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Crispy Homemade Goldfish-Style Cheddar Crackers

homemade Goldfish-style cheddar crackers - featured image

These crispy homemade Goldfish-style cheddar crackers are light, cheesy, and perfectly bite-sized, ideal for snacking or lunchboxes. Made with simple ingredients and easy steps, they deliver a nostalgic, addictive crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground paprika (optional)
  • 23 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

  1. Grate 8 ounces (225 grams) of sharp cheddar cheese finely using a box grater.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon paprika if using. Whisk together.
  3. Add 1/2 cup (115 grams) cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces.
  4. Add the grated cheddar cheese to the flour and butter mixture. Stir gently to combine without overworking the dough.
  5. Slowly add 2 tablespoons of cold water, mixing gently with a fork. Add another tablespoon if needed until the dough just comes together and is firm but pliable.
  6. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  8. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thickness.
  9. Cut out crackers using a fish-shaped cookie cutter or any small cutter, placing them about 1 inch apart on the baking sheet. Re-roll scraps and cut more crackers.
  10. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden brown and crackers feel crisp. Watch closely after 10 minutes to avoid burning.
  11. Let crackers cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and improve texture. Roll dough thinly (1/8 inch) for crispiness. Grate cheese finely to avoid greasy dough. Watch baking time closely to prevent burning. Cool crackers completely for maximum crunch. Optional: sprinkle flaky sea salt before baking for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: homemade crackers, cheddar crackers, goldfish crackers, crispy snack, easy snack recipe, cheesy crackers, kid-friendly snack