Homemade Goldfish Crackers For Kids
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Let’s dive into a super fun culinary adventure — homemade Goldfish Crackers! We all love these little poppable snacks, but did you know you could make them at home SUPER easy?
This recipe is not only super easy to make but you probably already have the ingredients in your kitchen! Plus, your kids will think you’re a superstar by making these at home!
Ingredients Needed To Make Goldfish Crackers
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- Cold Butter
- Flour
- Salt
- Garlic Salt
- Milk
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Fish Shaped Cookie Cutter
How To Make Goldfish Crackers
STEP 1: Shred your cheddar cheese. Using a food processor, pulse the cheese, butter, flour, salt, and garlic into coarse crumbs.
STEP 2: Add your milk and Worcestershire sauce and pulse until a ball forms.
STEP THREE: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface so that it’s 1/8 inch thick, or the thickness you desire. The thinner the dough, the crispier the crackers.
STEP FOUR: Cut out the dough with a fish cookie cutter and place on a parchment or Silpat lined baking sheet. Poke a small hole in the cracker where the eye would be.
STEP FIVE: Bake for 12-17 minutes until they just start to get a golden brown or until desired crispiness.
Variations & Substitutions
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different types of cheese for unique flavor profiles. Try using mild cheddar, Colby Jack, or even a combination of cheeses.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make these crackers suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Seasoning Variations: Mix up the seasoning to customize the flavor of your crackers. Instead of garlic salt, try using onion powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning for a different taste profile.
- Milk Substitutes: Any type of milk or milk alternative can be used in place of regular milk. Almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk are great options for a dairy-free alternative.
- Shape Varieties: Don’t limit yourself to just fish shapes! Get creative with different cookie cutter shapes like stars, hearts, or animals to make your crackers even more fun and appealing to kids.
- Spice It Up: Add a kick of heat by incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes into the dough for a spicy twist on classic Goldfish crackers.
Goldfish Crackers
Ingredients
- 6 oz. sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup cold butter cut into small pieces
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1/2 tsp. Salt
- 1/4 tsp. garlic salt
- 1 Tbsp. milk
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- Fish-shaped cookie cutter use goldfish
Instructions
- Shred your cheddar cheese.
- Using a food processor, pulse the cheese, butter, flour, salt, and garlic into coarse crumbs.
- Add your milk and Worcestershire sauce and pulse until a ball forms. You may need to add a touch more milk.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface so that it’s 1/8 inch thick, or the thickness you desire. The thinner the dough, the crispier the crackers.
- Cut out the dough with a fish cookie cutter and place on a parchment or Silpat lined baking sheet.
- Poke a small hole in the cracker where the eye would be.
- Bake for 12-17 minutes until they just start to get a golden brown or until desired crispiness.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I freeze the dough or baked crackers?
Yes, you can freeze both the dough and the baked crackers. To freeze the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling out and baking. Baked crackers can also be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
Can I make these crackers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before rolling out and baking. Alternatively, you can bake the crackers ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
My crackers turned out too soft. What did I do wrong?
If your crackers are too soft, it’s possible that they were rolled out too thick or underbaked. Make sure to roll the dough to the desired thickness (1/8 inch or thinner) and bake them until they are just starting to turn golden brown around the edges for optimal crispiness.
Can I make these crackers without a fish-shaped cookie cutter?
Of course! While the fish shape is iconic for Goldfish crackers, you can use any cookie cutter shape you like. Get creative and use stars, hearts, or even simple circles for a fun twist on the classic snack.
Can I add extra flavorings or mix-ins to the dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the flavor of your crackers by adding herbs, spices, or even grated Parmesan cheese to the dough. Just keep in mind that adding too many extra ingredients could affect the texture of the crackers, so it’s best to start with small additions and adjust to taste.
