If you’re searching for a snack that’s both nostalgic and bursting with flavor, the Sourdough Goldfish Crackers with Cheddar Recipe will quickly become your new go-to. These homemade crackers bring together the tangy goodness of sourdough starter and the rich, sharp taste of cheddar cheese, resulting in irresistibly crisp bites that melt in your mouth. Whether you’re packing them for lunch, sharing them at a party, or just indulging in a comforting treat at home, these crackers combine wholesome ingredients with playful charm in every single piece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because each ingredient plays an essential role in building perfect texture and flavor. With just a handful of simple staples, you’ll create a snack that’s far from ordinary—each one contributing to the cracker’s crispy crunch, cheesy richness, and that subtle sourdough tang you can’t get enough of.
- Sourdough starter (100 g): This adds a slight tang and helps bind the dough, making the crackers uniquely delicious.
- All purpose flour (100 g): Provides structure and the perfect base for these crackers.
- Salt (5 g): Just enough to enhance all the other flavors without overpowering.
- Butter (60 g, softened): Contributes to a tender, flaky texture and richness in every bite.
- Cheddar cheese (225 g, cubed): The star flavor that gives these crackers their unmistakable sharp and creamy kick.
How to Make Sourdough Goldfish Crackers with Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients into Dough
Start by adding your sourdough starter, flour, salt, softened butter, and cubed cheddar to a food processor. Blend everything together until the mixture forms a cohesive dough. If the dough feels a bit dry, a splash of iced water can help—but often the sourdough starter keeps it moist enough on its own, so be careful not to overdo it!
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Once the dough is formed, transfer it onto a clean surface and shape it into a disc. Flatten this disc slightly, then wrap it tightly in parchment paper and pop it in the fridge. Give it a minimum of 2 hours to chill — this step is key for a dough that’s easy to roll and cut out without sticking or tearing, and you can even leave it for up to 48 hours if you want to prep ahead.
Step 3: Preheat Your Oven
About 20 minutes before you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Preparation at this stage ensures a warm oven ready to transform your crackers to golden perfection.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Bring your chilled dough out of the fridge to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes—that makes rolling smoother. Roll the dough out on your parchment-lined surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. It’s wonderfully not sticky thanks to the sourdough and butter, so you can roll directly on the parchment without extra flour unless you prefer.
Step 5: Cut and Arrange the Crackers
This is the fun part! Use a small cookie cutter to shape your crackers—whether you have a goldfish cutter or use simple rounds, shapes add personality to your snack. Cut as many shapes as you can, place them spaced on the baking sheet, and repeat until all the dough is used. Smaller cutters work best to maximize yield and minimize dough waste.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Crunchiness
Bake your sourdough goldfish crackers for about 12 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and develop that perfect crisp. As soon as you take them out, sprinkle with flaky sea salt for an extra touch of flavor that will keep you reaching back for more.
How to Serve Sourdough Goldfish Crackers with Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
A little finishing touch can elevate these crackers beautifully. Try garnishing with freshly cracked black pepper, a dusting of smoked paprika, or even finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to add earthy notes that complement the cheddar so well.
Side Dishes
While these crackers make fantastic standalone snacks, they also pair wonderfully with dips like hummus, guacamole, or tangy cream cheese spreads. They’re a delightful crispy contrast to softer textures and add sophistication to cheese boards alongside assorted cured meats and fruits.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling playful? Assemble a charcuterie board using these sourdough goldfish crackers as a whimsical edible decoration. Or serve them in small jars or mini baskets lined with parchment for easy grab-and-go snacking at gatherings. Kids especially love the fun shapes, so they’re great for lunchboxes or party treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your crackers cool completely, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them crisp and fresh for up to a week, perfect if you want to spread out your snacking pleasure over several days.
Freezing
You can freeze the dough wrapped tightly in parchment or plastic wrap for up to a month. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and proceed with rolling and cutting as usual. This convenience means you can always have a batch ready without starting from scratch every time.
Reheating
If your crackers soften over time, refresh them in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for a few minutes. This will bring back that satisfying crunch and warm the cheddar slightly, reviving their fresh-baked charm.
FAQs
Can I use sourdough discard instead of active starter?
Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with sourdough discard, making it a perfect way to reduce waste and still get that lovely tangy flavor in your crackers.
What if I don’t have a goldfish cookie cutter?
No worries at all. Any small cookie cutter shapes or even a knife to cut squares or strips will work. The fun shape is just a playful touch and doesn’t affect the taste.
Can I substitute the cheddar cheese?
You can! Try other sharp cheeses like Gruyère, aged Parmesan, or a tangy goat cheese for unique flavor twists—just be sure to use a cheese that melts well for that perfect texture.
How thin should I roll out the dough?
Rolling to about 1/8 inch thick gives you crackers that bake crisp without being too fragile or thick. Thinner dough can risk burning while thicker dough might not get crispy enough.
Are these crackers gluten-free?
Since this recipe uses all-purpose flour, it is not gluten-free. However, you could experiment with gluten-free flour blends, keeping in mind texture adjustments may be necessary.
Final Thoughts
If you love homemade, wholesome snacks with a little twist, you simply have to try the Sourdough Goldfish Crackers with Cheddar Recipe. They’re fun to make, utterly delicious, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Once you’ve baked your first batch, you’ll find yourself sneaking these cheesy bites all day long—trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
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Sourdough Goldfish Crackers with Cheddar Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 200 crackers
Description
These Sourdough Goldfish Crackers are a delightful homemade snack combining tangy sourdough starter with sharp cheddar cheese for a perfect savory bite. Crisp, golden, and easy to make, these crackers are ideal for parties, kids’ lunchboxes, or a tasty nibble any time of day. Utilizing a simple blend of pantry staples and a quick refrigeration step, they offer a flavorful twist on classic cheddar crackers with a subtle sourdough depth.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 100 g All Purpose Flour
- 5 g Salt
- 225 g Cheddar Cheese (cubed)
Wet Ingredients
- 100 g Sourdough Starter (or sourdough discard)
- 60 g Butter (softened at room temperature)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add sourdough starter, all purpose flour, salt, softened butter, and cubed cheddar cheese into the bowl of a food processor. Blitz until the ingredients come together to form a dough. If the dough does not form easily, add a splash of iced water, but usually, the moisture from the sourdough starter is enough.
- Shape and Chill Dough: Tip the dough onto a clean countertop and bring it together into a smooth disc. Flatten the disc onto a sheet of parchment paper, then wrap it tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up the dough. You may refrigerate it for up to 48 hours for convenience.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
- Roll Out Dough: Remove the dough from the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes for easier rolling. Roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch thickness on a clean surface; no flour is needed due to the dough’s non-stick nature, but a light dusting can be used if preferred.
- Cut Crackers: Use a small cookie cutter—round cutters work best for simplicity—to cut as many crackers as possible from the dough. Transfer the cutouts carefully onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat rolling and cutting until all dough is used.
- Bake Crackers: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 12 minutes or until the crackers turn golden brown and crisp. Once baked, sprinkle with flaky sea salt while still warm for added flavor.
Notes
- The dough can be kept refrigerated for up to 48 hours before baking, allowing flexibility for preparation.
- Using round cookie cutters is recommended for quick and easy removal of crackers compared to intricate shapes like hearts.
- No additional flour is necessary for rolling out since the dough is not sticky, but lightly flouring the surface is optional.
- Flaky sea salt adds a nice finishing touch enhancing the flavor of the crackers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
