Homemade goldfish crackers are surprisingly easy to make. With just six healthy ingredients –almond flour, salt, baking soda, cheddar cheese, olive oil, and egg, they make a fantastic gluten-free snack for kids.
If you are wondering if these are Paleo goldfish crackers, the answer is, I don’t know. It depends on what your definition of Paleo is. It depends on which foods your body can digest. It depends on what you consider a real food. I can tell you for sure though that these are grain-free goldfish crackers and that my boys and I loved them!
- 1¼ cup blanched almond flour (not almond meal)
- ⅛ teaspoon celtic sea salt
- ⅛ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large egg
- In a food processor, combine almond flour, salt, baking soda, and cheese
- Pulse in oil and eggs until well combined
- Divide dough into 2 pieces
- Place 1 piece of dough between 2 sheets of parchment paper and roll to ¼ thick
- Remove top layer of parchment paper
- Use a goldfish cookie cutter to cut out little fish
- Transfer goldfish to a parchment lined baking sheet
- Roll leftover dough and place in refridgerator; repeat process with second piece of dough
- Bake at 350° for 13-15 minutes
- Serve
As you might imagine, cutting out dozens of tiny goldfish crackers can take a bit of time. If you want to save time and would enjoy a cracker that is more like a gluten-free Cheez-It, simply cut the dough into squares after you roll it out on the parchment paper, and then transfer the parchment paper (dough and all) to the baking sheet. Be sure to use organic dairy when you make this recipe. We use organic dairy in our house as it is better for the children, the cows, and our environment overall, and we do not wish to support the regular use of antibiotics in animal husbandry.
This low-carb goldfish crackers recipe is a bit sentimental for me since I grew up on the processed, packaged goldfish crackers as a kid. I love eating these high-protein goldfish crackers with chopped liver. It’s quite a fatty and filling treat, which is a great thing for me! Please leave a comment and let me know if you’d like me to create a dairy-free goldfish cracker recipe. If enough of you raise your hand and request it, I’ll get to work on it for you!
Here are some of my paleo cracker recipes for you:
Jessica says
What can I replace the almond flour with? My son is allergic to all nuts. He is also allergic to Oats, coconut and wheat.
Elana says
Hi Jessica, I haven’t tried that so not sure :-)
ava says
I would love ? a dairy free option! Egg free would be amazing too!
I lobe that cookie cutter! I’ve also seen a tutorial where someone made cookie cutters with a cut up aluminum can. Not sure how safe that is though…
Elana says
Thanks Ava!
Laura says
Hi! Can’t wait to make these, but I don’t have a food processor. Can I use a high speed blender instead?
Elana says
Laura, I haven’t tried that so not sure. If you do experiment please let us know how it goes.
Melanie says
Thank you, I have been meaning to make these for ages, and like all your other recipes these have hit the mark with the kids. i have been adapting your recipes to the Thermomix which has been great! Those wanting a dairy free option, have you tried ‘macadamia cheese’?
Elana says
Melanie, so glad you and your kids are enjoying the Goldfish Crackers!
Teresa says
Hi Elana, I just made these and they are wonderful!!! I made them in squares, because I didn’t have a fish shape and they turned out great! Thanks!
Elana says
Teresa, so glad you liked them!
Mikala Pena says
A dairy free option would be great!
Teresa says
Hi. Love these.. Is the dough freezable? Should the baked crackers be stored in the frig? Thanks so much!
Elana says
Hi Teresa, I haven’t tried to freeze this dough, if you do please let us know how it goes!
Cathy Sagmo Parks says
Elana, your recipes are great! The only thing that would make them better is nutritional information. would really love a carb and fiber value on them.
Thanks again!
Elana says
Cathy, thanks for your comment, many of my readers calculate and post the nutrition info for my recipes on this site: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/nutrition-facts-calories/elanas-pantry
rose says
Yes please to dairy free goldfish recipe!!!
Gina says
Oh I wish…
Sara says
Any suggestions on replacing the almond flour?
Elana says
Hi Sara, I haven’t tried that so not sure. Just in case you’re allergic to all nuts, I’ve provided a link to my Nut-Free Recipes page:
https://elanaspantry.com/diets/nut-free/
I hope you find some options that you like on it!
Elana
Amanda says
Sunflower flour is an excellent 1:1 substitute for almond flour. The baking soda will bring out the chlorophyll in the seeds, so don’t be alarmed when the crackers turn green ;)
Becca says
My son is allergic to
Almonds…could I replace the almond flour w coconut or something else??
Elana says
Hi Becca, here’s a post on Paleo Baking:
https://elanaspantry.com/paleo-baking-almond-flour-vs-coconut-flour/
It talks a lot about the differences between almond and coconut flours. I hope you find it useful!
Elana
Jena says
I have tried a vegan goldfish recipe using nutritional yeast for the “cheesey” flavor – they were great, but I will have to try these too! Thanks for the recipe, :-)
Sandy says
Hi Elana, thank you so much for all of your recipes! My sons and I are allergic to dairy and gluten and possibly some other things as well, and your recipes are helping me so much! I would love a dairy free version of this recipe, my kids would be thrilled!
singingpalmtree says
Can you start including storage instructions in all your recipes, please?! I saw someone else asked about how to store these (i.e. fridge or sealed container in pantry) but never saw a response. Thanks!
Elana says
Hi there! I would love to include storage instructions however, my boys gobble everything up so there is nothing left to store :-) You will however find that I have storage instructions in my books as I hide the food from my children so that I can check on this for my customers. Not nice for the boys but great for those that get the book!
singingpalmtree says
Haha, thanks! So in theory if you have extra goldfish, how would you store them? Fridge because there is dairy? Or is it ok in a sealed container on the counter for a day or two? LOVE this recipe. Made it last night and am in love.
MamaCassi says
i love this. i love that when i’m hungry or tired or overwhelmed, i can come on here and find simple, healthful, delicious recipes.
i love that you save me the effort of trying to create my own recipes, and that i can mess with your carefully sculpted and wonderful recipes.
this one made me super happy as i sometimes want savory, and while i’m normally dairy free, it’s so nice to have a savory cheesy cracker option!!!!
i just got my first delivery of honeyville almond flour (normally make my own and sift it fine) so going to be trying a lot more recipes!
THANK YOU!!!!
eva says
hey there! this is my second time today making your goldfish recipe….i use a ravioli form to press out cracker shapes, but need to buy a goldfish cutter soon…
these are a great snack!
eva
April says
These are some sweet potato crackers, no cheese, going to try them with almond flour but I’m guessing will need some substitutions… But they look tasty. Maybe Elana will make her own version with sweet potatoes? ;-). http://www.merrimentdesign.com/sweet-potato-crackers-recipe-easy-healthy-recipe-for-kids.php
Jeannie D says
I work with toddlers at a Montessori school…dairy allergies seem to be on the rise even more than peanut allergies! Would love a dairy free goldfish recipe and so would everyone here in Toddlerville..thanks!
JF says
If they are allergic to lactose, Aldi has lactose free cheese.
drea says
Thanks so much! Unlike most of the other posters, we’re fine with organic dairy over here and my daughter loved these. Next time I may increase the cheese since she *loves* cheese and it wasn’t quite as cheesy those ubiquitous ‘cheddar bunnies.’ Great, easy recipe – thanks for all your work & be well!
Nicole says
DF please!!!! would love this for my boys
Cathy says
I made the goldfish crackers in squares because the dough was too wet to use cookie cutters. Don’t know why that happened other than maybe the egg I used was a bit too
big and added too much moisture. I chilled the dough for several hours, rolled out between
parchment and scored with a pizza cutter before and right after baking. The flavor was spot on and the crackers had a nice light, crispy texture. Will try again with a smaller egg
and see if that makes the dough firm and dry enough to use cookie cutters.
drea says
Hi Cathy, I used 1 large egg and the dough was indeed a little on the wet side. But with a bit of shaking/prying, I was able to get them out of the cookie cutters. My thinking was that I’d use a tiny bit less oil next time I make them. (I didn’t chill the dough, but I think I’ll try that next time.)
Lynn | The Road to Honey says
Oh my! I luv goldfish crackers but avoid them like the plague because they are so processed and so not good for me. I love that you have developed a healthier alternative. I can’t wait to give these a try (in a square version of course).
Casey says
Yes please dairy free is required for me, love your recipes, but need dairy free:)
Anne KD says
Thank you, Elana! Please add my vote to develop a dairy free version. Two weeks ago I bit the bullet and finally dropped just about all dairy, and my gut is a lot happier. I’ve missed cheesy crackers since I went gf seven years ago.
writersideup says
Daiya makes substitute cheeses that may work, too. I’m LOVING this recipe ’cause I’m looking for gluten/dairy/soy/egg-free recipes! :) Thank you, Elana!
Sianni says
Dairy free recipe please!
chs says
I’d love to see a dairy-free version too! And is egg-free too much to ask? Thanks for all of your great recipes! I love this website and your cookbooks.
Jac -Tinned Tomatoes (@tinnedtoms) says
What a lovely Idea. My wee boy would be fair chuffed with these.
Mia says
Thank you Elana! I am looking forward to making this recipe soon. I will substitute Pecorino Romano and see how it turns out.
Ruth Hirsch says
Dear Elana, I want to say THANK YOU albeit for a different recipe. Thank you for the Turmeric Milk recipe.
Oh did that hit the spot. I read the recipe and bought a knob of Turmeric at our wonderful local shop a while ago, stashed it in fridge. Happily, I have ginger in freezer, and also have dates in the house. I have nuts and Honeyville nut flour, but decide to try it w just those three ingredients first off. My innards have been out of sorts, and while my life is full, and my work is full, it is a drain.
This just totally hit the spot.
on every axis: Yum + nourishing + healing.
thank you thank you thank you!!
Ruth h in the Hudson Valley
CRyan says
Yes, please create a dairy free goldfish cracker; thanks for your help.
Heather @ Cook It Up Paleo says
How fun! Goldfish crackers are such a nostalgia food for me. It seemed like my mom or one of my friend’s moms always had them in her purse the first few years of my life.
Lauren says
Yum! These sound sooooo good I used to devour those goldfish crackers. Mmmm
ali says
Thank you for all your good tasting and simple enough to make recipes. This was my first time making crackers and it was so easy!! However, I did have to add a second egg in order to get dough. Also am wondering if I have to store the crakers in the fridge after baking?! Thanks
Nicole says
Please! My daughter’s are corn, dairy, soy and gluten free! Was thinking of substituting the almond flour for garbanzo bean. As we do use Brown rice too every so often with all the other limitations!! I am so thankful for your site, this cooking I’m actually good at!! And have passed it on to others!
Christen says
Dairy free please!! And if anyone…ANYONE has a “cheesy” substitute OTHER THAN nutritional yeast, please share!!! I’ve had success with nutrtional yeast on flavor…but unfortunately, my gut does NOT like it. I’ve done some research and it looks like nutritional yeast can cross react for gluten sensitive people (like myself). I would love to recreate some of my “dairy free” recipes in a way that doesn’t leave me very uncomfortable.
EJ says
Yes please. Goldfish crackers or bunnies are one of my favorites. If you can figure out a dairy free would be awesome. What would happen if you used a raw cheese in there? Thanks!
Diane P says
I made these yesterday and followed the recipe exactly. Next time I make them, I will separate the pieces I cut so that the edges are crispier all around on each cracker. I will also add a bit more salt. I am on a no added salt diet and have grown accustomed to no salt but these were missing just a bigger hint of salt.
John says
These look fantastic. I can’t wait to give these a try. I’m guessing the texture will be slightly different but I do miss goldfish crackers.
branchlit says
We can’t eat dairy, so a dairy free recipe would be great!
Dorothy says
Hi Elana, thank you for all your wonderful recipes. These sound great, but I can’t eat any dairy. If you could work out a dairy free version of these I would be grateful.
Dorothy
Alex @ get big, go to work says
Yes, please make a dairy-free goldfish!! I absolutely loved goldfish growing up, but cannot eat dairy anymore due to a sensitivity. I would love a dairy-free goldfish snack option! Thanks.
Cindy says
Thank you so much Elana! You put so very much time and energy (and love) into all the wonderful recipes you share with all of us (and could never possibly accommodate all the many dietary variations we individually require …although they certainly do give a base from which to create new wonders on our own)! I can’t wait to try this and just wanted to also voice the appreciation we have for all your creations … just as they are!
julie says
Do you think chick pea flour would work for this recipe?
patricia says
Yes please I would love to see a Dairy free Goldfish cracker recipe. Thanks for all your great recipes. I give out your website to everyone I come across who is starting on being gluten free.
taneesha says
Two of my kids are dairy-free and they would love to finally eat Goldfish crackers, like other kids get to! Thank you!
Shari from NC says
Yes, please; we’d love a version of this cracker that does not contain cheese. Thanks for asking!
Jean says
Add me to the list that would love a version of this cracker that does not contain cheese. I can do eggs, just not cheese.
Emily says
YES – DF Version Please! =) (I am thinking maybe Bragg’s Nutritional Yeast?)
Junebeatle says
My little food allergic son would love a dairy-free version. He’s great about understanding his allergens, but everytime they whip those little goldfish out at school, he’s begging for just 1 to try..Thanks for all you do Elena!
Minnie@thelady8home says
These look awesome. And being home made would be healthy too. I would go for these anytime than the market ones. Thanks for sharing.
Chris Ross says
Have enough requests for a dairy free version yet Elena? Add one more.
Allison says
My kids and I would Love a dairy free version please!!
wendy says
I would love a dairy free option, also. Thank you
Francesca @verriwell.com says
Elana! Would love to see a dairy free option! I do allow my daughter to have some cheese but I limit it greatly. She has been wanting goldfish so I am going to give your dairy-filled fish a go but would love to be able to make them without the cheese so I can feel just that much better feeding them to her. :) Thank you for all of your great work and for sharing such amazing recipes! I made your bagels last night and they are divine! You’re amazing!
Laura says
Please make a dairy free goldfish recipe! They were my favorite and I just know you can make a better version of them.
Anitra says
I would love a dairy free goldfish cracker recipe since sometimes we like to be dairy free. It would give us a nice option. :)
billiepup7 says
Yes please dairy free
Randa says
I would love to see a dairy free option, and even egg free as well. It would be so great to be able to send a dairy free, grain free cracker with my kids when i know they will be at an event where there are the processed version they can’t have due to allergies.
Nan says
Goldfish crackers were one of the things I used to send to my while he was deployed they usually ended up arriving as a cheesy, salty powder that reminded him of being a kid on the back porch. He’s home, safe, and doing quite well. He is a certified cross fit instructor and eating as paleo as possible. He avoids dairy so a dairy free version would be fabulous!! He would devour them and I would feel like a good mom!
Judy Hudgins says
Please create a dairy free version, Paleo version.
Chris says
Dairy free option would be awesome!!!! Thank you!!
Nancy says
Is it possible to use Daiya cheese in this recipe? Also, if I don’t have a food processor can I mix by hand?
Colleen says
Would love a dairy free version
Marie Martin says
I’m raising my hand hoping for a dairy free version, as some of us can’t do milk products.
Melissa says
Nutritional yeast would make them dairy free and have a cheesy flavor.
Francesca @verriwell.com says
Melissa, I have heard about that and want to give it a try. Do you have a particular yeast you use? Do I just get it in the supermarket? Thoughts on how much to use in this recipe? Thank you! :)
Melissa says
Francesca, I use the red star brand. I found mine at wholefoods and vita cost. I’m sure they have it in other stores. Braggs and bobs red mill make it also. I use it in a lot of recipes. It has a nice cheesy flavor. I would guess 1/2-3/4cup and a couple tablespoons to add the moisture that the cheese would have. Another person suggested Daiya cheese. That would work well. Good luck!
Karen says
Yes please I would love a dairy free option!
Suzette says
Please please! I would love a dairy free option! Can it be done??? Such nostalgia!
Lisa says
I’d love to see a dairy free version of these!
Ashley says
Dairy free would be great!!!
Vickie Morse says
Could we substitute goat milk cheese crumbles in place of the cheddar?
Lynn says
Egg free would be perfect for my son’s egg allergy! :)
Shannon says
I would love a dairy free option too!! These look awesome!
SP says
Dairy free & almond free please!
Barbara Carroll says
Would love a dairy free option as well.
Kimberly says
yes PLEASE make a dairy free version! thank you so much – xoxo
Amie says
I whipped these up this afternoon for a snack and my kids love them. Thanks for all the great recipes!
Traci says
Yum! Do you think this would also work with parmesan cheese? Thanks for all you do! :-)
Mea says
I was wondering the same thing. I seem to be able to tolerate small amounts of parmesan cheese. Cheddar is not an option so a parmesan version would be wonderful. I think the amount of parmesan would need to be reduced considering the strong flavour. I presume the cracker’s texture would change from using a different cheese but as I have never had a goldfish cracker before I think this would not be an issue for me. I think it would work fine.
Faithdaggett says
Can you dehydrate them so they will be crunchy
Elana says
Hi Faith, I haven’t tried that so not sure.
TeresaB says
Please dairy free!
Gail says
I also would love a dairy (and soy) free option.
Ash says
How long do these keep for and how should they be stored? Thanks for the recipe!
P.SI have your Pecan Apple crisp baking in the oven right now. I really appreciate all the testing you do to make sure these recipes work. It comes out perfect every time : )
Jessica says
I’d love a dairy free option!!
Melanie says
I would love a dairy free version of these crackers for both me and my son! Thanks!
Amy says
Dairy free and egg free would be great.
Michelle Adams says
I’m envying everyone that can make this recipe! I miss goldfish crackers! I would love a dairy-free version. Cheeze-it’s and goldfish paleo style would be the best snacks ever! Thank you for creating and sharing the best recipes!!!!
Kristy says
I would love ? a dairy free option! Egg free would be amazing too!
I lobe that cookie cutter! I’ve also seen a tutorial where someone made cookie cutters with a cut up aluminum can. Not sure how safe that is though…
Sarah says
Yes I would love a dairy free goldfish recipe please! Thank you!!
Autumn says
Diary free please!!! :)
Dina says
Oh yes, a dairy free option would be great! I miss the taste of cheese! Thanks for offering to do so!!! I hope lots of people are interested!
Mary says
I would love a dairy free version of these crackers.
Sue says
I would love a dairy free goldfish recipe!!
Natalie says
Please grace us with a dairy-free version!
Jenny says
I would love a dairy free recipe. By the way, these can’t be called Paleo because they have cheese, which is not paleo, you could call these low carb or grain free or something, but not paleo.
Lilly says
I would love a paleo, dairy free version. I can hardly remember the last time I had these. It would be so exciting to be able to eat them again.
Amanda says
I would love a dairy free cracker as well!!
For The Love of Ghee says
This looks amazing! I just told my kids we going to make these tonight and they so excited! Thank you :)
danielledotson says
Dairy free yes please! My son’s favorite snack of all time, until we started the GFCF diet.
Rachael says
Yes, I would love a dairy-free version of these adorable crackers!
Keighly A says
I would like a dairy free goldfish recipe please!!!
JB says
Thanks for the offer of a dairy-free version. I hope that you get enough requests to give it a try!
Judy says
If you decide to make a dairy free recipe, how are you going to replace the unique taste of the cheddar? This is where as someone allergic to casein protein I get stumped and have accept that if I want the taste of cheese I’m going to have to eat cheese and deal with the itchy skin reaction afterwards
Rebecca says
Hey there :) I’ve seen a few recipes that use nutritional yeast instead, with good success :)
Jen Leigh says
Def nutritional yeast. But the recipe’s other ingredients/measurements would have to be adjusted to.accomodate the lack of the full cup of cheese
Alisia says
A dairy free goldfish cracker recipe would be great, goldfish were my sons favorite snack till he was diagnosed recently with a severe dairy allergy.. Thank u!!!
Alyssa says
I would love a dairy free option for my girls!
Gwen @simplyhealthyfamily says
These are so cute and much healthier than the store bought variety! I’ve been making these with a cup of mashed sweet potato and they are moist and sweet ;)
writersideup says
Gwen, the potato instead of the cheese?
Oriel says
Dairy free? yes please! these are so amazingly adorable and would be way too nostalgic for me if my tummy wouldn’t revolt from the cheese. I wonder if just substituting some sort of herb (rosemary seems the obvious choice) would suffice? I’d go for that specially since they’d be more like “wheat thins” or the round “fancy” crackers (which would be equally scrumptious and sentimental) since I lack tiny fish cutters. thanks for all your hard work. America’s test kitchen hasn’t got anything on you. ;-)
Gwen @simplyhealthyfamily says
I don’t think they are dairy free, there is cheese in them.
Cheri says
She isn’t saying they are “dairy free”. She said, if anyone is interested in ALSO a dairy free goldfish cracker recipe, to let her know, as maybe she would come up with a recipe for dairy free people. Get it?
julia says
I would love a dairy free option – I might miss goldfish more than anything else :)
Laura ~ Raise Your Garden says
I absolutely love the idea of substituting or just plain adding rosemary to their goldfish crackers. Honestly, the more I read about the paleo diet, the more confused I get about “What is” and what “isn’t” But I do know these are a gizzillion times better than any store bought version and I can’t wait to try!!
Dani says
I tried these and liked them a lot!!! I made them paleo/dairy free by using the same amount of cheese only with the Daiya shredded mozzarella cheese!
-I definitely will be making these again…. :)
Dani says
…on second thought I like these better with a sprinkle of sea salt :)
Dani says
U can easily make them dairy free by using a dairy free cheese of ur favorite… I used Daiya mozzarella and it was amazing!
Brandy says
I have made this recipe with daiya cheese and it is perfect.