Parchment Cooking Bags Tips & Recipes

Discover tips and recipes to take your cooking to the next level and simplify cleanup with Reynolds Kitchens® Parchment Cooking Bags. Now it's as easy as 1-2-3 to make delicious, family-friendly meals!

Last updated: April 2, 2025

Cooking Instructions

Chicken and vegetable in an open parchment cooking bag sitting on a baking sheet

Step 1

Place bag on sheet tray - ENSURE THAT THE SEAM SIDE IS UP. Then, place desired ingredients in Parchment Cooking Bag.

sealed parchment cooking bag sitting on a baking sheet

Step 2

Fold and scrunch the open end of the bag tightly towards the middle at least 2 times to close, leaving space for heat to circulate inside. Place sheet tray with bag in oven and cook according to recipe directions.

Cooked chicken and vegetable in an open parchment cooking bag sitting on a baking sheet

Step 3

Once cooked, unfold bag and cut/tear to open at the top and scoop out ingredients. Use care when opening the bag after cooking, as the steam will be hot. Do not pick up bag containing food.

Cooking Chart

FoodApproximate Cooking TimeOven Temp
Proteins:
4 Portions of White Fish (4-5 oz each)10-15 min, until internal temp reaches 145°F400°F
4 Portions of Salmon (6-7 oz each)20-25 min, until internal temp reaches 140°F400°F
4 Chicken Breasts (Boneless 8-10 oz each)25-30 min, until internal temp reaches 165°F400°F
2 Pork Chops (1/2 inch, bone-in)20 min, until internal temp reaches 145°F400°F
Shrimp – large (1-2 lbs, peeled & deveined)15-20 min, until opaque & pink400°F
Sausages – Meat & Plant-Based (3-4 oz each)20-25 min, until internal temp reaches 165°F (see package directions)400°F
Tofu (14-16 oz, pressed)20-25 min400°F
Vegetables:
Soft Vegetables (Broccoli, Asparagus, Zucchini, etc.)25-30 min400°F
Root Vegetables (Carrots, Green Beans, etc.)35-40 min400°F
Baked or Sweet Potatoes (halved lengthwise)50 min, until tender400°F
Brussels Sprouts (1 lb, base trimmed)35-40 min400°F
Corn on the Cob (4 whole or 8 halves)35-40 min400°F
Yellow Squash and Zucchini (2 lbs, ½ inch slices) 25-30 min400°F
Other:
Rice (1 cup) - add 1 1/3 cup water, 2 tbsp softened butter)20 min400°F

Parchment Cooking Bags Tips & Tricks

  • Always place bags seam side up on sheet tray.
  • Bags should be held at an angle for filling while keeping the bottom area on tray.
  • Always use a sheet tray/baking tray under the bag while filling, cooking, and transporting.
  • Place ingredients in an even layer for cooking.
  • Fold twice and scrunch bag to close.
  • Place on middle rack of oven away from heating surfaces and elements.
  • Do not exceed 1 cup of liquid or >1 hr. cook time.
  • Allow the bag to cool down for a few minutes before serving.
  • Warning: Contents may be hot, please be cautious as steam might cause burns.
  • Always open the bag away from you, wearing oven mitts to protect from hot steam.
  • Store bags in a dry, cool place away from moisture. 

Easy Parchment Cooking Bags Recipes

Tarragon Fish

Ingredients: 

  • 1 Reynolds Kitchens® Parchment Cooking Bag
  • 12 ounces asparagus, ends trimmed
  • 1 large lemon, cut in half - squeeze 1/2 for fresh lemon juice, cut the other half into 4 slices
  • 1/2 cup quartered artichoke hearts (about 5 oz)
  • 1/3 cup sliced black olives (about 2 oz)
  • 15-20 sliced grape tomatoes
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp dried tarragon (or 1 tsp each dried basil & dried crushed rosemary)
  • 1 tablespoon crushed garlic (about 3 cloves)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • 4 white fish fillets, 5 to 6 oz each (pollock, cod, tilapia, or sea bass work well) 

Easy 3 Step Directions:

PREHEAT oven to 425°F. PLACE the Parchment Cooking Bag on a medium (10x15x1-inch) baking pan with the side and bottom seams facing up.

Step 1: Combine chopped vegetables in a medium bowl.

Step 2: Mix spices and liquids together and then pour over prepared vegetables to coat.

Step 3: Place fish fillets in one layer in bag - spoon vegetable mixture over it, and place a slice of lemon on each fillet.

FOLD or roll the open end of the bag two times and scrunch tightly to close the bag. Do not lift bag from pan with food inside. Keeping bag on the baking pan, BAKE 20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with fork. LET bag sit 5 min, then unfold the scrunched end carefully with oven mitts and use caution as hot steam will escape. CUT or team the top of the bag to open. SERVE food out of bag using hard plastic or silicon utensils.

Sausage and Shrimp Jambalaya

Ingredients: 

  • 1 Reynolds Kitchens® Parchment Cooking Bag
  • 6 to 7 oz andouille, chicken or smoked turkey sausage, sliced in 1/2 inch pieces
  • 8 oz peeled, deveined raw shrimp
  • 3/4 cup white rice
  • 1 small red bell pepper, cut into small chunks
  • 1 small green bell pepper, cut into small chunks
  • 1 medium onion, diced into medium pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, jarred OR homemade (recipe below)
  • 1 cup water

Homemade Cajun Seasoning Mix

  • 2 1/2 tablespoons sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon oregano
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

Easy 3 Step Directions:

PREHEAT oven to 425°F. PLACE the Parchment Cooking Bag on a medium (10x15x1-inch) baking pan with the side and bottom seams facing up.

Step 1: Combine chopped vegetables in a medium sized bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Mix spices and liquids together and pour over vegetables

Step 3: Place rice and slide sausage evenly in bag - spoon vegetable mixture over it.

FOLD or roll open end of the bag two times and SCRUNCH tightly to close the bag. Do not lift bag from pan with food inside. Keep bag on tray and BAKE 20 to 25 minutes until all ingredients are done and the rice is cooked. LET bag sit 5 min, then unfold the scrunched end carefully with oven mitts and use caution as hot steam will escape. CUT or tear the top of the bag to open. SERVE food out of bag using hard plastic or silicon utensils. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Using the bag with the seam side up ensures best cooking results and helps to avoid leaks.

The bags can be used in the oven and microwave. Not for use with air fryers, stoves, grills, slow cookers or near open flames.

It is not recommended that these bags be used to store food in the fridge/freezer.

TUV and BPI testing are underway to confirm compostability.

Bags can be used to cook meats. It is not recommended for marinating meats in bag as liquids might leak.

We don't recommend pre-making recipes and storing.

Bags can make up to 4 servings.

These bags are made from nonstick parchment paper.

Bags are intended for single use.

Bag should be placed on a sheet tray and held at an angle for filling while keeping the bottom area on tray. Do not fill or hold the bag upright as the weight of the contents may leak or break the bag.

Always use a sheet tray/baking tray under the bag while filling, cooking and transporting.

Tear open bag on top for easier serving and use plastic or silicone utensils.

Cooking guide available on pack, and more robust matrix available above.