Did you know it’s SO EASY to make your own homemade goldfish crackers using the sourdough discard crackers recipe I’m sharing with you today.
You can even make your crackers into goldfish shapes using this goldfish-shaped cookie cutter available on Amazon.
Dare I say these Sourdough discard goldfish crackers taste even better than the real deal?
Easy, crunchy, salty, and a tasty cheese cracker that curbs that crunch factor.
The best part of all? You control all the ingredients.
No preservatives, just real ingredients with a big flavor.
Kids and adults will both be reaching for one more handful of these sourdough cheese crackers.
Not sure how to make a sourdough starter? I got you covered! Then use the sourdough discard for the crackers!
What is Sourdough Discard?
Let’s start on what is sourdough discard if you are new to making sourdough.
The discard is what is referred to what you remove during the feeding process of the sourdough.
You have to “feed” your sourdough starter on a regular basis.
Each time you do, you’ll take a portion of the sourdough off, and add fresh flour and water to the mixture to create the proper culture health for the sourdough starter.
So when you take off the discarded dough, you can use that for making these crackers or other recipes.
It is a great way to not waste the sourdough that you have.
Many bakers find it offers a tangier flavor, but that is where making these crackers comes into perfect play!
Reasons to Make These Sourdough Discard Goldfish Crackers
- The perfect way to use your sourdough discard it and not waste it! Create tasty crackers in no time.
- Homemade flavor but also similar to the store-bought crackers you grew up eating.
- A great way to reduce food waste and not just toss your starter in the trash.
- There are no preservatives and you control the ingredients used to make these homemade crackers.
- Customize the crackers to fit the flavor profile you are searching for. Or make the recipe just as listed in the recipe card.
- A kid-friendly snack that will get them excited for snacking.
Ingredients Needed
Cheese – One of the stand-out flavors in these crackers is the cheese. I used a cheddar cheese but feel free to play around with the type of cheese used to alter the flavor. Cheddar offers a nice tangy flavor.
Butter – Unsalted butter is what I recommend using. You will find the butter also offers a nice buttery flavor but also helps create that light and flaky texture to the crackers.
Flour – All-purpose flour is used to be the structure of the crackers. Make sure to measure properly.
Salt – Salt is needed as it is going to enhance all the flavors of the ingredients. Without the salt, it will cause the crackers to lack flavor. You can also use Kosher salt for topping the crackers if you would like additional salty flavor.
Seasonings – Garlic and onion powder are used to help add flavor to the crackers without taking it over. Feel free to use any of your favorite spices if you want to play around with the flavors.
Sourdough Starter – The sourdough acts as the leavening agent in the crackers and it also helps create the airy texture and tangy sourdough flavor to the crackers.
READ: Homemade Sourdough Starter Recipe
How to Make Crackers
Full steps on how to make these sourdough crackers are in the recipe card.
This is a quick walkthrough of how easy the crackers are to make.
Step 1: Start by turning on your oven as directed and prep your baking sheet.
Step 2: Then in a food processor begin adding the ingredients as directed. You want the texture to be like a sand-like texture.
Step 3: Next work in the sourdough starter and mix to combine the ingredients.
Step 4: Once the dough is formed wrap in plastic wrap and then place in the fridge to chill as directed.
Step 5: Next, lightly flour a work surface, and roll and cut the dough into goldfish-shaped crackers. Poke an eye hole with a toothpick and place it on the baking tray.
Step 6: Bake as directed and then allow the crackers to cool completely.
Can I use sourdough starter instead of discard in this recipe?
Yes, you can use a sourdough starter instead of the discard if you would like.
Just know the texture and the flavor will be slightly different with the swap.
How thin should I roll out the dough?
The thinner the crackers the crispier they are. I recommend doing around 1/8 inch in thickness.
If they are too thick you will find they won’t have that crunch factor like a cracker.
Do I need special goldfish-shaped cookie cutters?
You do not have to use a goldfish cookie cutter. You can easily cut into squares or use a different-shaped cookie cutter.
I just like the idea of a goldfish-shaped cutter. But it is not required.
Tips For Success
- Cold butter is key to creating that light and flaky texture of the crackers that you will want. Cut into small cubes before adding to the food processor.
- I highly recommend using a food processor vs trying to make it without. I find the food processor creates the perfect texture.
- Finely grate your cheese so that it is evenly distributed in the cracker dough. Bigger pieces can create an inconsistent flavor of crackers.
- It is a must to form a ball and wrap and refrigerate the dough. Otherwise, you will struggle to roll out the dough and get the dough to create goldfish shapes with the cookie cutter.
- Use a rolling pin to create an even thickness of crackers. Thinner crackers will result in crispier crackers.
- Ensure the crackers are fully cool, or they will become soggy if stored in a container too fast creating condensation in the container.
How to Store Homemade Crackers
You can eat these crackers right away, or you can place the cooled crackers in an airtight container.
Store for up to a week.
Since there are no preservatives they will not have a long shelf life.
How to Freeze
You can also freeze the crackers if would like.
Just freeze in a proper container for 3-4 months.
Then thaw them on the counter for when you would like to eat them.
More Snack Recipes
If you liked these homemade crackers, you’ll love these other snack recipes too:
- Cheese Fonduta – an ooey, gooey Olive Garden copycat recipe.
- Bacon Cheeseball Bites – a delicious appetizer that is mouth-sized and fits so perfectly on top of a cracker.
- Ham and Cheese Pinwheels – If you’re looking for a quick lunch, finger food snack, or easy appetizer recipe, you’re going to love this Pinwheel Sandwich that uses ranch, ham, and cheese.
- Easy Cheeseball – a homemade bacon ranch-flavored cheeseball that is perfectly dippable for fresh crisp veggies, crackers, and more.
- Three Cheese Dip – SO simple to make and goes a long way too.
- Cheesy Pull-Apart Pizza Bread – this is such a simple recipe that your entire family will love.
Goldfish Crackers Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 oz cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 stick cold unsalted butter cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons sourdough discard
- Coarse kosher salt for topping optional
Instructions
- Begin by warming your oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, blend cheese, butter, flour, salt, garlic powder and onion powder. Continue this process until the mixture takes on the consistency of rough sand.
- Continue to blend while gradually adding the sourdough discard to form a dough.
- Remove the dough from the food processor and shape it into a disk, then cover it tightly in plastic wrap and chill it for at least 20 minutes or if time allows, you can leave it for up to one day.
- Next, on a surface lightly dusted with flour, roll the dough until it’s 1/4-inch thick. Using a small goldfish-shaped cookie cutter, cut out your crackers from the dough. In each cracker, poke an “eye” hole using a toothpick, repeat this If there are any remaining scraps, re-roll once to get more crackers.
- Arrange the crackers on the previously prepared baking sheet leaving 1/4-1/2 inch between each. If you wish, you can sprinkle kosher salt over the crackers before baking.
- Bake the crackers for 11 to 13 minutes until they become golden and puff up. Allow the crackers to cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Enjoy these immediately or they can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Video
Nutrition
Nutritional information is automatically calculated with ingredients and serving size and may not be accurate. Please always double check with your own nutritional apps as well.
Leave a Reply