Introduction
Goldfish crackers are a childhood favorite—crispy, cheesy, and irresistibly snackable. But did you know you can make a healthier, homemade version using sourdough discard? Instead of tossing out your sourdough starter excess, turn it into delicious, crispy, and nutritious Discard Goldfish Crackers!
Whether you’re looking for a fun snack for kids, a healthier alternative to store-bought crackers, or just a creative way to use sourdough discard crackers cheese, this recipe is perfect. It’s easy, delicious, and packed with cheesy goodness!
In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about making your own Sourdough Discard Goldfish Crackers, including tips, variations, and how to store them for lasting freshness.
Why Use Sourdough Discard for Goldfish Crackers?
Most commercial cheese crackers contain preservatives and artificial flavors, but homemade versions allow you to control the ingredients, flavors, and nutritional content.
Here’s why using sourdough discard is a game-changer:
- Reduces Waste – Instead of throwing away your sourdough discard, use it to make healthy goldfish crackers.
- Enhances Flavor – The slight tang from the sourdough starter adds a unique depth to the cheesy taste.
- Boosts Nutrition – Fermented sourdough contains gut-friendly bacteria that aid digestion.
- Perfect Texture – The discard helps create a crispy, flaky, and light cracker.
Homemade Sourdough Discard Goldfish Crackers Recipe
Ingredientes:
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 1 ½ cups de queso cheddar rallado (or a mix of cheddar and parmesan)
- 4 tbsp de mantequilla sin sal, cold and cubed
- 1 cup de harina para todo uso (or whole wheat for a healthier version)
- ½ tsp ajo en polvo (optional for a garlic bread-inspired flavor)
- ½ tsp sal
- ½ tsp pimentón (for color and slight smokiness)
- 2-3 tbsp cold water (as needed)
Instrucciones:
Paso 1: Mezclar los Ingredientes
In a food processor, combine shredded cheese, butter, flour, salt, paprika, and garlic powder. Pulse until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
Step 2: Add the Sourdough Discard
Pour in the sourdough discard and pulse again. The mixture should begin forming a dough. If it’s too dry, add 1 tbsp of cold water at a time until it comes together.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps harden the butter for a flakier texture.
Step 4: Roll & Cut the Crackers
- Precaliente el horno a 375°F (190°C).
- Roll the dough very thinly (about ⅛ inch thick) on a lightly floured surface.
- Use a goldfish-shaped cookie cutter to cut out crackers. If you don’t have one, a small round cutter or knife works just fine!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Place crackers on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutos, or until golden and crispy.
- Let them cool completely before storing.
Variations & Flavor Twists
Want to customize your discard goldfish crackers? Try these delicious variations:
1. Spicy Goldfish Crackers 🌶
- Add ¼ tsp cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
- Use queso pepper jack instead of cheddar.
2. Garlic Bread Sourdough Discard Crackers 🧄
- Increase the ajo en polvo a 1 tsp.
- Add ½ tsp dried oregano for a herby touch.
3. Sourdough Discard Graham Crackers 🍪
- Replace cheese with ¼ cup brown sugar y 1 tsp cinnamon.
- Use ½ whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
4. Extra Crispy Cheese-It Style Crackers 🧀
- Roll the dough even thinner (about 1/16 inch).
- Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes for extra crunch!
Tips for Perfect Homemade Sourdough Crackers
- Enfriar la Pasta – This prevents the crackers from spreading too much.
- Roll Thin for Extra Crunch – Thicker dough will make softer crackers, while thinner dough results in crispy perfection.
- Ver el Tiempo de cocción – Crackers brown quickly, so check them at 12 minutes and remove when golden.
- Store Properly – Keep in an airtight container to maintain crispiness.
Storage & Shelf Life
How Long Do Homemade Goldfish Crackers Last?
Estos homemade sourdough discard crackers stay fresh for:
- Up to 1 week in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Up to 3 months when frozen! Simply reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Health Benefits of Homemade Goldfish Crackers
Unlike store-bought crackers, this healthy goldfish cracker recipe is:
✅ Preservative-Free – No artificial ingredients!
✅ Lower in Sodium – Control the salt level to fit your diet.
✅ Full of Real Cheese – No powdered cheese substitutes.
✅ Boosted with Sourdough Benefits – Fermented grains aid digestion and nutrient absorption.
By making these discard goldfish crackers, you’re reducing waste, making a healthier snack, and enjoying a delicious homemade treat!
Preguntas Frecuentes
1. Can I use different cheeses?
Yes! Cheddar, parmesan, gouda, and pepper jack all work great.
2. Do I need a food processor?
No, but it makes the process easier. If mixing by hand, grate the cheese finely for a smoother dough.
3. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.
4. My crackers turned out soft—what went wrong?
Make sure to:
✔ Roll the dough thinly
✔ Bake until fully golden
✔ Store them in a dry, airtight container
Final Thoughts: The Best Way to Use Sourdough Discard!
If you’re looking for a fun, delicious, and waste-free way to use your sourdough discardestos homemade goldfish crackers are a must-try!
With their crispy, cheesy, and slightly tangy flavor, they make a perfect snack for kids and adults alike. Plus, they’re healthier, preservative-free, and full of natural goodness.
So, next time you’re about to discard crackers cheese, try making these sourdough discard crackers cheese edition instead! You’ll never want store-bought crackers again.
Ready to Bake? Try It Today!
Give this discard goldfish recipe a go, and let us know how it turns out! Happy baking! 🍪✨
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