Can you microwave paper plates? We take a look at whether these kitchen staples are microwave-safe.
Can You Microwave Paper Plates?
Updated on Sep. 26, 2024
Keeping things clean is tough at a party or potluck. Think about your last backyard barbecue or birthday party; dirty dishes end up stacked high and haphazardly and silverware gets scattered everywhere. Sound familiar? Now is not the time to serve food on your family’s finest plates!
If you’re hosting a party, paper plates are lifesavers. But when it’s time to reheat those cold leftovers, you might wonder: Can you microwave paper plates?
Did you know your microwave has a silent mode?
Is it safe to put paper plates in the microwave?
We know that things like metal can be dangerous in the microwave, but generally, most paper plates are OK to heat up, according to the USDA. The key word here is “most” because not all paper plates are made equal. (Learn more about when you can put aluminum foil in the microwave.)
If your disposable plates have a microwave-safe label, you’re good to go. But if you tossed the packaging and are unsure, it’s better to be cautious. The paper plates with a decorative sheen could have a thin layer of plastic coating, says Whirlpool, which might not react well in the microwave.
Though some plastics are safe to use, others aren’t, making it important to check for the microwave-safe label before heating anything up. While your safest bet is a plain white paper plate, other paper products like napkins, towels and parchment paper should also be safe to heat in the microwave. Read our explanation here on whether you can microwave styrofoam or not.
Try to avoid any printed or glossy materials, and when it comes to paper products like newspaper or brown paper bags, the USDA says steer clear, especially if there’s any metal involved. Takeout containers with metal handles, we’re looking at you. (Learn more about whether you can put plastic in the microwave.)
Tips for Microwaving Paper Plates
- Pay attention to the packaging: Look for a label that indicates whether the plates are microwave-safe. Read any messaging on the packaging before you toss it out to confirm that your plates are OK to heat up.
- Only use them for certain foods: Remember that paper plates are fairly thin, so it’s best not to heat up greasy or oily food on them.
- Stay cautious: If you’re unsure if a paper plate is microwave-safe, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Use a microwave-safe dish like glass or a piece of parchment paper instead. (Discover when you can microwave cardboard.)
- Keep it short: The less time in the microwave, the better. Even if your paper plate is microwave-safe, it’s best not to keep it in the microwave for too long—don’t use it for over two minutes. It’s possible that even microwave-safe things can be damaged if they’re exposed to high heat for a prolonged time.
Try These Microwave Meals You Can Make in Minutes
Microwave Oatmeal BarsMy mother shared this speedy recipe with me. There are not a lot of ingredients, and these microwave treats are easy to fix in the microwave. —Annette Self, Junction City, Ohio
Honey-Lemon Chicken EnchiladasHoney, lemon and chili flavors blend wonderfully in enchiladas. My family devours this dish, so I also use the chicken filling for soft tacos with toppings. —Kristi Moak, Gilbert, Arizona
15-Minute Meat LoafCozy, comforting meat loaf can be tonight's dinner—even at the last minute. This nifty microwave recipe makes it possible.
Fruit & Granola Crisp with YogurtHere's an easy recipe you can feel good about. Blueberries and peaches are such a delightful flavor combination. —Sue Schmidtke, Oro Valley, Arizona
Microwave Egg SandwichIf you're looking for a grab-and-go breakfast for busy days, this high-protein sandwich is low in fat and keeps me full all morning. Plus, it's only about 200 calories! —Brenda Otto, Reedsburg, Wisconsin
Zucchini FrittataThis zucchini frittata is perfect for a quick breakfast and effortless to prepare. Add a side salad or freshly baked bread and you have yourself a heartier weeknight meal.
Parmesan-Crusted ChickenMaking Parmesan-crusted chicken involves dredging chicken in bread crumbs and cheese to yield crisp, browned exteriors with juicy, tender meat inside.
Cod DelightI used to make this in the oven, but then I discovered that microwave lets me enjoy it even faster. It's a pretty dish to serve company. In fact, many of my friends and family now cook this at home. —Nancy Daugherty, Cortland, Ohio
Slow-Cooker Sweet and Sour MeatballsEnjoy the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors with these easy-to-make slow-cooker sweet and sour meatballs. Featuring a delicious sauce for Crockpot meatballs, this dish is sure to become a regular.
Breakfast PotatoesThese cheesy potatoes are a super morning side dish. I prepare them often for my husband and myself. They go great with just about any breakfast main dish. —Judy Dupree, Thief River Falls, Minnesota
Hot Roast Beef SandwichThis hot roast beef sandwich will remind you of the classic version, but store-bought mashed potatoes and gravy and deli roast beef help you make this heartwarming combination much more easily.
Salmon with Tarragon SauceHere’s a fast and foolproof microwave method for tender salmon steaks covered with a distinctive Dijon and green onion sauce. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
Minted Beet SaladWe have neighbors who share vegetables from their garden, and every year my husband and I look forward to their beets. My interest in Mediterranean food inspired this beet salad recipe—the vinegar and oil dressing with fresh mint tones down the sweetness of the beets, and the kalamata olives add a salty touch. —Barbara Estabrook, Appleton, Wisconsin
Coconut Acorn SquashSave yourself some time in the kitchen and toss the squash in the microwave for a quick dish. Sometimes squash can be a bit tasteless, so I conquer this by adding a bit of mango chutney and coconut. —Dierdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Beef EnchiladasOur crowd-pleasing beef enchiladas recipe features a homemade enchilada sauce and a spiced ground beef filling. Don't be fooled by the ingredient list. It's actually quite simple to prep!
Chicken KievThis chicken Kiev recipe is stuffed with chive butter and rolled in cornflake crumbs. The melted butter in the center makes it impressive for entertaining, but it's easy enough for any day of the week.
Chipotle Ranch Chicken TacosThese shredded chicken tacos are quick, easy and on the table in just 20 minutes.Â
Italian Chicken Cordon BleuStreamline any weeknight with this pretty main dish full of pleasing flavors. Chop the pepper ahead and pick up sliced mushrooms, and you’ll have this microwaved in moments. —Laura Mahaffey, Annapolis, Maryland
Mini Burgers with the WorksI started preparing these mini burgers several years ago as a creative way to use up bread crusts accumulating in my freezer. They're delicious. —Linda Lane, Bennington, Vermont
Super-Stuffed Mexican PotatoesThese taters are packed! Your whole family will enjoy these hearty stuffed Mexican potatoes. —Steve Westphal, Wind Lake, Wisconsin
Turkey Enchilada StackAs a child, my husband was one of the pickiest kids around, but my mother-in-law could always get him to dig in to this enchilada dish. —Ashley Wolf, Alabaster, Alabama
Granola Cereal BarsThese sweet peanut butter bars are perfect for breakfast, dessert or anytime as a quick snack. You can add raisins instead of chocolate chips if you prefer. —Helen Velichko, Kansas City, Missouri
Bart's Black Bean Soup for TwoThis soup is made in minutes. We enjoy it with Herbed Dinner Rolls from an older issue of Simple & Delicious. Add a salad for a complete meal that’s really tasty! —Sharon Ullyot, London, Ontario
