusable Alternative to Parchment)
Eco-friendly non-stick mat for baking cookies or roasting vegetables. - Pre-Cut Parchment Paper Sheets
Perfectly sized sheets for trays, air fryers, and baking pans—no tearing needed. - Baking Tray Set with Racks
Includes multiple trays for baking and roasting, ideal for parchment-lined dishes. - Steam Cooking Parchment Bags
Ready-to-use parchment bags for en papillote recipes—great for beginners. - Kitchen Herb Chopper or Garlic Press
Perfect tool to prep aromatics for parchment-steamed dishes.
National Parchment Day: The Unsung Hero of the Kitchen
National Parchment Day (June 25, 2025) might sound whimsical, but it celebrates a small yet transformative kitchen staple that deserves the spotlight. Here’s why this humble paper is worth honoring and how you can join in:
Why Parchment Matters
✅ Healthier Cooking – Cuts down on oils and fats while keeping food tender.
✅ Effortless Cleanup – No more scrubbing pans for hours.
✅ Eco-Friendly Wins – Compostable and reusable, unlike foil or plastic wrap.
✅ Culinary Creativity – From en papillote fish to bakery-perfect cookies, it unlocks new techniques.
How to Celebrate NationalParchmentDay
🔸 Bake Something New – Try macarons, granola, or parchment-wrapped garlic butter shrimp.
🔸 Go Zero-Waste – Reuse sheets, compost them, or swap foil for parchment in your next roast.
🔸 Share the Love – Post your parchment creations with #NationalParchmentDay to inspire others!
National Day
Final Thought
National Parchment Day is proof that the simplest tools often make the biggest difference. So this June 25th, unroll a sheet and let it work its magic, your future self (and your pans) will thank you! 🎉
🍪 Challenge: Can you reuse one parchment sheet for three different recipes? Give it a try! NationalParchmentDay
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