Goldfish Crackers
Crispy, cheesy, and utterly addictive homemade crackers shaped like little fish. A fun and savory snack for all ages, made with real cheddar cheese and much better than the store-bought version.
For 8 servings
7 steps. 18 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Dough Base
- b.In the bowl of a food processor, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, paprika, and onion powder. Pulse 3-4 times to mix.
- c.Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Pulse about 10-12 times, or until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Incorporate Cheese and Form Dough
- b.Add the finely shredded cheddar cheese to the food processor and pulse until it's fully incorporated and the mixture is crumbly.
- c.With the processor running on low, slowly drizzle in the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time. Stop as soon as the dough starts to clump together and form a ball. You may not need all the water.
- d.Do not over-process the dough.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Chill the Dough
- b.Turn the dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap. Gently press it together to form a flat disk, about 1-inch thick.
- c.Wrap the disk tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 days. This step is crucial for making the dough easy to roll.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans
- b.When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- c.Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Roll and Cut the Crackers
- b.On a lightly floured surface, unwrap the chilled dough. Roll it out as thinly as possible, to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- c.Use a small fish-shaped cookie cutter (about 1-inch) to cut out the crackers. Re-roll scraps as needed.
- d.Carefully place the cut-out crackers on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a small amount of space between them.
- e.Optionally, use a toothpick or skewer to poke a small 'eye' on each fish.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Bake to Perfection
- b.Bake for 15-18 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through, until the crackers are golden brown at the edges and feel firm to the touch.
- c.Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes as they can brown very quickly.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Cool and Store
- b.Let the crackers cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- c.The crackers will become crispier as they cool. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use a high-quality, sharp or extra-sharp block cheddar cheese and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the dough's texture.
- 2Keeping the butter and water ice-cold is the secret to a tender, flaky cracker. Don't let the butter soften.
- 3Roll the dough as thinly and evenly as you can. Thinner dough results in crispier crackers.
- 4If the dough becomes soft or sticky while rolling, place it back in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up.
- 5For an extra salty kick, lightly brush the crackers with water and sprinkle with flaky sea salt before baking.
- 6Don't overwork the dough after adding water, as this can develop gluten and make the crackers tough instead of tender.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy
Add 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper along with the dry ingredients for a spicy kick.
HerbedHerbed
Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary or dried thyme for an aromatic, herby flavor.
Cheese BlendCheese Blend
Substitute half of the cheddar with an equal amount of grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese for a more complex flavor profile.
Whole WheatWhole Wheat
Replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and added fiber.
Why this is on our healthy list.
No Artificial Preservatives
By making these crackers at home, you have complete control over the ingredients, avoiding the artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives often found in commercial snacks.
Good Source of Calcium
Made with a generous amount of real cheddar cheese, these crackers provide a good source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
Provides Energy
The carbohydrates from the all-purpose flour provide a quick source of energy, making these crackers a satisfying and energizing snack.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of these homemade Goldfish crackers (about 1/2 cup) contains approximately 220-230 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used.