Name: Crispy Irish Soda Bread Minis Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 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; 3 tablespoons butter, divided

There’s something utterly comforting about fresh, homemade bread, and this Crispy Irish Soda Bread Minis Recipe is no exception. Soft inside with golden, buttery edges and the subtle warmth of fennel and caraway seeds, these skillet-baked treats will quickly become your go-to for snack time or alongside your favorite meal.

The image shows four golden brown biscuits with a slightly rough and crumbly texture on top, in a black cast iron skillet with an orange outer edge. Each biscuit has a rounded shape with uneven, cracked tops and some small browned spots that give them a baked look. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface, and the close-up focus highlights the biscuits' crusty tops and soft, dense insides. 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 first made these Irish soda bread minis on a chilly weekend morning, and the smell alone was worth the effort. Every bite brings out that cozy, rustic vibe that makes you feel right at home – and honestly, it’s so easy to whip up, you’ll want to make them all the time.

Quick & Simple: No yeast, no long rising—just straightforward mixing and baking.
Delicately Flavored: The crushed fennel and caraway seeds add an irresistible warm, aromatic touch.
Perfectly Portionable: Mini sizes make these ideal for snacking or serving alongside soups and stews.
Cast Iron Crust: Baking in a skillet creates a golden crust with a tender crumb inside every time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients are simple pantry staples with a couple of little flavor boosters. When shopping, grabbing good-quality buttermilk and fresh spices really elevates the result. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, I’ll share a quick substitute that works perfectly!

Flat lay of three tablespoons of golden butter sticks, a small mound of white all-purpose flour, a teaspoon of coarse kosher salt in a small white bowl, a small white bowl with pale beige crushed fennel and caraway seeds, a small white bowl holding creamy white buttermilk, a small white bowl containing fine white baking soda, all arranged symmetrically and naturally 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

All-purpose flour: The foundation of this bread, it offers structure without being too dense.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the subtle seeds.
Baking soda: Key to that classic Irish soda bread lift—no yeast needed!
Crushed fennel and caraway seeds: These seeds add an authentic, warm, slightly sweet and earthy note that defines this bread’s character.
Buttermilk: Brings moisture, tangy flavor, and reacts with baking soda to help the bread rise.
Butter: Used both to grease the skillet and brushed on top for a lovely golden finish and rich taste.

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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

One of the best things about this Crispy Irish Soda Bread Minis Recipe is how easy it is to customize it to suit your taste or occasion. Whether you want to add a little extra zing or make it diet-friendly, there’s something here for everyone.

Herb & Cheese Twist: Adding a handful of sharp cheddar or crumbled feta along with some chopped fresh rosemary or thyme can transform these minis into a savory delight. I tried this version for a casual brunch and was thrilled with the melty pockets of cheese that complemented the aromatic fennel and caraway seeds.
Gluten-Free Adaptation: For those avoiding gluten, swapping in a gluten-free flour blend works surprisingly well. Keep the buttermilk amount the same and watch your baking time closely, as gluten-free doughs sometimes need a little extra care. I made these for a friend’s gathering, and everyone loved the tender crumb and rustic crust.
Sweet Option: If you prefer a sweeter bite, toss in a tablespoon of brown sugar and some dried currants or raisins. This slight change turns the minis into a lovely afternoon treat with tea or coffee.
Spice it Up: For a subtle kick, mix in a pinch of ground black pepper or a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top before baking. It adds a warm depth which I found especially welcome on chilly evenings.

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

The image shows three golden-brown scones with a rough, crumbly texture placed on parchment paper inside a round tray. Two scones lie on the tray, one slightly blurred in the background, while a woman's hands are breaking apart one scone in the foreground, revealing its soft, fluffy white inside. A knife with butter on it rests nearby on the parchment paper. The scene is set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Skillet

First things first, get your oven warmed up to a toasty 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is key for that beautiful golden crust characteristic of these minis. While the oven is heating, take 1 tablespoon of cold butter and coat your 10-inch cast iron skillet thoroughly. I love using cold butter here—it spreads easily and gives the skillet an even, flavorful barrier that helps the bread release smoothly once baked.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Add Buttermilk

In a roomy mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ¾ teaspoon baking soda, and 2 teaspoons of crushed fennel and caraway seeds. This mix sets the flavorful base. Make a shallow well in the center of these dry ingredients and pour in 1½ cups of buttermilk. Use a wooden spoon to gently stir and incorporate the flour, adding buttermilk just a tablespoon at a time if the dough feels too dry. The goal is a sticky, slightly stringy dough without overmixing—this keeps your bread tender and moist.

Step 3: Knead and Shape the Dough

Turn your sticky dough out onto a clean counter. Wet your hands to keep the dough from sticking, then quickly gather and fold it into a flattened disk. Divide this disk into 5 or 6 equal pieces, rolling each into a smooth ball. Arrange these dough balls in your buttered skillet, spaced comfortably apart so they don’t stick together but can still share heat for even baking.

Step 4: Bake the Minis – First Phase

Pop your skillet into the oven and bake the minis for 15 minutes. At this stage, keep an eye on the tops as they start to gently brown – this is your cue that you’re heading toward that perfect crust. The aroma at this point is simply irresistible!

Step 5: Butter and Finish Baking

While the bread is baking, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small pot. When the initial 15-minute bake is done, take the skillet out and brush each mini generously with this melted butter. This step locks in moisture and gives the bread that irresistible golden sheen and browned peaks. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an extra 10 minutes until the minis are beautifully golden and further developed in flavor.

Step 6: Rest, Serve, and Enjoy

Remove the skillet from the oven and let the minis rest just long enough to handle. Then split them open and slather the warm bread with even more butter if you like—it melts right in, making each bite rich and comforting. Inhale deeply and savor the fennel and caraway-infused warmth. These minis are absolutely perfect as a snack or a side dish to any meal.

Top Tip

Getting your Crispy Irish Soda Bread Minis just right can be a joy when you keep a few of these handy tips in mind. They’ll help you achieve that perfect golden crust and tender crumb every time!

Use Cold Butter for Skillet: I’ve found that using cold butter to grease the cast iron skillet makes it easier to spread evenly and helps the bread develop a beautifully crisp bottom crust.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: It’s tempting to keep stirring for a smooth dough, but I learned quickly that a slightly sticky, rough texture means softer, fluffier minis after baking.
Brush with Butter Twice: Brushing the rolls with butter both before and after baking seals in moisture and gives the minis a lovely golden sheen that’s so inviting.
Resist Overpacking the Skillet: Leaving space between the dough balls lets them expand properly and develop those charming, browned peaks instead of sticking together.

How to Serve Crispy Irish Soda Bread Minis Recipe

The image shows two cast iron pans with five round dough pieces in each, arranged with one in the center and four around it. The left pan holds raw dough balls that are pale and rough in texture with a white color, while the right pan displays the same dough pieces baked to a golden brown with a slightly crispy and uneven surface. Both pans are black with bright orange handles, placed on a white marbled surface that has subtle gray vein patterns. The contrast between the raw and baked biscuits highlights their texture and color change clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

These Irish Soda Bread Minis are delightful on their own, but consider topping them with a pat of salted butter that melts right into their warm, soft crumb. For a special touch, add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Fresh chopped herbs like chives or parsley also complement the subtle anise flavor from the fennel and caraway seeds beautifully.

Side Dishes

They make an exceptional accompaniment to hearty Irish stews, creamy soups like potato leek or tomato bisque, and even alongside a crisp green salad. Pairing them with dishes featuring cheese—like sharp cheddar or creamy goat cheese—taking advantage of their savory seeds creates a satisfying flavor combo that’s perfect for brunch or dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your Crispy Irish Soda Bread Minis have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 2 days. Just make sure to avoid refrigerating, as it tends to dry out the bread.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each mini tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to one month. This way, you can enjoy the warm bread whenever the craving hits without starting from scratch.

Reheating

When you’re ready to eat, thaw the minis at room temperature briefly. Then, warm them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8-10 minutes. For an extra touch, brush with melted butter before reheating to refresh their crisp exterior and soft inside perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these minis gluten-free?

You can try substituting a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum for the regular flour. Keep in mind the texture might differ slightly since gluten contributes to the bread's structure.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries! You can make a simple buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using it in the dough.

Can I bake these without a cast iron skillet?

Yes, you can use any oven-safe dish if you don’t have cast iron. Just make sure to butter the dish well and monitor baking times as they might vary slightly.

How do I know when the minis are done baking?

After the initial 15 minutes, the tops should start browning. Then, after brushing with butter and baking an additional 10 minutes, the minis will be golden with nicely browned peaks. They should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about slicing into a warm, freshly baked Crispy Irish Soda Bread Mini. With its lightly spiced flavor and tender crumb, it brings a touch of rustic Irish charm right into your kitchen. Whether enjoyed with a pat of butter for an afternoon snack or alongside a hearty meal, these minis are bound to become a beloved staple. Happy baking and may your kitchen fill with the irresistible aroma of home-baked bread!