As you enter the cupboard to prepare your delectable favorite supper, you discover that you have run out of cheesecloth! Your initial thought is probably, “What can I use in place of cheesecloth?” Don’t worry; you can confidently explore many cheesecloth substitutes that will work like magic for you. Numerous options are available on the market to replace cheesecloth. You will have plenty of choices. However, you need to know the various materials and items that can serve as substitutes for different grades of cheesecloth. Let’s examine some excellent, easily accessible alternatives to cheesecloth.
In an average kitchen, you do not need to go shopping for cheesecloth alternatives. There are numerous options around you and with a creative mind, you will achieve incredible results. Some of these substitutes for cheesecloth include;
The 10 Cheesecloth Substitutes
1. Coffee filters
Tons of these filters are lying in the drawer, and it’s about time to try something different. Coffee filters allow liquids to pass through while trapping residue. Cheesecloth serves this primary purpose during straining. Therefore, you can use coffee filters as a great replacement for cheesecloth.
The weave of coffee filters compares favorably to that of high-quality cheesecloth, and some filters even offer finer weaves. You need to keep a close eye on the coffee filters, unlike with cheesecloth. Since they are paper-based, they can shatter, so avoid overextending them.
2. Kitchen towel
Kitchen towels have a weave similar to fine grade cheesecloth, like grade 90 cheesecloth. The only difference is that kitchen towels tend to hold more moisture than cheesecloth. However, this shouldn’t stop you from using them as a substitute for cheesecloth.
When you use kitchen towels as cheesecloth alternatives, you should squeeze them thoroughly. Choose unbleached towels without any dyes. Ensure that they are clean before use, and do not use towels dedicated to food processing for other purposes.
3. Twine
Are you surprised that twine can substitute for cheesecloth? Of course, you wouldn’t use twine to strain cheese instead of cheesecloth. Cheesecloth has numerous uses, many of which we discussed in a previous post. One of those uses is tying herbs, and this is where twine comes into play.
You can effectively use twine to tie herbs and spices. Make sure to use clean twine to achieve the desired results, just as you would with cheesecloth.
4. Meshed bags
If you love almond milk, you likely have fine-meshed bags in your cupboard. Don’t let these bags sit idle while you struggle to strain broth and other liquids. You can use these bags to save the day.
Most fine-meshed bags are reusable. Manufacturers make them from nylon, allowing you to wash, store, and reuse them. The nylon material ensures that the bags do not overstretch. When you clean them thoroughly, they won’t retain any odors from past use, so they won’t transfer any taste or smell to your meals.
5. Chinois strainer
This conical sieve made of extremely fine mesh strains sauces, purees, soups, and custards effectively. Its efficiency in producing a smooth texture makes it a very suitable substitute for cheesecloth.
People commonly refer to the chinois strainer as the china cap. Traditionally, cooks used it to strain very smooth fluids, including soups, stocks, and sauces. The design of the chinois includes a plastic or metal handle, and it features an overhang on the opposite side that allows it to rest upright in the sink or pot.
You can use a chinois as a great substitute for cheesecloth. It delivers excellent results and you can clean and reuse it repeatedly. The fine mesh is easy to clean and rarely rusts.
6. Muslin bags
Muslin bags are crafted from muslin, which is a loosely woven cotton fabric. This fabric is very popular in dressmaking and designers typically use it to create expensive custom dresses. Its reliability makes it an excellent choice for making muslin bags.
You can find muslin bags in over 10 sizes, ranging from 2”x3” to 16”x20”. People use them as part bags, storage bags, promotional bags, gift bags, and food packaging bags. When cheesecloth is unavailable, these bags serve as a great alternative.
Muslin bags come in various weights, depending on the material used. Typically, manufacturers use sheers or coarse sheets, which are excellent for making tea bags, making muslin bags reliable substitutes for cheesecloth.
7. Flour sacks
These manufacturers create sacks from cotton towels. People commonly use them to store flour, hence the name flour sacks. They weave the fabric finely, making it tighter than standard cheesecloth. When you use them as a substitute for cheesecloth, fluids may take longer to flow through the small holes.
The fine weave may cause you to take longer to sieve or strain fluids, but it will produce pulp-free liquids. This result is what you desire when straining cheese, as it separates all the whey from the cheese, delivering splendid results.
8. Tea towels
This fine cloth, made from cotton or linen, can combine the two materials to create a smooth finish. Manufacturers often add imprints or woven designs for decorative purposes.
Traditionally, people used tea towels in tea ceremonies to cover warm baked goods. You can also use these beautiful towels as alternatives to cheesecloth. They serve several functions, such as tying herbs, cleaning utensils, and straining cheese.
9. Cotton handkerchief
The simplest hacks can yield the most efficient results. Substituting cheesecloth with a handkerchief may sound like a far-fetched idea, but many people find that it delivers great results. Large handkerchiefs have become popular for straining and sieving tasks.
Since handkerchiefs are made of cotton, they effectively strain fluids. The material resembles fine-grade cheesecloth, allowing it to strain slowly while providing fine finishes.
Using handkerchiefs as substitutes for cheesecloth offers several benefits. They are cheap, easily accessible, and can be reused multiple times. Additionally, cleaning them is straightforward, and you don’t need specialized detergents.
10. Diapers
Cheesecloth alternatives can include both the usual and the unusual. One substitute that many people may never consider is a new diaper. Traditional diapers work best for this task.
You should label the diapers used as cheesecloth substitutes and keep them away from baby clothes to avoid mixing them with other diapers.
Conclusion
Cheesecloth is gaining popularity by the day, with many modern recipes incorporating its use. This unique piece of fabric helps in making cheese, jelly, and straining, among other kitchen tasks. Fortunately, if you don’t have cheesecloth in your pantry, you can use various substitutes.
Every kitchen should have cheesecloth as one of its essential items. It has hundreds of uses and proves to be handy both inside and outside the kitchen. You will find it very useful when cooking soups, sauces, and broths.
If you lack cheesecloth in your pantry, don’t panic. You can choose from numerous substitutes for cheesecloth. We hope the options outlined in this post will work magic for you. Now, you can relax knowing that your straining needs are well taken care of, and you have plenty of choices.