Taralli Cacio e Pepe

Two beloved Italian traditions come together in these cacio e pepe taralli from Danieli. Handmade using a traditional recipe from Puglia, these charmingly rustic ring-shaped crackers have the sharp cheese and cracked pepper flavor of the creamy pasta dish. They make a delicious aperitivo nibble, with an addictively flaky texture and savory bite that pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine. Be warned: Once you’ve opened the bag, you might find it hard to stop!

A centuries-old tradition, there are competing legends about taralli’s origin story. They all seem to agree that the little rings were created out of necessity, either by local bakers trying to use up leftover bits of dough or poor townspeople making the most of a few basic ingredients. The name is similarly shrouded in mystery; it might come from ancient Latin, French, or Greek words that either refer to its round shape or method of baking. What we do know is that these small crackers became a beloved staple in southern regions from Naples to Puglia, and used to be seasoned with a quick dunk in salt water from the Mediterranean before being eaten.

Danieli taralli are made in Bitonto, just west of Bari in the southern region of Puglia. Since 2003, they have been producing traditional Pugliese baked goods such as taralli and grissoni breadsticks using closely guarded recipes that have been handed down for generations. Their motto is “il forno delle Puglie” (Puglia’s oven), and they are dedicated to preserving and sharing their local culinary traditions.