Disposable paper goods first appeared in the early 1900s. Through not eco-friendly, yet vital for parties, residences, and serving a crowd.
If you're bringing home leftovers after a family gathering, it may be tempting to load up a paper plate and pop it in the oven.
It may be appealing because it appears to be a simple and quick remedy, but is it safe? Is it safe to cook meals on paper plates in the oven?
Using paper plates in the oven is not a smart idea. The high heat inside the oven could cause the paper plate to catch fire.
While the USDA states that paper plates can be used in microwaves, it is not recommended because food cooks faster in the oven.
According to BigTimeKitchen, paper plates with bright colors or a plastic-like finish could be hazardous.
If you put these plates in the oven, the plastic and dyes could seep into your food and alter the flavor or even make you sick.
Don't risk your health by reheating food in a microwave or toaster oven; use a container that can go straight from the fridge to the oven.