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A fun twist on a childhood favorite!! These spicy goldfish are coated with flavor and a touch of heat, making them a super addictive fan favorite!

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Spicy goldfish in a metal bowl with wooden handles.

When Zach and I lived in the Des Moines metro area, restaurants were a dime a dozen. However, finding a good (non-chain) restaurant was a little harder to come by.

However, one that we really enjoyed had these spicy goldfish listed as an appetizer. They were only a buck, so of course we had to try them. And holy smokies, they were SO tasty! Fast forward to today, I recreated these yummy (and addictive!) little fishies and I think you’re gonna love ’em!

Goldfish in a small white bowl.

Spicy Goldfish Ingredients

  • Goldfish – Though I used the name brand (Pepperidge Farms), you can certainly use other brands.
  • Popcorn Oil – I use the Orville Redenbacher’s buttery flavored oil.
  • Ranch Seasoning – This is the kind in the packet (not the bottle of ranch dressing).
  • Red Pepper Flakes – Make sure they’re fresh (not expired) to give the perfect amount of heat!
  • Cayenne Pepper
  • Garlic Powder
Ingredients needed for Spicy Goldfish on a marble countertop.

How to Make Spicy Goldfish

I love any good snack mix, but I especially love it when you don’t have to spend the time baking it in the oven. This is one of those no bake snack mixes you simple stir and serve!

Oil and seasonings in a clear bowl.

In a bowl you’ll mix up the oil, ranch mix and seasonings. I like to whisk it to make sure there are no clumps.

Oil and seasonings being whisked in a clear bowl.

Then you’ll pour the mixture over the goldfish, drizzling it evenly all over the fish. Next you’ll either stir it super gently (being careful not to crush the crackers) or cover the bowl with a tightly-fitted lid and shake!

Oil and seasoning mixture being poured over a bowl of goldfish.

Once you have it all mixed up and the goldfish are evenly coated, it’s ready to serve. However, I prefer to let it set for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors really soak into the fish!

How to Store Seasoned Crackers

I recommend storing these in resealable baggies or in a bowl with a tight-fitting lid. This will keep moisture out so the crackers stay nice and crispy!

White ceramic bowl full of goldfish setting on a wooden cutting board.

Other Yummy Snack Mixes

Ranch Snack Mix is my go-to! It’s easy to make, perfectly seasoned and has a fun variety of crackers!!

If I want something sweet, Praline Crunch is always a hit!! It’s a holiday staple in our household and suuuuper addictive!

Cookies & Cream Puppy Chow is another fun mix!! It’s a twist on the Midwest classic, puppy chow!

Overhead view of seasoned goldfish.

Spicy Goldfish

Author: Kelsey
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
24 1/3 cup servings
A fun twist on a childhood favorite!! These spicy goldfish are coated with flavor and a touch of heat, making them a super addictive fan favorite!

Ingredients
 

  • Three 6.6 oz bags Goldfish crackers
  • 2/3 cup butter-flavored popcorn oil
  • One 1-ounce packet ranch seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  • Pour the goldfish crackers into a large bowl with a lid; set aside.
  • In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the popcorn oil, ranch seasoning, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper and garlic powder.
  • Pour the oil mixture over the goldfish.
  • Tightly secure the lid on the bowl and shake until the goldfish are evenly coated.

Nutrition

Calories: 179.33kcal | Carbohydrates: 17.26g | Protein: 2.86g | Fat: 10.62g | Saturated Fat: 1.75g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.84g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2.04g | Cholesterol: 8.05mg | Sodium: 242.47mg | Potassium: 8.4mg | Fiber: 0.91g | Sugar: 0.39g | Vitamin A: 357.6IU | Vitamin C: 0.33mg | Calcium: 40.03mg | Iron: 0.91mg
“Dance Around the Kitchen” is not a dietitian or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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