By Wendy Stoltz, Hristina Polk / Last Modified On March 19, 2023

These gluten-free goldfish are too good to be true and taste even better than the real thing. Crispy and crunchy cheese flavors in these bite-size mini goldfish bring back so many memories of growing up. Just because you or your kids are gluten intolerant doesn't mean anyone needs to miss this classic snack minus the nasties! 

We've tried the various gluten-free options on offer, and I must say it is hard to replace Goldfish. I tried variations to this recipe, and this is the one you must try. Get your mini goldfish cut out ready for these. They're so good for when the snack cravings strike. 

Another similar recipe to try is our gluten-free cheese cracker recipe, which tastes just like Cheez-Its!

If you are looking for gluten-free pasta brands you can enjoy, read that article on our favorites. We also share the best gluten-free oatmeal brands too.

GLUTEN-FREE GOLDFISH RECIPE

Follow my tips and suggestions on how to make the most memorable gluten-free goldfish snacks. They're crunchy cheese bites just like you remember, but I would say even better with the real cheese taste.

Here I really do urge you to double or triple the batch. Although it can be stored for 2-3 days, these never last more than a day or two in our household. Follow along for a memorable snack that is easy to make, and so tasty.

WHY YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE THESE GLUTEN-FREE GOLDFISH

Memories - No one needs to miss a memorable snack just because you're gluten-free. Snacks like these are what childhood memories are made of.

So tasty - These GF goldfish taste so good. Not like some store-bought versions that are tasteless, these have that real cheese flavor with no additives and other nasties.

Best snack - These, in my and my kids' opinions, is the ultimate snack attack, and yes... you can get carried away with eating these.

INGREDIENTS IN GLUTEN-FREE GOLDFISH

Butter - 4 tbsp Butter, shredded and chilled.

Flour - 1 Cup Gluten-free All-Purpose Flour.

Xanthan gum - 1 tsp Xanthan Gum. Omit if it is included in the flour.

Salt - Use table salt.

Baking soda - ¼ tsp Baking Soda.

Seasoning - I've used smoked paprika.

Cheese - Cheddar cheese shredded and chilled. I've used both mild and medium cheddar cheese.

Water - 4 tbsp Water, plus more if needed.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR THIS GLUTEN-FREE GOLDFISH

Food processor - I use a food processor for a smooth and even mixture.

Rolling Pin - I use the traditional wooden rolling pin.

Tiny fish cookie cutter - You can use this fish cookie cutter or any other shape of your choice. It can be tricky to find a mini fish shape so look into other mini shapes to make it fun for your kids.

If you have any questions about making gluten-free goldfish, please leave a comment and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

HOW TO MAKE GLUTEN-FREE GOLDFISH

1. Preheat the oven to 350F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside.
2. Add all ingredients besides the water to a food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles couscous grains.
3. Add the water one tablespoon at a time until the dough is formed.
4. Flour a flat surface and roll out the dough into a ¼ inch thick rectangle. It doesn’t have to be even.
5. Press on with the tiny cracker cutters and transfer the shaped dough to the cookie sheet.
6. Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes or until golden brown on the sides. Cool to room temperature before serving.

These numbered steps match the numbered photos above and are for illustration purposes. For the complete list of ingredients and instructions in gluten-free goldfish, please see the complete recipe below.

TIPS FOR MAKING THESE GF GOLDFISH

Use a food processor - I would use a food processor if you have one on hand. It mixes and shreds the ingredients evenly.

Shred your own cheese - Don't use shredded cheese from the store. Shred it yourself. Stores add additional ingredients to shredded cheese.

HOW DO I STORE GLUTEN-FREE GOLDFISH?

Store them in an airtight container for 2-3 days. But trust me, they do not last that long!

CAN I FREEZE GLUTEN-FREE GOLDFISH?

I would not suggest you freeze these. I feel they will go soggy and not retain their crunch.

CAN YOU MAKE GLUTEN-FREE GOLDFISH AHEAD OF TIME?

Yes, you can, they last about 2-3 days. 

DOES GOLDFISH HAVE GLUTEN?

Yes, goldfish have a mixture of wheat flour in them. But this recipe is gluten-free. Always check the labels of your ingredients to be 100% sure.

WHAT IS A GLUTEN-FREE ALTERNATIVE TO GOLDFISH?

Made Good Cheddar Star Puffed Crackers are an alternative, though they don't have the iconic goldfish shape. But I really urge you to try this recipe first; it really is so simple to make.

DO I NEED TO FLOUR THE SURFACE BEFORE ROLLING OUT THE DOUGH?

I like to flour a flat surface, so the dough doesn't stick. But you can also roll it on a piece of parchment paper for easier cleanup.

WHAT KIND OF CHEESE WORKS BEST?

I like to use mild or medium cheddar cheese that's shredded and chilled. Pepper Jack is another you can try; I have not tried it yet. 

WHAT VARIATIONS CAN I MAKE TO THIS GLUTEN-FREE GOLDFISH?

Vegan - I have not tried a vegan butter and vegan cheese alternative. The cheese needs to have a high fat content, so if you can find a vegan version, try it.

Dairy-free - This is naturally dairy-free as no dairy products are used to make these.

HOW ARE THESE GLUTEN-FREE GOLDFISH CRACKERS DIFFERENT FROM THE PACKAGED SNACK?

The packaged snacks from the stores are loaded with preservatives and other additives. These GF goldfish crackers use real cheese and taste like fresh cheese and you know exactly what you are putting in them. So, although it doesn't taste 100% the same, these are a healthier and, in my opinion, tastier option.

Continue to Content

Yield: 40 crackers

Gluten-Free Goldfish

Print

These gluten-free goldfish are too good to be true and taste better than the real thing. The crispy and crunchy cheese flavors in these bite-size mini goldfish bring back memories of growing up.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp Butter, shredded and chilled
• 1 Cup Gluten-free All-Purpose Flour
• 1 tsp Xanthan Gum, omit if it is included in the flour
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp Baking Soda
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded and chilled
• 4 tbsp Water, plus more if needed

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside.
2. Add all ingredients besides the water to a food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles couscous grains.
3. Add the water one tablespoon at a time until the dough is formed.
4. Flour a flat surface and roll out the dough into a ¼ inch thick rectangle. It doesn’t have to be even.
5. Press on with the tiny cracker cutters and transfer the shaped dough to the cookie sheet.
6. Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes or until golden brown on the sides. Cool to room temperature before serving.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. They never cost you extra.

• 
  Fish Cookie Cutter Multi x5 – Plastic Red Fish Cutters For Cookies, Dough, Bread, Soft Fruits, Soft Veggies and More – Cutters For Mini Fish-Shaped Goods
• 
  Farberware Classic Wood Rolling Pin, 17.75-Inch, Natural
• 
  Boxiki Kitchen Non-Stick Steel 8x8 Square Baking Pan Durable, Convenient, and Premium Quality Non-Stick Baking Mold Bakeware.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

40

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 45Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 94mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 1g

This nutrition info is based on the exact ingredients and brands that I used at the time. It may not be 100% accurate. Please check your ingredients nutrition labels.