Homemade Goldfish Crackers Recipe

Introduction

Homemade Goldfish Crackers are a delightful and cheesy snack you can make right in your own kitchen. Crispy, flavorful, and fun to eat, these bite-sized crackers are perfect for kids and adults alike. Plus, making them from scratch lets you control the ingredients for a fresh, wholesome treat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (8 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (cold)
• 1-2 tbsp ice water (as needed)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
2. Step 2: Add the shredded cheese, flour, and cold butter to a food processor. Pulse in short increments until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
3. Step 3: Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of ice water to the food processor and pulse just enough for the dough to start coming together. Avoid over-processing to protect your food processor and ensure the dough forms correctly. The water amount may vary depending on your environment’s temperature.
4. Step 4: Transfer the mixture onto a clean surface and gently knead it to bring the dough together.
5. Step 5: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
6. Step 6: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out fish shapes, or slice into small squares with a pizza cutter for classic crackers.
7. Step 7: Gather the dough scraps, re-roll, and continue cutting shapes until all dough is used. Arrange the shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Step 8: Bake at 350 degrees F for approximately 10 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. Watch carefully as thinner crackers can burn quickly. Allow crackers to cool completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder into the dough before blending.
• Use sharp cheddar for a more intense cheese taste or experiment with other cheeses like Parmesan for a different twist.
• If you don’t have a fish-shaped cutter, small stars or circles work well too.

Storage

Store cooled crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them crisp, place a slice of bread in the container to absorb moisture. Reheat briefly in a low oven to refresh their crunch if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these crackers without a food processor?

Yes, you can combine the flour, cheese, and butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then add cold water gradually and knead until the dough forms.

How thin should I roll the dough for the best texture?

Rolling the dough to about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick creates crispy crackers that aren’t too delicate. Thinner crackers will bake faster and be crispier but watch them carefully to avoid burning.

Homemade Goldfish Crackers Recipe

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4.8 from 150 reviews

Homemade Goldfish Crackers are a delightful, cheesy snack made from scratch using shredded cheddar cheese, flour, and butter. These crispy, bite-sized crackers are perfect for kids and adults alike, offering a fun alternative to store-bought snacks with the charm of homemade flavor and texture.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 60–70 crackers 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Cheese Dough

• 2 cups (8 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (cold)
• 1–2 tbsp ice water (as needed)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) to prepare for baking the crackers.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, and cold unsalted butter into a food processor. Pulse in increments until the mixture achieves a grainy, sand-like texture.
3. Add Ice Water and Form Dough: Gradually add 1 to 2 tablespoons of ice-cold water to the food processor. Pulse just enough to bring the mixture together into a dough, avoiding overprocessing. The water amount needed depends on the environment’s temperature.
4. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and gently knead it until it comes together smoothly.
5. Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for 30 minutes to firm up for easier handling.
6. Roll Out Dough and Shape: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thickness. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out goldfish shapes or use a pizza cutter to slice the dough into small square crackers.
7. Re-roll and Cut: Gather the dough scraps, re-roll, and cut more shapes. Continue until all dough is used. Arrange the cut shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
8. Bake the Crackers: Bake in the preheated oven at 350 degrees F for approximately 10 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Cooking time may vary based on cracker thickness; watch closely to prevent burning.
9. Cool and Serve: Let the crackers cool completely on a wire rack before serving to allow them to crisp up.

Notes

• Use cold butter and ice water to ensure a flaky texture in the cracker dough.
• Keep an eye on the crackers while baking to avoid burning as they can brown quickly.
• Rolling the dough evenly ensures uniform cracker thickness and consistent baking.
• Store cooled crackers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crispness.
• If you don’t have a goldfish-shaped cutter, small circle or square cutters work well.

Keywords: Goldfish Crackers, Homemade Crackers, Cheddar Crackers, Snack Recipe, Kid-Friendly Snack