Homemade Baked Goldfish Crackers
These baked Goldfish-style crackers are a fun, cheesy snack made with just a few pantry staples. Perfect for kids and adults alike, they’re crisp, buttery, and full of sharp cheddar flavor. Use a fish-shaped cookie cutter for authenticity or go freestyle with any small cutter or knife.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
1 cup (4 oz) sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional, for flavor)
1–2 tbsp ice water (as needed)
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Dough
1. In a food processor, pulse cheese, butter, flour, salt, and garlic powder until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
2. Add ice water 1 tablespoon at a time and pulse just until dough forms into a ball.
3. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 2: Shape the Crackers
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
3. Use a small fish-shaped cutter or any small cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Re-roll scraps and continue cutting.
Step 3: Bake
1. Transfer shapes to prepared baking sheet.
2. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until lightly golden and crisp. Thinner crackers = crisper texture.
3. Cool completely before storing. They’ll crisp up more as they cool.
Tips & Notes:
Use sharp cheddar for the best cheesy flavor. White or orange cheddar both work.
No food processor? Use a pastry cutter or fork to blend ingredients manually.
Want a crispier cracker? Roll thinner and bake an extra 1–2 minutes (watch closely).
Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne for a smoky/spicy version.
Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 1 week. Refresh in oven if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge before rolling and baking.
Q: Can I use a different cheese?
A: Absolutely. Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, parmesan, or a blend—but cheddar gives that classic Goldfish flavor.
Q: How do I make them more like store-bought?
A: Use a very small cutter (1-inch or less), roll thin, and bake until lightly browned. Adding a pinch of yeast extract (like Marmite) can mimic the tangy commercial flavor.
Q: Can I make them gluten-free?
A: Yes—use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but texture may differ slightly.
Q: Do I need to chill the dough?
A: Yes. It prevents spreading and helps with crisp texture.
Nutritional Info
Calories: 140
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: <1g
Sodium: 170mg