Although there are compostable versions out there, most parchment paper is used once or twice and ends up in the kitchen bin. Silicone baking mats are used on a baking sheet to prevent food from sticking and to make cleanup easier. To preserve the life of your mats as long as possible, it is advised to handwash with warm water and gentle soap after every use – this will help you to avoid baked-on grease. This is one time when the high heat of the silicone baking mat is not as important as the even cooking that the mats provide. Once finished, pull out and allow to cool a few minutes before transferring your freshly baked goods to a cooling rack.

Like many, we cannot underscore how magical even heat distribution is—the bottoms of our cookies just come out consistently golden.Silicone mats are essential for delicate baked items like tuiles, florentines, and macaroons, but if you’re looking for browning or reducing spread, parchment paper may be needed. Just dip the chocolates in melted chocolate, let them harden in the fridge and then peel off to remove without a mess.

It should be noted that this mat measures 25- x 18-inches, making it exactly the right fit for a full sheet pan. Cooking them in the oven brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables but it can make a real mess out of roasting pans. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.Any aspiring pastry chef needs this baking mat in their life: "This mat provides a unique work surface for working with pastry," says Rachel. Do note, most aluminum foil is not nonstick like parchment paper – greasing or cooking spray will often be needed to avoid sticking.

It's no surprise that a reputable brand like OXO would make a baking mat with the most slick, nonstick surface of them all. However, silicone baking mats can also be used as a workspace, in addition to (or instead of) a baking sheet liner. That’s right, tin foil isn’t the only thing you can wrap fish and veggies in to safely lock in that moist flavor.Silicone molds are also popularly used amongst chocolate makers and patisserie chefs for that exact reason. There are a whole host of strengths and weaknesses when comparing silicone baking mats to parchment paper. Choose the mat that best fits your baking sheet – the silicone mat should fit entirely within the sheet with no edges hanging off. Place the baking sheet or pan in the oven on the center rack (this will allow the air to circulate evenly around your items leading to even baking) and follow the baking instructions as usual.