Vegan Goldfish Recipe That Kids Will Love to Snack On

If you’re a fan of crunchy, savory snacks but want to keep things entirely plant-based, this vegan goldfish recipe is just what you need. These delightful, fish-shaped crackers are not only fun to make but also free from any animal products, making them perfect for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone looking to enjoy a healthier snack alternative.

They boast a rich, cheesy flavor thanks to nutritional yeast and are baked to a satisfying crispness. You’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create a nostalgic treat with a wholesome twist.

Whether you’re packing snacks for lunchboxes, serving them at parties, or just craving something crunchy and delicious, these vegan goldfish crackers will impress everyone. Plus, making them at home means you control exactly what goes in, avoiding preservatives and artificial flavors found in many store-bought versions.

Ready to dive into this tasty, plant-based snack adventure? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan goldfish recipe is a game-changer for homemade snacks. First, it’s incredibly easy and requires minimal ingredients—most of which you probably already have in your pantry.

The crackers come out crispy, flavorful, and perfectly bite-sized for snacking on the go.

Thanks to using nutritional yeast, these crackers have that classic cheesy taste without any dairy. They’re also gluten-free optional if you swap the flour for gluten-free alternatives, making them versatile for various dietary needs.

Plus, baking instead of frying keeps them light and healthy.

Lastly, shaping the dough into fun little fish shapes is a joy, especially if you’re cooking with kids or looking to impress guests with a creative snack. This recipe pairs perfectly with dips like hummus or vegan cheese spreads for added flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for GF option)
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (provides cheesy flavor)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky kick)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup water (add more if needed)
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (helps with texture)

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Fish-shaped cookie cutter (or any small cracker cutter)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry brush (optional, for brushing oil)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Whisk them together until evenly mixed.
3. Add the olive oil and apple cider vinegar to the dry mix. Stir with a spoon or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until a firm dough forms. It should be smooth and not sticky. If too dry, add a little more water; if too sticky, add a touch more flour.
5. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll out to about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thickness using your rolling pin.
6. Use the fish-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your goldfish crackers. Gather scraps, re-roll, and cut until all dough is used.
7. Arrange the cutouts on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart to allow for slight expansion.
8. Optional: Lightly brush the tops of the crackers with olive oil for a more golden finish.
9. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crackers are crisp. Keep an eye to avoid over-browning.
10. Remove from oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet. They will crisp up further as they cool.
11. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, if they last that long!

Tips & Variations

“For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or dried herbs like dill or thyme to the dough.”

If you don’t have a fish-shaped cutter, you can use any small cookie cutter or even shape the dough into tiny squares or triangles for a fun twist. For a gluten-free version, substituting with a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend works well, but the texture may be slightly different.

To add a cheesy punch, mix in some vegan parmesan or a sprinkle of smoked nutritional yeast on top before baking. You can also experiment with different spices such as cumin or chili powder for a spicy snack option.

To make these crackers more kid-friendly, consider letting your little ones help cut the shapes or decorate the crackers with sesame seeds or poppy seeds before baking.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegan goldfish crackers are perfect on their own for a quick snack, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of dips. Try serving them alongside a creamy vegan vegetable dip or a rich vegan bechamel sauce for a fun appetizer.

They also make a crunchy topping for salads or vegan soups, adding texture and a burst of flavor. For a party, mix them into a homemade trail mix with nuts, seeds, and dried fruits for a delightful snack bowl.

If you enjoy baking, try pairing these with a soft vegan cheese spread or incorporate them in a kids’ lunchbox with fresh veggies.

Conclusion

Making your own vegan goldfish crackers is a rewarding and delicious experience that brings a touch of nostalgia with a wholesome, plant-based twist. These crackers are easy to prepare, customizable with your favorite flavors, and free from artificial ingredients, making them a perfect snack for the whole family.

Whether you enjoy them straight from the oven or paired with dips, their crispy texture and cheesy flavor will surely satisfy your cravings. Plus, homemade snacks like these give you the freedom to experiment and create healthier versions of your favorite treats.

For more tasty vegan recipes, be sure to check out our Vegetable Crackers Recipe for Healthy Homemade Snacking or our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.

Happy baking and snacking!

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