Greasing Pans: No Pam, No Problem

Greasing a pan is an essential step in cooking and baking to prevent food from sticking to the surface. While cooking sprays like Pam are commonly used for this purpose, they are not always available or preferred due to their cost, potential health concerns, and environmental impact. Fortunately, there are several effective alternatives to grease a pan without using Pam or other similar products.

Use parchment paper

Parchment paper is a great alternative to grease when preparing your pan for baking. It is a cellulose-based paper that has been chemically treated with silicone to create a non-stick coating. It is available in rolls, similar to aluminium foil, and can be found in the baking aisle of most supermarkets, grocery stores, or dollar stores.

Parchment paper is heat-resistant, non-stick, and makes cleaning up a breeze. It is also reusable and can be compostable, depending on the brand. When using parchment paper, there is generally no need to grease the paper as well, as it is already non-stick. Greasing the paper could negatively impact your baked goods, such as causing cookies to spread too much and become greasy. However, if your recipe calls for greasing the parchment paper, it is a good idea to do so, especially if it is your first time trying out the recipe.

When using parchment paper to line your pans, it is recommended to buy pre-cut sheets of 12" x 16" parchment paper and store them flat. This size is perfect for lining half sheet pans and 9" x 13" pans, and can be easily trimmed for smaller pans. Storing the paper flat will prevent it from rolling back on you while you line your pans.

For round cake pans, place a piece of parchment paper under your cake pan and trace the bottom edge with a pencil. Cut a circle just inside the outline to accommodate the thickness of the pan. Place the circle of paper into the bottom of the pan. You may still want to grease the sides of the pan to ensure the cake doesn't stick.

For square and rectangular baking pans, place a piece of parchment paper under your pan and lift the edges to ensure they reach up the sides. Trim off any excess with scissors. Make a cut in the paper from each corner towards the corresponding corner of the pan. Remove the pan and add another 1/2 inch to each cut to allow for wiggle room when shaping the corners. Place the paper into the pan and fold one flap behind the other at each corner for a neat fit. Use your fingers to crease the paper along the horizontal and vertical edges of the pan. Once you fill the pan, the parchment will lay against it.

Coat the pan with butter

Greasing a pan is an important step in baking to prevent your food from sticking to the surface. While cooking sprays are a popular choice, they can be expensive, bad for your health, and harmful to the environment. If you're looking for an alternative, coating your pan with butter is a great option! Here's how to do it:

First, take a stick of butter and let it come to room temperature. This will ensure that the butter is soft enough to coat the pan easily. If you're in a hurry, you can place your pan in a preheated oven for a couple of minutes to warm it up, and then apply the butter. The warmth will help melt the butter and spread it evenly.

Next, hold the stick of butter in your hand and brush it over the cooking surface of the pan. You can also use a paper towel or a pastry brush to apply the butter, especially if you're using a Bundt pan with intricate details. Make sure to cover the entire surface, including the bottom and sides of the pan. The fatty cells in butter create a non-stick coat, so it's important to get into all the nooks and crannies.

If you're using butter to grease a pan, you can also add a crunchy texture to your baked goods. Simply sprinkle a small amount of flour or sugar over the greased pan and tap the pan to evenly distribute it. This step is optional but can add a delicious twist to your creations!

Keep in mind that butter has a lower smoke point than some other fats, so it's not suitable for recipes with baking temperatures above 300°F. Always match the cooking temperature of your recipe with the smoke point of the fat you're using.

By following these simple steps, you'll be able to coat your pan with butter effectively and create delicious, non-stick baked goods!

Use a basting brush to spread cooking oil

If you don't have Pam or any other cooking spray, you can use a basting brush to spread cooking oil on your pan. Basting brushes are very similar to ordinary paintbrushes, so a new paintbrush can be used as a perfect alternative. However, it is important to ensure that the paintbrush has not been dipped in paint or any other chemical.

Silicone basting brushes are a great option as they are food-grade, safe to use, and can withstand high temperatures. They also have the advantage of being dishwasher-safe and easy to clean. When choosing a basting brush, look for one with soft and flexible bristles that can smoothly glide over the surface of the pan without scratching it.

There are a few ways to apply the cooking oil to the pan using a basting brush. One way is to pour the oil directly into the pan and then use the basting brush to spread it evenly across the surface. Another method is to pour the oil onto a plate or bowl and dip the basting brush into it before brushing it onto the pan.

When selecting a cooking oil, consider using vegetable oil, such as canola oil or avocado oil, as they have neutral flavours and high smoke points. Extra-virgin olive oil can also be used, but keep in mind that it will add a distinct peppery, tangy, and nutty taste to your food.

Grease the pan with lard or bacon fat

Lard and bacon fat are great alternatives to Pam for greasing a pan. Lard is tasteless, so it's a good option for both baked goods and pan-fried foods. Bacon fat, on the other hand, is aromatic and will impart a slight meaty flavour to your food. So, it's a good option if you want to add a savoury taste to your baked goods.

Lard can be found in most supermarkets, usually in the meat section, near the cooking oils, or in the ethnic food aisles (where it may be labelled as "manteca").

To grease your pan, simply use your hands to spread the lard or bacon fat across the pan's surface. You can also use a paper towel or a piece of wax paper to rub the fat onto the pan. Make sure to cover the entire pan with a thin layer of grease.

If you're baking a cake or using a loaf pan, you can also add 2 tablespoons of flour to the pan after greasing it. Tip the pan from side to side and front to back until the flour coats all the greased surfaces. Then, discard any excess flour. This will help prevent your baked goods from sticking to the pan.

Use a combination of flour, oil and shortening

Greasing a pan without Pam or other cooking sprays is easy and can be done with a combination of flour, oil and shortening. This method is a foolproof way to grease your pan and prevent your baked goods from sticking. Plus, you probably already have all the ingredients in your kitchen.

First, use a basting brush or paper towel to spread a thin layer of shortening across the bottom and sides of your pan. If you don't have a brush, you can use your fingers to spread the shortening, but be sure the pan is cool. Then, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of flour into the pan. Rotate and tap the pan until the flour covers every greased surface. Finally, discard any remaining flour.

You can also use butter instead of shortening. If you're using a stick of butter, simply run it around the bottom and sides of the pan. If you're using tub butter, use a paper towel to wipe it all over the pan.

If you're making chocolate baked goods, you can substitute cocoa powder for flour. This will add a hint of flavour to the outside of your baked goods and prevent any white residue from forming.

Frequently asked questions