“Goldfish” typically refers to the iconic fish-shaped crackers sold by Pepperidge Farm. They’re beloved by kids and nostalgic adults who like a cheesy snack. Unfortunately, standard store-bought Goldfish crackers contain wheat flour, which means they’re not gluten-free. That’s where this homemade approach steps in. By using a gluten-free flour blend and a handful of basic ingredients, you can replicate that cheesy goodness. You’ll need a fish-shaped cookie cutter (or any small cutter) to achieve the whimsical shape, but the flavor is what really matters.
This recipe shows you how to create a batch of fish-shaped cheese crackers that deliver both flavor and crunch—without the gluten.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Completely Gluten-Free
This recipe uses a gluten-free flour blend so you can enjoy crackers without worry. Perfect for those with celiac disease, wheat allergies, or general gluten intolerance. - Real Cheddar Flavor
Unlike some store-bought alternatives that taste artificial, our crackers use real cheddar cheese to provide that classic cheesy punch. - Fun Shapes
Shaping them like tiny goldfish is not only nostalgic but also appealing for kids. If you don’t have a fish-shaped cutter, any small cutter will work—stars, circles, or squares. - Easy to Make
You’ll need only a food processor (or bowl + pastry blender), basic pantry items, and about 30–40 minutes of kitchen time. Bake them for crispness, and you’re good to go. - Budget-Friendly
Gluten-free snacks can be pricey in stores. Making your own keeps costs in check and ensures you know every ingredient going in. - Great for Meal Prep and Lunchboxes
These crackers store well for up to a week in an airtight container. Perfect for school lunches or an on-the-go snack. - Versatile
Experiment with different cheeses, seasonings, or even shapes. Once you master the base dough, the possibilities are endless.
Ingredients
Below is the essential list you’ll need to make about 5–6 dozen tiny fish-shaped crackers, depending on how large or small your cookie cutter is:
- Gluten-Free Flour Blend (1 cup)
- Use a reputable all-purpose gluten-free blend that includes a mix of rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch, etc. Look for one labeled as suitable for baking.
- Use a reputable all-purpose gluten-free blend that includes a mix of rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch, etc. Look for one labeled as suitable for baking.
- Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded)
- Sharp cheddar offers a stronger flavor. You can also use mild cheddar or even a blend, like cheddar-jack.
- Sharp cheddar offers a stronger flavor. You can also use mild cheddar or even a blend, like cheddar-jack.
- Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons, cold, cut into pieces)
- Provides flakiness and helps create that classic cracker texture. Salted butter is fine too; adjust salt in the recipe accordingly.
- Provides flakiness and helps create that classic cracker texture. Salted butter is fine too; adjust salt in the recipe accordingly.
- Salt (½ teaspoon)
- Enhances the cheese flavor. If using salted butter, you may want to reduce this slightly.
- Enhances the cheese flavor. If using salted butter, you may want to reduce this slightly.
- Garlic Powder (¼ teaspoon, optional)
- Adds a subtle savory touch. Swap for onion powder or other seasonings if desired.
- Adds a subtle savory touch. Swap for onion powder or other seasonings if desired.
- Paprika or Smoked Paprika (¼ teaspoon, optional)
- Lends a bit of color and mild spice. Feel free to skip if you prefer a plain cheddar taste.
- Lends a bit of color and mild spice. Feel free to skip if you prefer a plain cheddar taste.
- Ice-Cold Water (2–4 tablespoons, as needed)
- Binds the dough without making it sticky. The exact amount depends on your flour blend and the cheese’s moisture level.
- Binds the dough without making it sticky. The exact amount depends on your flour blend and the cheese’s moisture level.
- (Optional) Red Pepper Flakes (pinch)
- If you like a slight kick. Keep it mild for kids or add more for a spicy version.
- If you like a slight kick. Keep it mild for kids or add more for a spicy version.
(Additional items: A fish-shaped cookie cutter, about 1 inch in length, or any small cutter if fish shapes aren’t available.)
Instructions
Let’s walk through the steps for making these adorable gluten-free goldfish crackers. Plan for around 15 minutes of prep time plus 15–20 minutes of baking.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet (or two) with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a food processor, add 1 cup gluten-free flour blend, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon paprika if using. Pulse briefly to mix.
- Add Cheese and Butter: Toss in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and the 4 tablespoons cold butter pieces. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This should only take a few seconds.
- Add Water: Drizzle in 2 tablespoons ice-cold water while pulsing. Check if the dough begins to clump. If it seems dry or crumbly, add another 1 or 2 tablespoons water. Pulse again until the dough forms a ball or easily sticks together when pinched. Avoid over-processing or you may end up with a gummy texture.
(If you don’t have a food processor, you can cut the butter into the flour using a pastry blender or two knives, then mix in cheese and water by hand.)
Step 3: Roll Out and Cut Shapes
- Flour Your Surface: Lightly dust a clean countertop or cutting board with gluten-free flour.
- Roll the Dough: Transfer the dough ball to the surface. Roll it out with a rolling pin until about 1/8 inch thick. If you want thicker crackers, aim for 1/4 inch, but keep in mind they’ll be puffier.
- Cut Shapes: Using a small fish-shaped cookie cutter (or any shape you prefer), cut out as many crackers as possible. Gather scraps, re-roll, and cut more until all dough is used.
Step 4: Bake
- Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the shapes on your lined baking sheet(s). Leave a bit of space between them, but they won’t spread too much.
- Bake Time: Pop them in your preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges start to turn a light golden color.
- Cool: Remove from oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for a minute. Then transfer crackers to a wire rack to cool completely. They’ll crisp up more as they cool.
Step 5: Enjoy
- Snack Time: Dig in immediately or store in an airtight container for up to a week. Pair them with dips like hummus or ranch, or eat them plain as a portable snack.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Choose the Right Flour
- Not all gluten-free blends are the same. Look for an all-purpose blend with xanthan gum included, as it helps bind the dough.
- Not all gluten-free blends are the same. Look for an all-purpose blend with xanthan gum included, as it helps bind the dough.
- Dairy-Free Option
- Swap regular cheese for a dairy-free cheese alternative. You’ll need to experiment with moisture levels, adding a bit more or less water as needed.
- Swap regular cheese for a dairy-free cheese alternative. You’ll need to experiment with moisture levels, adding a bit more or less water as needed.
- Try Different Cheeses
- Use pepper jack or a sharp white cheddar for a flavor twist. Add a few shakes of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary if you want a more sophisticated taste.
- Use pepper jack or a sharp white cheddar for a flavor twist. Add a few shakes of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary if you want a more sophisticated taste.
- Spice It Up
- Mix in a bit of cayenne pepper for heat or add dried basil and oregano for an Italian flair. Red pepper flakes also lend a punch if you like spicy crackers.
- Mix in a bit of cayenne pepper for heat or add dried basil and oregano for an Italian flair. Red pepper flakes also lend a punch if you like spicy crackers.
- Make It Crispier
- If you want ultra-crispy crackers, roll the dough thinner and keep an eye on them, as they’ll bake faster. Possibly reduce time to about 10–12 minutes.
- If you want ultra-crispy crackers, roll the dough thinner and keep an eye on them, as they’ll bake faster. Possibly reduce time to about 10–12 minutes.
- Freeze for Later
- Make a big batch of dough, shape it, and freeze the raw crackers in a single layer. Once frozen, store in a freezer bag. When ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
- Make a big batch of dough, shape it, and freeze the raw crackers in a single layer. Once frozen, store in a freezer bag. When ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
- Tiny Shapes = Quicker Bake
- The smaller the shape, the quicker they cook. Keep that in mind if you’re experimenting with miniature fish or other cute designs.
- The smaller the shape, the quicker they cook. Keep that in mind if you’re experimenting with miniature fish or other cute designs.
Serving Suggestions
- Lunchbox Staple
- Pack these gluten-free goldfish crackers in a child’s lunchbox or your own for a midday pick-me-up. Pair them with fruit or veggie sticks for a balanced snack.
- Pack these gluten-free goldfish crackers in a child’s lunchbox or your own for a midday pick-me-up. Pair them with fruit or veggie sticks for a balanced snack.
- Cheese Board Companion
- Add them to a charcuterie or cheese board. They make a crunchy contrast to soft cheese, olives, or cured meats, and stand out as a fun alternative to standard crackers.
- Add them to a charcuterie or cheese board. They make a crunchy contrast to soft cheese, olives, or cured meats, and stand out as a fun alternative to standard crackers.
- Soup Toppers
- Sprinkle a handful over tomato soup, minestrone, or broccoli cheddar soup. They’re a creative crouton alternative that provides extra flavor and texture.
- Sprinkle a handful over tomato soup, minestrone, or broccoli cheddar soup. They’re a creative crouton alternative that provides extra flavor and texture.
- Dips and Spreads
- Serve with guacamole, salsa, hummus, or spinach artichoke dip. The fish shape is perfect for scooping or dipping, especially if you make them a bit thicker.
- Serve with guacamole, salsa, hummus, or spinach artichoke dip. The fish shape is perfect for scooping or dipping, especially if you make them a bit thicker.
- Party Bites
- Fill small bowls with these crackers at parties, potlucks, or movie nights. They’re an easy finger food that appeals to both kids and grown-ups.
- Fill small bowls with these crackers at parties, potlucks, or movie nights. They’re an easy finger food that appeals to both kids and grown-ups.
- Mix Into Snack Mix
- Combine them with gluten-free pretzels, popcorn, or nuts to create a custom snack mix. This adds variety in shape and flavor.
- Combine them with gluten-free pretzels, popcorn, or nuts to create a custom snack mix. This adds variety in shape and flavor.
Conclusion
Gluten-free goldfish crackers are a playful and tasty alternative for anyone who misses the classic Pepperidge Farm variety but can’t have wheat flour. By using a reliable gluten-free flour blend, real cheese, and a straightforward technique, you can produce fish-shaped crackers that are fun to make, delightful to eat, and easy to customize. They’re perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or adult gatherings where you want something whimsical yet savory.
Cheesy snacks don’t have to break dietary rules or cost a fortune at specialty stores. With minimal effort, you can whip up your own batch of crunchy, fish-shaped crackers that rival store-bought versions. Once you master this base dough, feel free to experiment with different cheeses, seasonings, or shapes. There’s a reason these crackers are beloved—they’re adorable, delicious, and ironically, they won’t “swim away” before you get a chance to devour them.
Gluten Free Goldfish
Ingredients
Gluten-Free Flour Blend (1 cup)
- Use a reputable all-purpose gluten-free blend that includes a mix of rice flour tapioca starch, potato starch, etc. Look for one labeled as suitable for baking.
Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded)
- Sharp cheddar offers a stronger flavor. You can also use mild cheddar or even a blend like cheddar-jack.
Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons, cold, cut into pieces)
- Provides flakiness and helps create that classic cracker texture. Salted butter is fine too; adjust salt in the recipe accordingly.
Salt (½ teaspoon)
- Enhances the cheese flavor. If using salted butter you may want to reduce this slightly.
Garlic Powder (¼ teaspoon, optional)
- Adds a subtle savory touch. Swap for onion powder or other seasonings if desired.
Paprika or Smoked Paprika (¼ teaspoon, optional)
- Lends a bit of color and mild spice. Feel free to skip if you prefer a plain cheddar taste.
Ice-Cold Water (2–4 tablespoons, as needed)
- Binds the dough without making it sticky. The exact amount depends on your flour blend and the cheese’s moisture level.
(Optional) Red Pepper Flakes (pinch)
- If you like a slight kick. Keep it mild for kids or add more for a spicy version.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet (or two) with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a food processor, add 1 cup gluten-free flour blend, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon paprika if using. Pulse briefly to mix.
- Add Cheese and Butter: Toss in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and the 4 tablespoons cold butter pieces. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This should only take a few seconds.
- Add Water: Drizzle in 2 tablespoons ice-cold water while pulsing. Check if the dough begins to clump. If it seems dry or crumbly, add another 1 or 2 tablespoons water. Pulse again until the dough forms a ball or easily sticks together when pinched. Avoid over-processing or you may end up with a gummy texture.
- (If you don’t have a food processor, you can cut the butter into the flour using a pastry blender or two knives, then mix in cheese and water by hand.)
Step 3: Roll Out and Cut Shapes
- Flour Your Surface: Lightly dust a clean countertop or cutting board with gluten-free flour.
- Roll the Dough: Transfer the dough ball to the surface. Roll it out with a rolling pin until about 1/8 inch thick. If you want thicker crackers, aim for 1/4 inch, but keep in mind they’ll be puffier.
- Cut Shapes: Using a small fish-shaped cookie cutter (or any shape you prefer), cut out as many crackers as possible. Gather scraps, re-roll, and cut more until all dough is used.
Step 4: Bake
- Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the shapes on your lined baking sheet(s). Leave a bit of space between them, but they won’t spread too much.
- Bake Time: Pop them in your preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges start to turn a light golden color.
- Cool: Remove from oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for a minute. Then transfer crackers to a wire rack to cool completely. They’ll crisp up more as they cool.
Step 5: Enjoy
- Snack Time: Dig in immediately or store in an airtight container for up to a week. Pair them with dips like hummus or ranch, or eat them plain as a portable snack.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 130 kcal Total Fat: 9g Saturated Fat: 5g Carbohydrates: 9g Sugars: 0.5g Fiber: 1g Protein: 4g Sodium: 210mg Cholesterol: 20mgFAQs
Is there any gluten-free goldfish?
Pepperidge Farm does not currently offer gluten-free Goldfish crackers. However, homemade options like this recipe give you a tasty, wheat-free version.
What animal crackers are gluten-free?
Many brands produce gluten-free animal crackers or cookies. Check labels carefully. Some well-known gluten-free cookie lines or specialty brands carry them.
What are the best gluten-free snacks?
Snacks vary by taste, but popular picks include rice cakes, gluten-free pretzels, popcorn, veggie chips, or homemade options like these cheddar crackers. Always read ingredient lists to confirm they’re gluten-free.
Does rice have gluten?
Plain rice—whether white, brown, or wild—is naturally gluten-free. However, watch for cross-contamination or flavored rice mixes that may contain wheat-based additives.
Does goldfish have flour?
Classic Pepperidge Farm Goldfish use enriched wheat flour, meaning they are not gluten-free. Homemade recipes can sub in a gluten-free flour blend instead.
Is cheese gluten-free?
Generally, pure cheese is gluten-free. Processed cheese or cheese products might include starches or flavorings, so it’s good to verify. Most shredded cheeses are also safe unless they contain added wheat-based anti-caking agents.