The best baking paper substitutes

Conventional baking paper can only be used a few times, depending on the temperature of the oven - sometimes even just once. Anyone who bakes cookies and pastry frequently knows the problem: there's loads of unnecessary waste created if you use baking paper.

But this problem can now be easily avoided, and we can all be a bit more eco-friendly when we're baking. We've chosen five sustainable ideas for sensible baking paper substitutes for you.

1. Baking paper substitute: the baking sheet with a good non-stick coating

This investment is worth it! A high-quality baking sheet with a good non-stick coating pays for itself twice: on one hand, you reduce your waste, and on the other hand, you can be sure that no quilon (a combination of chromium salts and fats, which can be found on conventional baking paper) comes off on to your pizza.

Advantages at a glance:

• The baking sheet lasts forever and the manufacturer promises a five-year guarantee for the coating

• Cakes, biscuits, pizza - whatever you bake on this baking sheet can be easily removed

• Good quality, with no BPA, PTFE or PFOA

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2. Baking paper substitute - the glass baking sheet

This baking paper substitute offers several advantages: you can use it as a base for baking, grilling and roasting, but you can also serve your meals at the table in it. So you not only have a sustainable baking paper substitute, but also a serving dish.

A glass baking sheet made of high-quality glass can be used at both very high and low temperatures. This material is extremely resistant – it’s just as stable as a conventional aluminium baking sheet.

Advantages at a glance:

• A glass baking sheet is super light

• It cleans easily and is dishwasher safe

• You can bake, grill and roast on a glass baking sheet

• You’ll have zero waste and spend less money in the long-term than if you’re constantly stocking up on tin foil or baking paper

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3. Baking paper substitute - reusable baking foil

Another good alternative to baking paper is reusable baking foil. You can cut the baking foil yourself according to your needs.

Advantages at a glance:

• It is extremely tear-resistant and heat-resistant

• A sustainable alternative to conventional baking paper

• Particularly practical - the foil is easy to cut and is ideal for round springform tins

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4. Baking paper substitute - reusable baking mats

You can bake everything on a good reusable baking mat in your oven: cookies, pizza, meat, fish, or pastry made from all types of dough.

Advantages at a glance:

• Baking mats often have a woven fabric in the core, which prevents the silicone from expanding during baking

• They're easily rolled up and stored in cupboards

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5. Baking paper substitute - the pizza or bread brick

Do you often bake pizza and bread? Then it might be worthwhile buying a good pizza or bread brick.

Advantages at a glance:

• The material: a food-safe pizza stone is made of cordierite - a modern material that is ideal for use in the oven. It can also be used with gas and charcoal grills

• Easy to store and fits most conventional ovens

• The price is worth investing in. A pizza brick will make your pizza super crispy - just like your favourite Italian restaurant

• Easy to use, whether you're baking pizza, pastry tarts, or bread

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Sophie Knight is Editor of WhatsTheBest and Contributing Editor for Mother&Baby, Closer, Heat, Yours and Empire websites.