Crispy cheddar crackers that taste like goldfish
Homemade Cheese Crackers
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
1 hr
Servings
8
60 crackers
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Homemade Cheese Crackers
Crispy cheddar crackers that taste like goldfish
★4.7(9)
Little crispy cheddar cheese crackers made from real cheese and simple ingredients. Homemade cheese crackers that rival the iconic goldfish with a real cheese flavor.
15m
Prep Time
15m
Cook Time
60m
Total Time
8
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
These homemade cheese crackers are buttery, crispy, and packed with real cheddar flavor. Cut them into fun shapes with mini cookie cutters or keep them classic with little squares.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tbsp cold butter, cubed
- 2 tbsp cold water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- 1
Pulse cheddar, flour, butter, salt, and onion powder in a food processor until it looks like coarse sand.
- 2
Add cold water 1 tbsp at a time, pulsing until the dough clumps together when pressed.
- 3
Roll dough between two sheets of parchment to 1/8-inch thickness. Refrigerate 30 minutes until firm.
- 4
Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut into small squares or use mini cookie cutters. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- 5
Bake 13-15 minutes until golden and crispy. Let cool completely on the pan—they crisp up more as they cool.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Arrange on a platter for easy sharing at your next gathering
Pair with your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor
Substitutions
Sharp cheddarParmesan or Gruyere
Different cheeses create different flavor profiles
All-purpose flourAlmond flour for gluten-free
Use 1.5 cups almond flour and adjust water as needed
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Roll the dough as thin as possible for the crispiest crackers—1/8 inch is ideal.
Crackers continue to crisp as they cool, so pull them from the oven when they are just barely golden.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.
Reheating
Serve at room temperature. Re-crisp in a 300°F oven for 3 minutes if they have softened.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (30mg) · 8 servings
Calories140
LowModerateHigh
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein6g
Carbohydrates10g
Fat8g
Fiber220mg
Sugar0g
Sodium0g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different cheese?
- Parmesan, Gruyere, or pepper jack all make delicious crackers with different flavor profiles.
- Why did my crackers puff up?
- Prick each cracker with a fork before baking to prevent puffing.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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