Goldfish Crackers at Home
Goldfish Crackers at Home is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by TayBrice on YouTube.
Prep: 40 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min
Cost: $3.07 total, $0.77 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded; about 1 cup loosely packed)
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cold, cut into small cubes)
- 2 tablespoons Cold Water (a few dashes; add more if dough is dry)
- 0.5 teaspoon Baking Powder (helps crackers puff slightly)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (divided: half in dough, half for sprinkling)
Instructions
Shred the cheese
Using a box grater, shred the sharp cheddar cheese into fine pieces.
Time: PT5M
Pulse cheese in processor
Place the shredded cheese in the food processor and pulse a few times until it forms a coarse crumb.
Time: PT2M
Add dry and wet ingredients
Add the flour, cold butter cubes, baking powder, half the salt, and cold water to the processor. Pulse until a cohesive dough forms.
Time: PT5M
Shape and chill the dough
Turn the dough onto a piece of plastic wrap, shape it into a ball, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Time: PT30M
Preheat the oven
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it fully preheat.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 350°F
Roll the dough thin
On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about 1/8‑inch thickness.
Time: PT5M
Cut shapes and prepare baking sheet
Press a goldfish‑shaped cookie cutter (or any small fish shape) into the rolled dough. Transfer the cutouts onto a parchment‑lined baking sheet and sprinkle the remaining salt lightly.
Time: PT5M
Bake the crackers
Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown and the crackers are crisp.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool and serve
Remove the sheet from the oven, let the crackers cool on a rack for 5 minutes, then enjoy.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 15 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Colby cheese, Monterey Jack
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Bread flour, Gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Vegetable shortening
- Instead of Cold Water: Milk (for richer flavor), Buttermilk
- Instead of Baking Powder: Baking soda (use 1/4 tsp), Cream of tartar (combine with baking soda)
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Kosher salt
Equipment Needed
- Food Processor
- Mixing Bowl
- Plastic Wrap
- Rolling Pin
- Cookie Cutter
- Straw (optional) (optional)
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Oven
- Cooling Rack (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Rolling the dough thin (≈1/8 inch).
- Baking just until golden – do not overbake.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Cold butter creates a flaky texture; avoid letting it melt before mixing.
- Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment to prevent sticking and achieve uniform thickness.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the dough.
Troubleshooting
Dough is too dry and crumbly.
Add cold water one teaspoon at a time until the dough comes together.
Dough is sticky and hard to roll.
Sprinkle a little extra flour on the work surface and on the dough, then continue rolling.
Crackers are soft after cooling.
Bake an extra 2‑3 minutes or lower the oven temperature to 325°F and bake a bit longer for extra crispness.
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.
Freezer: Up to 2 months; freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a zip‑top bag.
Room temperature: 1 week in a sealed jar or tin at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The dough can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and kept refrigerated.
- Cut shapes can be frozen on a tray; bake directly from frozen, adding 2‑3 minutes to baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of homemade goldfish crackers in American snack culture?
Goldfish crackers were created in the 1960s by Swiss company Pepperidge Farm and quickly became an iconic American snack. Making them at home lets you control ingredients and recreate the nostalgic fish‑shaped treat without preservatives.
What are the traditional regional variations of goldfish‑style cheese crackers in the United States?
While the classic version is cheddar‑flavored, regional twists include adding jalapeño for a Southwest kick, using pepper jack in the Pacific Northwest, or incorporating smoked gouda in New England. Home cooks often experiment with herbs and spices to reflect local tastes.
How are homemade goldfish crackers traditionally served in American households?
They are typically served as a snack straight from the pantry, packed in lunchboxes, or paired with dips like ranch or hummus at family gatherings. In some regions they appear on party platters alongside other bite‑size snacks.
What occasions or celebrations are goldfish crackers associated with in American culture?
Goldfish crackers are a staple at casual gatherings, children’s birthday parties, school lunches, and movie nights. Their fun shape makes them popular for themed parties and as a quick, kid‑friendly snack.
What makes homemade cheddar goldfish crackers special compared to store‑bought versions?
Homemade crackers contain fresh cheese, no artificial preservatives, and can be customized with extra seasonings. The texture is often crispier and the flavor richer because the cheese is baked directly into the dough.
What other American snack dishes pair well with homemade goldfish crackers?
They pair nicely with creamy dips such as spinach‑artichoke dip, cheese fondue, or a simple sour‑cream and chive dip. They also complement soups like tomato bisque or a hearty chili as a crunchy topping.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making homemade cheddar goldfish crackers?
Common errors include over‑mixing the dough, which can make the crackers tough; rolling the dough too thick, resulting in a doughy center; and baking too long, which burns the delicate cheese flavor. Chill the dough fully and roll it thin for best results.
Why does this recipe use a food processor instead of hand‑mixing the dough?
The food processor quickly cuts the cold butter into the flour and cheese, creating a flaky texture without over‑working the dough. Hand‑mixing can warm the butter, leading to a less crisp cracker.
Can I make the cheddar goldfish crackers ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. After baking, let them cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cooled crackers and re‑crisp them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes before serving.
What does the YouTube channel TayBrice specialize in?
The YouTube channel TayBrice focuses on fun, approachable home cooking videos that often feature quick snack hacks, comfort food twists, and light‑hearted commentary while demonstrating clear step‑by‑step techniques.
How does the YouTube channel TayBrice's approach to American snack recipes differ from other cooking channels?
TayBrice blends humor with practical cooking tips, often using everyday kitchen tools and emphasizing speed and simplicity. Unlike more formal channels, TayBrice encourages improvisation and playful experimentation, making snack recipes feel accessible to beginners.
Last updated: August 14, 2026
