Description
These homemade Goldfish crackers are crispy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, made with real sharp cheddar cheese and simple pantry spices. Perfect as a fun snack for kids and adults alike, they’re preservative-free, customizable with different cheeses and seasonings, and easy to bake at home for lunchboxes, parties, or anytime cravings.
Ingredients
8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon celery salt
½ teaspoon onion powder
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled
4–5 tablespoons cold water
Goldfish cookie cutter (optional)
Instructions
- Finely shred the cheddar cheese and place it in a food processor. Pulse until the cheese is finely chopped.
- Add flour, salt, sugar, baking powder, paprika, celery salt, and onion powder. Pulse to combine.
- Add butter and 4 tablespoons cold water. Pulse until dough forms. If crumbly, add more water gradually.
- Transfer dough to a surface, knead lightly, then divide into two discs. Cover and refrigerate 30–60 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment.
- Roll dough into 9–10″ × 11″ rectangles, about ⅛” thick.
- Cut shapes with a goldfish or small cookie cutter, arrange on baking sheets, and sprinkle with salt if desired.
- Bake 14–16 minutes, until lightly golden on the bottom.
- Cool completely on the tray before serving.
Notes
- Use white cheddar, parmesan, or pepper jack for flavor variations.
- Add cayenne for a spicy kick or sprinkle with sesame, poppy, or bagel seasoning.
- Make ahead: refrigerate dough up to 2 days or freeze for 2 months.
- Roll dough thin (⅛ inch or less) for maximum crispiness.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze baked crackers for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 mins (plus 30–60 mins chilling)
- Cook Time: 14–16 mins per batch
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10 crackers
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
