Wooden skewers, also known as barbecue skewers or kebab sticks, are a popular grilling tool used to make kebabs and other grilled foods.
But many home cooks wonder if it’s safe to put wooden skewers in a hot oven. The short answer is yes, you can use wooden skewers in the oven, but there are some things you need to know for safe use.
Wooden skewers are inexpensive, disposable tools that come in a variety of sizes. They are made from wood sources like bamboo, birch, and beech.
When exposed to high heat, wooden skewers can burn or catch fire easily. So proper precautions are necessary when using them in the oven. Here’s what you need to know about using wooden skewers in the oven:
Are Wooden Skewers in the oven safe?
Wooden skewers are generally safe to use in the oven as long as proper precautions are taken. The biggest risk when using bamboo or wood skewers in the oven is that they can burn, smoke, or catch fire at high temperatures.
The key is keeping temperatures low, below 400°F if possible, and monitoring skewers closely while they are in the oven. Higher oven temperatures can cause the skewers to burn or ignite. Any exposed pointed ends are especially vulnerable to burning.
So it’s best to avoid extremely high oven temperatures when using wooden skewers. But at lower, moderate oven temperatures between 250 and 375°F, wooden skewers can usually handle the heat as long as they are monitored.
Tips for Safely Using Wooden Skewers in the Oven
Here are some useful tips to follow for safely using bamboo skewers in the oven:
- Keep oven temperatures low or moderate, ideally below 400°F. The higher the heat, the greater the risk of burning.
- Trim excess length so there are no long, exposed ends sticking out. Long, sharp ends tend to burn faster.
- Soak skewers in water for 30 minutes before using them to help slow the burning.
- Coat skewers in oil or nonstick spray to add protection from burning.
- Wrap the exposed ends in foil to protect them.
- Place skewers horizontally on a baking sheet rather than vertically in a dish. The horizontal position reduces the risk of burning.
- Watch the skewers closely and remove them from the oven if they start to smoke or char.
- Consider metal skewers for high-heat oven recipes over 400°F.
The Best Wood Options for Oven Skewers
While all wooden skewers should be used with care in the oven, some wood types are safer choices than others:
- Bamboo skewers are the most commonly used option. Bamboo holds up better than other woods since it’s less likely to burn.
- Birch wood skewers work as well but may need more monitoring. Birch can burn faster than bamboo.
- Avoid softwood skewers like pine, which burn more easily at high temperatures.
- Do not use plastic or wood composite skewers, which can melt and release chemicals when heated.
No wood type is 100% fireproof. But bamboo and birch are suitable for the oven with proper precautions. Their dense composition helps them resist burning better than soft woods.
Oven-Safe Alternatives to Wooden Skewers
For worry-free oven use, opt for metal skewers, which won’t burn or melt even at very high oven temperatures. Stainless steel and aluminum skewers work great.
Other oven-safe skewer choices include:
- Bamboo skewers soaked in water: treat with a 30-minute water soak.
- Silicone skewers are Heat-resistant to over 400 °F.
- Stainless steel skewers won’t burn at any oven temperature.
- Cast iron skewers: excellent heat conduction
- Ceramic skewers are Durable and heat-safe.
Any of these materials can be used with confidence in the oven without the burning risks of wood.
Cooking Foods on Wooden Skewers
Wooden skewers add beautiful presentation when making kebabs, chicken satays, shrimp, and other oven-cooked foods. The key is keeping skewers protected and using care when handling them in the hot oven.
Some oven dishes well-suited for wood skewers include:
- Chicken or beef kebabs: brush skewers with oil first. Arrange horizontally.
- Shrimp or scallop skewers are best baked at 400°F or lower.
- Fruit kabobs: pineapple, peaches, and berries Low oven heat only.
- Vegetable skewer recipes: cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and peppers
- Lamb or pork souvlaki: Marinate and baste skewers well.
- Skewered meatballs: brush with oil or marinade before baking.
Any foods that work well on the grill can be adapted for oven cooking on skewers. Wooden skewers add an attractive presentation when serving these dishes but require caution in the oven.
Always soak, coat, or wrap skewer ends for protection. Place horizontally on a baking sheet and keep temperatures moderate, ideally below 400°F. Monitor them closely while cooking. Remove it immediately if burning occurs.
FAQ About Using Wooden Skewers in the Oven
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about safely using wooden skewers in oven cooking:
Are bamboo skewers really okay in the oven?
Yes, bamboo skewers are one of the safest wooden options for the oven since bamboo is less prone to burning than softwoods. But they still require precautions like lower heat, close monitoring, and preparation like soaking or oiling. Never leave bamboo skewers unattended in the oven.
What’s the best way to keep skewers from burning?
Soaking skewers in water for 30+ minutes before baking creates a protective moisture barrier. Coating them in oil, marinade, or nonstick spray is also helpful. Wrapping exposed ends in foil adds protection too. Keeping the oven temperature low—around 375°F or under—also prevents burning.
Should skewers be placed vertically or horizontally?
Position skewers horizontally on a baking sheet rather than poking them vertically into food. Horizontal placement reduces the risk of burning since the exposed ends aren’t near the heat source.
Can you reuse wooden skewers after oven cooking?
It’s best not to reuse wooden skewers. The high oven heat compromises their integrity, and they can burn faster the second time around. Bamboo skewers are inexpensive, so it’s better to use fresh skewers each time.
What’s a safe oven temperature for wooden skewers?
Keep oven temperatures moderate, below 400°F, for safe wooden skewer use. Temps in the 250°–375°F range are ideal. Higher than 400°F increases the chances of burning skewers. If baking over 400°F, opt for metal or silicone skewers instead of wood.
The Takeaway on Wooden Skewers in the Oven
Wooden skewers add festive presentation to oven-baked kebabs, meatballs, shrimp, and other foods. Both bamboo and birch wood skewers can be used safely in the oven as long as proper precautions are taken.
- Soak or coat skewers in oil first.
- Trim excess length and wrap ends.
- Keep oven temperatures moderate (under 400 °F).
- Place skewers horizontally on baking sheets.
- Monitor closely while cooking.
- Remove it immediately if burning occurs.
With extra care, wooden skewers can be an oven-safe and decorative cooking tool. For worry-free baking at any temperature, substitute metal or silicone skewers, which are naturally heat-resistant.
Now you know the dos and don’ts for safely baking with those handy wooden skewers! With a few precautions, you can use them to beautifully accent your oven-cooked meals.
Hi, I’m Julie, the passionate foodie and founder of Juliesfamilykitchen.com. I created this blog out of a drive to prove someone wrong, and then I realized how much I truly enjoy cooking and trying new recipes. In my free time, when I’m not running around after my kids or spending quality time with my partner, you can usually find me in the kitchen experimenting with new dishes.