Fold in Flavor with Parchment
Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth fitness and nutrition courses and more than 2,000 instructional videos when you sign up for Outside+.

1. The Basics
Parchment paper, also called baking paper, is a heavy-duty, non-stick paper that is typically used for lining baking pans. It eliminates the need for extra oil and makes clean up a breeze. You can also use parchment paper to bake whole meals “en papillote,” a French cooking method in which foods and seasonings are cooked together inside an envelope made with parchment.

Step 1
Cut a large square piece of parchment paper and place on a baking dish or cookie sheet. Place protein and any vegetables plus seasonings onto the middle.

Step 2
Join the two opposite edges and fold over the edge to create a pocket.

Step 3
Fold the other two open edges on the opposite sides.

Step 4
Fold and twist them up toward the food until the package feels secure.

Step 5
Place baking dish or cookie sheet into oven and bake according to recipe instructions.