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Homemade Goldfish Crackers Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Dough

  • 2 cups (8 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter (cold)
  • 12 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