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Crispy Homemade Goldfish-Style Cheesy Crackers Easy Lunchbox Snack Recipe

homemade goldfish-style cheesy crackers - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy homemade Goldfish-style cheesy crackers made with simple pantry staples, perfect for lunchboxes and snack cravings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (113g) sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour, sifted (can substitute with gluten-free flour blend)
  • 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons (3045 ml) ice-cold water
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

  1. Finely grate 1 cup (113g) of sharp cheddar cheese and set aside.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika if using. Stir to blend.
  3. Add 4 tablespoons (57g) cold unsalted butter, cubed. Work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits.
  4. Stir in the shredded cheddar. Slowly add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of ice-cold water, mixing gently until the dough starts to hold together. Add more water 1 teaspoon at a time if needed. The dough should be firm yet pliable, not sticky.
  5. Shape the dough into a flat disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  6. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/8-inch (3 mm) thickness.
  7. Use a small fish-shaped cookie cutter or a sharp knife to cut the dough into tiny shapes about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. Place them spaced evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  8. Using a toothpick or fork, gently poke holes in each cracker to prevent puffing during baking.
  9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake crackers for 12-15 minutes until golden and crisp. Check after 10 minutes to avoid burning.
  10. Transfer crackers to a wire rack to cool completely. They will crisp up as they cool.

Notes

Keep ingredients cold for a tender, flaky texture. Chill dough before rolling to prevent shrinking. Use parchment or silicone mats to prevent sticking. Rotate baking sheet halfway through baking for even cooking. Let crackers cool completely before storing to maintain crispness. Re-toast at 325°F (160°C) for 2 minutes if crackers lose crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy crackers, homemade crackers, goldfish style, lunchbox snack, easy snack, cheddar crackers, crispy crackers