prior to going vegan one of my favorite little snacks was goldfish! while it has been years since I have had goldfish I am so excited to share this recipe for easy homemade vegan goldfish.
the inspiration
I have wanted to make some vegan goldfish for a long time and I am so happy with this recipe! It is only 4 ingredients, so easy to make, and they come out so good. It is a fun way to make a little snack and be reminded of childhood. Prepare these for your kids, siblings, loved ones or yourself for something delicious!
The great part about this recipe is that it really isn’t hard to make. I promise it may seem intimidating but all you need is flour, salt, water, and vegan cheese. You can also get a goldfish stamp (paid link) or you can make these into any shape you like.
the ingredients
- Vegan Cheddar Shreds: of course goldfish are cheesy and delicious so we will use vegan cheddar shreds to make them flavorful! You can also use my homemade vegan cheddar recipe for this if you like. If you want to experiment with different flavors you can also try using vegan mozzarella or vegan colby jack!
- All Purpose Flour: this will help to bind our goldfish and turn it into a dough. You can use gluten free flour if you are gluten free.
- Cold Water: this helps to bring the dough together and add moisture. Cold water is important when making doughs.
- Salt: add a little bit of extra saltiness and bring out the flavors.
- Spray Oil: this is optional but it helps to easily coat the dough to help the texture.
how to make the goldfish shape
Making the goldfish shape is much easier than you think! You just need to sit there and cut out perfectly shaped goldfish…no I am just kidding.
Clearly, I used a stamp. I just got a cheap one online (paid link) and it worked out really well. While it is slightly time consuming to sit there and cut them out I think it is well worth the effort because they are so cute. It is also fun because you can use the stamp to make cookies or cut its in vegan cheese for a snack!
This is a great task to get your kids involved in too! They can definitely help and it will make it even more fun for them to eat it later on.
vegan goldfish dough
To make the vegan goldfish dough is so easy. You will just need a food processor (paid link). If you don’t have a food processor you can use a blender as well.
Start by pulsing the vegan cheddar, flour, and salt to get everything broken down. Then, you will slowly stream in the water while letting the food processor remain on.
This will make the dough come together and after about 30 seconds to a minute you should have a dough that feels a bit like play-doh and sticks together. You will then knead it for 1 to 2 minutes to make it all come together. Let it chill and then that’s it you are ready to roll and stamp!
how to make vegan goldfish
Once you get your dough made you will need to roll it out into a thin layer. You want it to be thinner because the vegan goldfish do puff up as they cook. From there you will just take the goldfish stamp and make as many goldfish as you can.
Place them onto a lined baking sheet and then you will take the scraps and repeat the process making as many goldfish as you can! Because the goldfish don’t spread as they bake you can place then pretty close together. You can use a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to line your baking sheet. I like the silicone mat because each one can fit perfect in a square.
why you’ll love this recipe
Anyone who grew up eating goldfish knew they were always a fun and delicious snack. This vegan version allows you to enjoy them again in a dairy free way! With minimal ingredients this recipe is delicious. The little goldfish come out so adorable and I can promise they will make you smile.
more fun snacks
vegan goldfish faq
- Is this recipe gluten free? No, but I think if you use gluten free all purpose flour it should work out fine.
- Is this recipe soy free? Yes.
- Is this recipe nut free? Yes.
- How long do these last? Up to 1 week in a container in a closet or on the counter.
- Can I make other flavors? Of course! Play around with the flavor of vegan cheese you use, you can even toss them in seasonings after they are done cooking to emulate the flavor blasted goldfish.
- I want to make a big batch, can I freeze them? I personally wouldn’t.
- What vegan cheese did you use? I like Follow Your Heart, Violife, or Good Planet.
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Vegan Goldfish
Equipment
- Food Processor paid link
- Goldfish Stamp paid link
Ingredients
- 4 ounces vegan cheddar shreds
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- spray oil optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C).
- In a food processor add all 4 ounces vegan cheddar shreds, ½ cup all purpose flour, and ½ teaspoon salt Pulse for 30 seconds to start to combine everything. Pour in 2 tablespoons cold water and pulse for another 30 to 45 seconds or until a dough forms.
- Knead with your hands for 1 to 2 minutes into a ball and chill in the fridge for 15 minutes.
- Lightly dust the surface with flour where you are going to roll out the dough. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough out to be about ¼ inch thick. Roll it out into a large rectangle. Lightly spray with spray oil, if desired.
- Use the goldfish stamp to create as many goldfish as possible and then place them on the baking sheet. Repeat the process again with the scraps until you have made all your goldfish. You don’t need to keep spraying it with oil, one time is enough.
- Bake in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes until darkened in color. If you bake it for less time they turn out puffier and chewier (which I personally liked more) but baking for longer will give them more of the typical cracker feel.
- Allow to cool completely (about an hour) before placing in a container for storage.
Video
Notes
- As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you decide to purchase through a link I earn a small commission at no cost you. Thank you for helping to support blog.
- These can be made gluten free by using gluten free all purpose flour.
Nutrition
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hey there!
Hey, I’m Francesca!
Thank you for checking out my recipe! I am happy to have you here and hope you explore more delicious vegan recipes.
Do you think you could make these using a small silicone fish mold?
Hi Haley, I think it would be very time consuming but if that is what you have and what you want to use!
These were so easy to make and delicious! My girls are allergic to dairy so they can’t have the normal goldfish crackers. I am so glad I found your recipe and it will now be a daily snack staple in our household.
Yay! That makes me so happy to hear! I’m so glad it was able to help you and your family 🥰🥰
Do you recommend a vegan cheddar brand for these?
I like Follow Your Heart, Violife, or Daiya!