I thought I knew my way around the kitchen pretty well. I’ve baked cookies, roasted veggies, and lined more pans than I can count. But recently, I learned something that stopped me mid-cookie sheet: apparently, most of us have been using parchment paper upside down this entire time.
And once you realize why, it actually makes a lot of sense.
The “Right” Side Matters More Than You Think
Not all parchment paper is the same, but most brands coat only one side with a nonstick, heat-resistant layer (usually silicone). That’s the side meant to face your food — the smooth, slightly shiny side.
The other side, which feels more papery or matte, is just untreated paper. If that’s the side touching your cookies, cakes, or roasted veggies, you might not be getting the full nonstick benefits you paid for.
In other words: your parchment paper has a “right” side up.
How to Tell Which Side Is Which
If you can’t immediately tell which side is coated, here’s an easy trick:
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Shine a light on the sheet — the coated side will have a faint sheen.
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Run your fingers across both sides — the slick side is the one that should face your food.
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Some brands even print their logo or text on the uncoated side, so you always know which one goes down.
It’s one of those tiny details that can make a big difference when baking delicate cookies, macarons, or meringues — or even when roasting vegetables that tend to stick.
What Happens When You Use It Upside Down
If you’ve been using parchment paper upside down, don’t worry — you’re not alone, and it’s not dangerous. It just means your food may not release as easily, and you might see more sticking or uneven browning.
The shiny side helps distribute heat more evenly and creates a smoother release once things are baked or roasted. So flipping it the right way can save you from that annoying “half-the-cookie-stuck-to-the-paper” moment.
Bonus Tip: Reuse It (Within Reason)
If your parchment paper still looks clean after baking, you can reuse it once or twice. Just make sure it’s not soaked with grease or browned too much. And when you do replace it, remember: shiny side up, matte side down.
The Takeaway
It’s funny — something as simple as parchment paper can teach you that even everyday kitchen tools have secrets. So next time you’re lining a pan, take a second look at which side’s facing up. Because yes, it really does make a difference… and now you can proudly say you’re one of the few people using parchment paper right side up.