Key Difference: Freezer paper is a heavy weight paper that is lined with thin plastic on one side and is used mostly for freezing meats and fish to keep them spoiling. The butcher paper does not have the plastic lining on the paper.

Freezer paper and butcher paper are actually very similar with only one slight difference. These are also quite interchangeable if using to wrap and protect food. However, if using it for arts and crafts purposes, it is best to use Freezer paper. The only difference between the two is a plastic lining.

Freezer paper is a heavy weight paper that is lined with thin plastic on one side and is used mostly for freezing meats and fish to keep them spoiling. The butcher paper that is commonly used by butchers does not have the plastic lining on the paper. It is made of thick white or brown paper and is used only for wrapping meats.

The paper ensures that the meat is protected from freezer burn and retains its juice and taste The paper are found in two grades, the much commercial brown ones or the white ones. Freezer paper is thicker, but is not heat resistant and cannot be used for wrapping food in the ovens as the heat would cause the paper to burn. Freezer paper is also used delis to wrap sandwiches, which ensures that the bread remains moist.

The freezer papers with the lining are also used in arts and crafts projects as stencils. The image that the person wants can be printed or traced onto the paper (the non-lined side), which is then cut through. The paper is then placed on a piece of fabric with the stick side down and ironed on. When the image sticks, the stencil is painted on using fabric paint. The stencil is then pealed and the painted image is heat treated. Voila! The image becomes imprinted on the fabric.

Many people can also create home-made freezer paper, if they want to go for a cheaper option. Freezer paper is quite easy to make and only requires thin plastic bag or black garbage bag, printer paper, scissor/cutter and iron. The plastic bag should but and flattened by hands, which is then placed on an ironing table. On top of the bag, place the printer paper, which should be flattened again and there should not bumps or overlaps. Place a scrap piece of cloth on top of the paper and pre-heat the iron to medium heat. Iron the cloth until carefully and slowly going from the middle to the outer sides. Ensure that the plastic has completely melted on the paper and stuck to it. Check the plastic for any visible holes, and in case of holes, cut another piece of plastic place it on the holes and go through the ironing process again. There you have it, homemade freezer paper.

Image Courtesy: webstaurantstore.com, makeit-loveit.com