Italian Pepper Biscuits

Jump to Recipe

Copycat Recipe - AKA Biscotti Di Pepe or Taralli

"These savory Italian biscuits are satisfyingly crisp and slightly crumbly. They are all-occasion biscuits too. Serve them as a part of an antipasto. Crumble them into "croutons" for a unique salad topping. Or savor them with a cold glass of lemonade, iced tea, hot espresso or tea.”

🫶 Italian Pepper Biscuits – A Rhode Island Classic, Straight From the Heart ❤️

Let me tell you something about growing up Italian in Rhode Island — you never showed up empty handed. NEVER. Whether it was a visit to see family, friends, neighbors, or even your hairdresser’s cousin’s new baby… you stopped at the bakery first. 🎁 And nine times out of ten, nestled in that famous white bakery box alongside pizza strips and pastries (hello, zeppole 😍) were… you guessed it: Italian Pepper Biscuits.

And ohhh, what a treat they are!

These savory little spirals are unlike anything else. Crispy on the outside, tender in the center, with that perfect crackle of black pepper and a whisper of olive oil and love baked right in. 💕 Every bite is a throwback to Sunday dinners, family holidays, and those quick visits that turned into long laughs around a kitchen table.

🇮🇹 A Rhode Island Bakery Staple

If you’re from Lil Rhody, you already know — the “Who makes the best peppah biscuits?” debate runs DEEP. Ask any Rhode Islander and you'll hear names like:

• 🥖 Calvito’s (my personal forever favorite!)

• 🥐 DeFusco’s in Warwick

• 🧁 DePalmieri’s in Johnston

• 🍞 Crugnale’s in Rumford or Cumberland

• 🍕 DePetrillo’s in North Providence

• 🥯 LaSalle in Providence

Each bakery has its own twist, and every local has a strong opinion — but that’s part of what makes this tradition so fun and flavorful! 🤗

🎁 Gifting Tradition Meets Homemade Love

This copycat recipe is one that’s been near and dear to me since I was a kid. It’s the kind of biscuit that says, “I thought of you” before you even say a word. I’ve given them as gifts, packed them in care packages, and now I’m sharing the recipe here — hoping to bring a little taste of home to anyone who’s moved away from New England, or is simply craving that nostalgic bakery goodness. 💌

I’ve found a group of New England transplants that I now chat with weekly (you know who you are 🙋🏻‍♀️), and these recipes are dedicated to them — and YOU! Whether you’re from Rhode Island or just love a good, peppery bite with a hot cup of coffee or wine, these biscuits are like a warm hug from home.

🧂 What Makes These Biscuits So Special?

Let’s break it down:

• A bold kick of freshly cracked black pepper 🌶️

• Golden brown crust with a tender center 🥖

• Savory, slightly rustic flavor from olive oil and simple pantry ingredients

• That classic swirl shape you know and love 💫

• Perfect for dunking in wine, espresso, or snacking on straight from the tin

  
  

They’re rustic, flavorful, a little sassy (like any good Italian grandma), and completely addicting. 💁🏻‍♀️

🍷 How to Serve Italian Pepper Biscuits

Whether you're hosting a holiday party, prepping appetizers for a potluck, or just want something savory to snack on with a glass of vino — these biscuits hit the spot.

Serve them with:

• 🧀 A charcuterie board with aged cheeses and olives

• ☕ Espresso or coffee (a savory biscotti moment!)

• 🍷 A bold red wine — yes, dunking is totally allowed

• 🥣 A cozy bowl of soup or minestrone

• 🎁 Wrapped in a cute tin for gifting!

👩🏻‍🍳 Homemade Comfort, From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope this recipe brings you as much comfort, joy, and nostalgia as it does for me. Whether you grew up making the same bakery runs in Rhode Island, or you’re just discovering the magic of Italian Pepper Biscuits for the first time, I’m so glad you’re here.

Bake them, along with my RI Pizza Strips and Zeppole two more famous favorites and share them! Most importantly — don’t forget... never show up empty handed. 😉

From my (very peppery) kitchen to yours — enjoy every bite!

xo,💜

Italian Pepper Biscuits

Servings – 18 Biscuits Prep Time – 15 Minutes Cook Time – 40 Min

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup olive oil, preferably extra virgin

• 1 cup water

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 1/2 heaping teaspoon coarse black pepper

• 2 teaspoons fennel seed

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 egg, lightly beaten for egg wash - This gives that pretty shine after they are baked.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, add in and hand mix olive oil, water, salt, black pepper, and fennel seed.

Add baking powder and flour to the liquid mixture. Mix until well blended and a dough begins to form.

Lightly work the dough with your hands until the texture is oily and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, then mix in 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour at a time, until smooth.

Using your hands, pinch off a 2-tablespoon size piece of dough. Roll the dough between lightly floured hands.

Roll into a thin cigar shape that is approximately 8 inches long.

Form a U shape, then crisscross/twist the pieces until a braid forms. You can also shape them into rings/wreaths/mini bagel shapes. (*See pictures below)

Place biscuits an inch apart per baking sheet.

Brush tops of biscuits with egg wash.

Bake for 40 minutes, rotating pans mid-way through. Biscuits should have a golden color and be crisp on the bottom.

Remove from oven and place on a cookie rack to cool completely.

Biscuits should be stored in an air-tight tin container (preferably tin to maintain their crispness) and kept in a cool area, such as a cupboard.

Notes:

Storing: Properly stored, they should last up to one month. Place into bowl or container with a tight lid. Keep in a cool dry area.

Bagel, rings or wreath shapes: Pinch off a 2-tablespoon size piece of dough. Roll the dough between lightly floured hands. Roll into a cigar shape that is approximately 6-8 inches long. Twist the dough using both hands in the opposite direction, being both ends together forming a ring. Pinch the ends together to close. Lay on a parchment line baking sheet. Brush with egg wash, bake at 375°F for 40 minutes.

Nutrition:

1 Biscuit = Calories: 110 | Fat: 3.5g | Sodium: 230mg | Sugars: 1g | Protein: 2g | Fiber: 1g

This website is the project of an unpaid hobby,  fully maintained and supported by CWT. There are NO paid affiliations, professional photographers, nutritionists or paid product reviews associated. CWT is not a certified artist, dietician or nutritionist. Any nutritional information shared on this site is an estimate counted through measurements and package nutritional information used in each recipe at that given time. If calorie, macro counting and other nutritional values are important to you and your health, CWT recommends running the ingredients through your choice of nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can and will vary depending on national brands used per recipe. Anything created by using CWT's recipes, or tutorials is fully the readers responsibility. CWT is not responsible or will be held liable for the outcome of the readers completed project or recipe(s).

"These Italian Pepper Biscuits brought back all the memories! 🥹❤️ Just like the ones my Nonna used to get from the bakery — crisp, peppery, and full of love. Thank you for sharing such a nostalgic recipe… it tastes like home! 🫶✨" - B.L. ~ San Diego, CA.