Go Back
–+ servings
Taralli Italian Ring Crackers

Taralli Italian Ring Crackers

No ratings yet
Taralli are traditional Southern Italian ring-shaped crackers with a unique texture achieved by boiling the dough before baking. The process creates crispy, crunchy rings with a slightly chewy center, perfect for appetizer spreads or snacking. This recipe combines fennel seeds, white wine, and olive oil for authentic flavor in under an hour.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 16 pieces
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour Use standard all-purpose flour for best texture
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder Optional but adds slight lift
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup white wine Use dry white wine for best acidity
  • 0.33 cup olive oil Extra virgin preferred for flavor
  • 2-3 tablespoons water Add 1 tablespoon at a time until dough is smooth but not sticky
  • 1 tablespoon fennel seeds Lightly crush for more aroma
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper Optional, freshly ground

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, fennel seeds, baking powder, and black pepper if using. Add white wine and olive oil. Stir until mixture forms shaggy clumps.
    2.5 cups all-purpose flour, 0.5 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon fennel seeds, 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, 0.5 cup white wine, 0.33 cup olive oil
  2. Add water one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together but is not sticky. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 2-3 minutes just until smooth.
    2-3 tablespoons water
  3. Roll the dough into a rope about ½ inch thick. Cut into 4-inch pieces and form each into a ring about 3 inches in diameter by overlapping and pressing the ends to seal.
    2.5 cups all-purpose flour, 0.5 cup white wine, 0.33 cup olive oil, 2-3 tablespoons water, 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
  4. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Boil 5-6 rings at a time for 30 seconds until they float to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a clean kitchen towel.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F. Place boiled rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet with 1-inch space between each. Bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating halfway, until golden with no pale spots.
  6. Transfer the taralli to a wire rack and cool completely for at least 15 minutes. They will crisp as they cool and sound hollow when tapped.

Notes

  • Don't skip boiling - it sets the shape and creates the signature texture.
  • Use a wire rack to cool to prevent soggy crackers by allowing air circulation.
  • Form rings about 3 inches in diameter for even cooking and proper texture.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!