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Toothpicks are generally famous for removing bits of food lodged between the teeth. While also handy when cooking, baking, or holding some specific types of food together. In short, it’s an essential part of helping to do small tasks in the kitchen or food hygiene.
However, curious questions like; can toothpicks be put in the oven? why would you put toothpicks in the oven? This article here simply clarifies if it’s safe to put toothpicks in the oven.
Quick answer: Yes, you can put toothpicks in most ovens, but you need to observe a few precautions when cooking with them. It is best to use regular wooden toothpicks in the oven for a standard period. But if toothpicks need to stay for a long period, then it is best to opt for toothpicks or skewers made for the oven or soak your toothpicks in water before putting them in the oven.
Toothpicks craved a place in the kitchen, as they are useful for simple important tasks in the kitchen. Here’s a simple write guide on how to best use toothpicks in the oven while cooking or baking.
Why Are Toothpicks Put In The Oven?
Toothpicks are a necessary accessory in the kitchen, they are useful in baking or cooking, they are also helpful with binding food together, testing for readiness while baking, stuffing meals (like chicken breasts), decorating your dish, or removing bits of food stuck between the teeth.
It may sound unconventional to have toothpicks placed alongside food in the oven, especially for non-bakers, but yes, toothpicks have become a kitchen accessory needed in the oven as well.
With this in mind, you need to consider the material used in making the toothpick, the length of time to soak a toothpick into the water and the temperature you have the oven set.
Tips To Bear In Mind When Heating Toothpicks
Regular wooden toothpicks can be safely used in most ovens, but metal toothpicks or skewers can last for a longer period in the oven. Also, it is best to stay away from toothpicks with decorations or fancy frills that are not suitable for the oven. Although colorful toothpicks are not harmful to your meal, they can be oven-safe, if it is the last resort.
Toothpicks can only ignite when placed in a standard oven on high heat for a long period. If toothpicks are left for several hours at 450 °F, they will slowly chat and then ignite. Remember to be careful when placing in or removing toothpicks, as they can break or lightly jab your fingers.
Lastly, it is worth noting that toothpicks can be used in a toaster or standard oven, but are not safe in the microwave. Wooden, bamboo, and colorful toothpicks can be safely used in a regular oven, however, plastic or frilled toothpicks are not oven-safe.
How To Use Toothpicks In An Oven
Toothpicks are an affordable accessory needed in the kitchen, and when you consider placing a toothpick in the oven, discussed below is the best way to do so;
After selecting the toothpick to be placed in the oven, it is best to soak the toothpick in water for about 20 minutes, to prevent charring and allow these toothpicks to withstand the oven heat.
If there is a need to oven a dish for a long period, use a metal toothpick or skewer instead, as this material can withstand heat better than wooden materials.
Gently place the toothpick away from the oven heating blast, as a safety proactive decision, especially if it is being used to bind food together in place. If it is being used to test for readiness, place it in the middle, properly covered with batter, leaving enough length when you need to pull out.
Minus toothpicks, metal skewers, clean paper clips, or uncooked spaghetti noodles are safe, no-toxic kitchen accessories that can be used to bind food, readiness test, or bake any dish of your choice. Also for decoration purposes, you can use frill toothpicks to bind, after the dish is made.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you bake with wooden toothpicks?
Yes, you can. It won’t get burned or charred and would help hold the food together when in the oven. Also, bamboo skewers or uncooked spaghetti could serve as toothpicks substitute, if toothpicks are not available.
Can you make stuffed chicken breasts without toothpicks?
Yes, you can, instead, you can use raw spaghetti instead of toothpicks when securing stuffed chicken breasts or meats. It is best not to use thin spaghetti sticks.
Can wooden skewers go in the oven?
Yes, you can also use wooden skewers in the oven, toaster oven, grill, or broiler. Soak them in water first before using them, as you would for the barbecue.
Conclusion
Cooking with toothpicks is a simple way of getting important tasks done, when it comes to binding food together, baking, and tasting food for readiness or decorations.
However, we need to be safety conscious when toothpicks are put in the oven, by using toothpicks best for oven use, soaking them with water beforehand, and being careful not to heat the meal for a long period.
