If you love to make homemade cheese, then you probably already know what a cheesecloth is.
In fact, if you have found your way to this article, then you are probably fed up with how much of a hassle they can be to use.
On the other hand, you might enjoy using a cheesecloth, but maybe yours is broken or you’ve misplaced it. Whatever your reasons, we can help you out.
There are lots of different substitutes for cheesecloths that are actually a lot less complicated to work with, and a lot of them might be in your home already!
Read on to find out about 5 of the best cheesecloth substitutes that you need to try today!
What Is A Cheesecloth?
Before looking at the substitutes, some of you might be wondering what a cheesecloth even is. It’s basically a type of fabric or gauze that is used for cheese making.
While this is the most common use of the cheesecloth, it can be used for a lot of other things too.
Other uses include straining liquids, polishing wood, and wrapping herbs.
Cheesecloths also come in different grades too. The tighter-weaved cheesecloths are more suited for cheese making, while the looser-weaved cheesecloths are better for other uses.
The possible uses of the cheesecloth are almost unlimited, and it’s a great tool to have in your kitchen, even if you don’t make cheese!
5 Of The Best Substitutes For Cheesecloth You Need To Try
So if you don’t have a cheesecloth at hand, that doesn’t mean you have to give up hope.
Whether you are a seasoned cheese maker or this is your first time, there are plenty of other things you can use instead.
This list is made up of things you can find at home, as well as things you can go out and buy quite easily. You dont have to break the bank with these substitutes either, so let’s take a look at them now!
1. Coffee Filters
This might seem like an odd choice at first, but once you try out coffee filters in the place of a cheesecloth once, you’ll find yourself using this substitute again and again!
They are a lot cheaper than cheesecloths and they are so much easier to find, so if you aren’t able to get hold of a cheesecloth, this is a very safe option for you to try.
Coffee filters are actually made from a material that is quite similar to cheesecloths, so that’s why they work so well as a substitute. They also work well for dusting surfaces, so you can use them for more than just cheese.
2. Muslin Cloth
Muslin cloths are another great substitute for cheesecloths because they are made from a tightly woven fabric.
They are incredibly durable too, so you can use them, wash them, and repeat quite a few times before you need to replace them.
On top of this, muslin cloths are similar to cheesecloths in the sense that they are available in different grades, weights, and even thread counts, so you’re sure to find a muslin cloth that will work for you.
Muslin cloths have quite a high absorbance level which makes them ideal for cheesemaking.
They are also a lot more affordable than cheesecloths, so don’t spend extra money when you don’t need to!
3. Cloth Napkin
Cloth napkins are a substitute that is quite affordable, more than a cheesecloth, and they are quite easy to find. You wont have any hassle in finding one at a moment’s notice.
If you are going to use a cloth napkin as your substitute, just make sure that the one you choose is made from a lightweight fabric that has a tight weave.
Any other type of cloth napkin won’t be as effective. Two types of cloth napkins that are especially good are made from cotton and linen.
You will have to cut the cloth napkin to make sure that it is the right shape and size, but you don’t have to be crafty to do this and even if it’s a bit too large or misshapen, it will still work really well.
4. Fabric Scrap
This is a great substitute to use if you don’t have time to go to the store and you have a lot of extra fabric laying around.
Fabric scraps work for lots of different purposes too, so you don’t have to limit this substitute to cheese making!
For cheese making and straining liquid, all you have to do is get your fabric scrap and cut it into a square, fold it to make a cone shape, and then keep it secure with a rubber band.
You don’t have to be skilled in this process either, as long as it is roughly the right size and secured, it will work really effectively.
Fabric scraps also work well for other cheesecloth purposes, such as bundling herbs and spices, and even using it as a reusable coffee filter!
5. Bandana
Yes, even clothes and accessories can be used as a cheesecloth! Bandanas are no exception.
Bandanas are made of 100% cotton, and they are incredibly absorbent and durable, which is why they are perfect to use as substitute cheesecloths.
They are also incredibly inexpensive, so you don’t have to worry about spending loads of money if you dont want to.
To make matters even better, you have most likely got a bandana or your kids have one laying around the house somewhere, so if you know there’s one in the house, wash it thoroughly and try it out for yourself!
Conclusion
Cheesecloths are great, but they can be quite expensive and even a bit tricky to use. Luckily, there are plenty of alternatives and substitutes you can choose from if you dont have one available.
Each of these substitutes is fantastic in its own way, and they are all pretty inexpensive too.
You would be amazed by how many things laying around your house would make the perfect cheesecloth!
5 Of The Best Substitutes For Cheesecloth You Need To Try!
Are you in the process of making cheese but you don’t have a cheesecloth? Click here to learn about 5 of the best substitutes you need to try!
Ingredients
Coffee Filters
Muslin Cloth
Cloth Napkin
Fabric Scrap
Bandana
Directions
- Decided on what substitute you need
- Pick a substitute from the list above
- Read what you need to substitute with
- Create the recipe and enjoy
Recipe Video
Cooking is great for your mental, physical, and emotional health. What’s the worst that could happen? Find a recipe that you like the sound of and cook it along with me. You might even unlock a new passion!
- 15 Traditional Greek Breads - July 31, 2023
- 30 Delicious And Gluten-Free Cookie Recipes - July 29, 2023
- 30 Of The Best European Desserts - July 29, 2023