Name: Crispy Irish Soda Bread Minis Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons butter; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 3/4 teaspoon baking soda; 2 teaspoons crushed fennel and caraway seeds; 1 1/2 to 2 cups buttermilk

If you’re craving a warm, buttery snack that’s a little bit different, you’re in for a treat with this Crispy Irish Soda Bread Minis Recipe. These petite, skillet-baked loaves boast a golden crust and a tender crumb infused with lovely fennel and caraway seeds—trust me, they’re utterly addictive.

The image shows four fluffy, round biscuits with a golden-brown crust on top and light beige, slightly rough textured sides. The biscuits have a craggy surface with browned spots, indicating they are baked well with a crispy top layer. They sit inside a black cast iron skillet that has an orange rim, placed on a white marbled surface. The biscuits are close to each other, filling most of the skillet but also showing some shiny, oily spots inside the skillet around them. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Irish Soda Bread Minis Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Irish Soda Bread Minis Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Irish Soda Bread Minis Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I stumbled upon these skillet minis when I wanted to reinvent classic soda bread with a crisp crust and aromatic twist. Baking them in a cast iron skillet gives each mini a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with a smear of butter. They’re just the right size for snacking or serving alongside your stew or soup.

Perfectly crisp crust: The cast iron skillet makes each mini irresistibly crispy on the outside while staying tender inside.
Unique flavor boost: Crushed fennel and caraway seeds add an earthy, aromatic note that elevates the traditional soda bread.
Quick and easy: No yeast or rising time needed—just mix, shape, and bake within 40 minutes.
Great for sharing: Makes about 6 minis, ideal for serving alongside meals or as a grab-and-go snack.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk ingredients before diving in—most are pantry staples but each has a reason here. When shopping, grab good-quality butter and fresh buttermilk if you can; they really make a difference in flavor and texture.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, a few whole sticks of golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl containing pale beige baking soda powder, a small white ceramic bowl with mixed crushed fennel and caraway seeds, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy buttermilk, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butter: Adds richness and helps create a beautiful browned crust when brushed on during baking.
All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and a tender crumb.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness.
Baking soda: The leavening agent that gives soda bread its characteristic rise and crumb.
Crushed fennel and caraway seeds: These seeds infuse the bread with a subtle, warm aromatic flavor that’s surprisingly delightful.
Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a signature tang that makes soda bread so comforting and tender.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Crispy Irish Soda Bread Minis Recipe is how easy it is to tweak and make it your own. Whether you want to play with flavors or adapt it for different dietary needs, there’s plenty of room to experiment while keeping that deliciously crisp crust and tender crumb intact.

Herb Infusion Variation: I love swapping out the crushed fennel and caraway seeds with a mix of rosemary and thyme for an herby twist. It transforms the bread into a fragrant side that pairs beautifully with soups or stews.
Gluten-Free Option: For gluten sensitivity, try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The texture changes slightly, but you still get those crispy edges and soft centers. Just be gentle with kneading to keep tenderness.
Cheesy Soda Bread Minis: Adding a handful of shredded sharp cheddar or parmesan into the dry ingredients is a total game changer. Melty, cheesy pockets inside the minis make these irresistible snacks for kids and adults alike.
Sweet Touch: For a sweeter spin, toss in a couple tablespoons of sugar and fold in some currants or raisins. These make lovely breakfast treats or afternoon tea companions.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Irish Soda Bread Minis Recipe

A woman's hand is breaking open a golden brown biscuit, showing its soft, fluffy inside with a slightly crumbly texture. Underneath, there is a round tray lined with light brown parchment paper holding three more biscuits that have a browned, crispy top with small browned spots. Next to the biscuits on the tray, there is a butter knife with some white butter on its blade. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare your skillet

Start by setting your oven to 400°F—this temperature is perfect for creating that crisp crust we’re after. While the oven warms up, grab your 10-inch cast iron skillet and butter it generously with 1 tablespoon of your butter. This not only prevents the bread minis from sticking but also helps form that gorgeous golden-brown bottom. Pro tip: use softened butter so it spreads easily and evenly.

Step 2: Combine your dry ingredients and mix with buttermilk

In a large bowl, toss together the 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ¾ teaspoon baking soda, and the aromatic 2 teaspoons of crushed fennel and caraway seeds. These seeds add a lovely subtle flavor that makes these minis extra special. Create a shallow well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in 1½ cups of buttermilk. Use a wooden spoon to gently stir everything together, gradually incorporating all the flour. If the dough feels too dry and crumbly, add the buttermilk one tablespoon at a time—remember, we want the dough to just come together, so don’t overmix or knead.

Step 3: Shape the dough into mini rolls

Turn the dough out onto a clean counter surface. It’ll feel craggly, a bit stringy, and slightly sticky—that’s perfect. Dip your hands in water and quickly knead the dough into a flattened disk. This shouldn’t take long; just enough to bring it together. Next, cut the disk into about 5 or 6 equal pieces, rolling each into a round ball. Place these dough balls loosely into your buttered skillet, leaving a little space between each so they can spread just a bit while baking.

Step 4: Bake and brush with butter for extra crispness

Pop the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. You’ll start to see the tops turn a warm golden brown and the minis will begin to firm up. While they bake, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan. After the initial 15 minutes, carefully remove the skillet and brush each roll generously with the melted butter—this step seals in moisture and gives you that irresistibly crispy exterior. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the minis are beautifully golden and have browned peaks.

Step 5: Rest, slice, and savor

Once baked to perfection, take the skillet out and let your soda bread minis rest just long enough so you can handle them without burning your fingers. Splitting them open right away reveals warm, tender interiors that are perfect for smearing with even more butter. Inhale deeply—that inviting aroma of toasted fennel and caraway seeds is pure comfort. Serve these minis fresh and warm for a snack or alongside your favorite Irish stew or salad. Enjoy every crisp, buttery bite!

Top Tip

These Crispy Irish Soda Bread Minis are surprisingly simple to make, yet getting that perfect crisp crust and tender crumb takes a little know-how. Here are some tips I've learned along the way to help you bake the best batch every time.

Use cold buttermilk: Cold buttermilk keeps the dough from getting too soft and dense, ensuring a light, tender crumb with just the right amount of tang.
Don’t overwork the dough: The dough should be mixed just until it comes together. Over-kneading toughens the bread, so handle it gently but confidently.
Butter the skillet well: This step not only prevents sticking but also helps develop that beautifully crisp, golden crust everyone loves.
Brush with melted butter mid-bake: This little extra step keeps the minis moist while enhancing the flavor and the shiny, buttery finish we crave.

How to Serve Crispy Irish Soda Bread Minis Recipe

The image shows two black cast iron pans with orange handles placed side by side on a white marbled surface. The left pan has five raw biscuit dough balls, each pale and rough in texture, arranged with three balls at the top and two at the bottom forming a circle around the center. The right pan holds the same five biscuits now baked, round and golden brown with a slightly crispy texture on top, the biscuits touching each other in a close circular arrangement like before. The black pan contrasts with the warm light brown biscuits, and the bright orange handles add a pop of color. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

These minis are perfect on their own slathered with simple butter, but you can take them to the next level with a drizzle of honey or a smear of cream cheese. For a savory touch, try topping with smoked salmon and a sprinkle of fresh chives, or add a dollop of Irish smoked butter infused with sea salt and herbs.

Side Dishes

Serve your Crispy Irish Soda Bread Minis alongside comforting soups like creamy potato and leek, hearty beef stew, or a classic Irish lamb stew. They also make a great accompaniment to roasted vegetables or a fresh salad with tangy vinaigrette, balancing the bread’s warm, aromatic notes beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your minis have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 days—perfect for quick grabs or snacking throughout the day.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each mini individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen minis will keep well for up to 3 months without losing their charm.

Reheating

For best results, thaw frozen minis overnight in the fridge, then warm them in a 350°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. Alternatively, pop them in the toaster oven or microwave for a quick warm-up. Don't forget a little extra butter to revive that fresh-baked feeling!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the Crispy Irish Soda Bread Minis without a cast iron skillet?

Yes! While a cast iron skillet helps achieve that signature crispy crust, you can bake the minis on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Just keep an eye on the browning as it may bake slightly faster.

What can I use if I don't have buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, stir 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice into 1 ½ to 2 cups of regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. This will replicate the tang and acidity needed for the soda bread.

Can I omit the fennel and caraway seeds?

Absolutely! The seeds add lovely aromatic flavor, but if they’re not to your taste or unavailable, simply leave them out. The bread will still be deliciously tender and flavorful.

How do I know when the soda bread minis are done baking?

The minis are done when they’re golden brown on top with browned peaks and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of around 190°F indicates they're fully baked.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about baking bread in a skillet, especially when it comes to these Crispy Irish Soda Bread Minis. The buttery aroma, the crackling crust, and the tender crumb with that subtle hint of fennel and caraway seeds always bring warmth to the kitchen. I hope this recipe becomes a favorite for your family gatherings or quiet moments with a cup of tea. Enjoy every bite and happy baking!