Make it a meal with these great pairings!
Cook-in-Bag FAQ
Is cooking in the package safe?
Yes, it is completely safe to use. The packaging will not burn or melt in temperatures below 425 degrees. It was extensively tested for safe, direct contact with food by FDA and two universities with packaging science programs: Virginia Tech and the Rochester Institute of Technology. Wegmans has offered a variety of Cook-in-Bag entrées in packaging since 2016.
Can I remove contents from bag and add to pan to cook without the bag?
It’s a food-safe Mylar polyester film made by DuPont and designed to package proteins.
Can I remove contents from bag and add to pan to cook without the bag?
Yes, these items can be cooked without the bag; cooking times may vary.
Is the packaging BPA free?
Yes, Cook-in-Bag packaging is manufactured without BPA.
Can I use a microwave, slow cooker, pressure cooker, or sous-vide method to cook these items?
Please follow the cooking directions on the label. Most of these recipes are intended for oven use only. However, some of the meat and poultry items also have slow cooker directions.
Do I need to remove the labels before cooking?
Yes, please follow the cooking directions by removing all labels before placing the package in the oven. The labels are designed to peel off easily.
Should I cut holes in the film or peel back the film before I cook the product?
No, our Cook-in-Bag packaging is designed to cook the product without any punctures or holes. It may vent or separate along the seam during cooking.
I’d like to cook more than one entrée at the same time. Should I increase the cooking time?
Cooking times may vary depending on your oven. Cooking multiple packages may require a longer cook time.
I noticed when I cooked the product that the film vented or came apart at the seam. Is this normal?
The film will often vent or separate along the seam during cooking. This allows air to circulate within the package and is completely normal. The package should be placed in a shallow pan to capture any potential spills.
Will I get burned by touching this item after it comes out of the oven?
Please be careful and follow all cooking directions. While the Cook-in-Bag packaging doesn’t conduct heat very well, the food inside will be very hot and could cause a burn. If the packaging seams separate, there may also be steam.
I want to cook the product to the right temperature. Should I poke through the package with a thermometer?
These recipes and cooking directions were designed to cook above the temperature needed for food safety. We don’t recommend poking holes in the film during cooking. You may take the temperature after the entrée is removed from the oven and prior to serving.
I used a thermometer and the temperature was very high. Is the entrée ruined?
No. The Cook-in-Bag packaging allows for high temperatures while keeping the entrée moist, flavorful, and tender.
Can I cook meat/poultry in cook-in-bag packaging from frozen?
We don’t recommend it. For taste and quality, Wegmans chef-developed meat and poultry items in Cook-in-Bag packaging are intended to be thawed prior to cooking.