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

If you love that perfect balance of crispy crust and tender crumb, then you’re going to want to try this Crispy Irish Soda Bread Minis Recipe. These little gems are baked in a cast iron skillet, giving them an irresistible golden edge and a cozy, buttery aroma that fills the kitchen.

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

Every time I make these soda bread minis, I’m reminded how such simple ingredients can turn into magic so quickly. It’s my go-to when I want that warm-from-the-oven bread feeling without hours of fuss.

Quick and Easy: Ready from start to finish in just 40 minutes—perfect for busy days.
Unique Flavor Twist: Crushed fennel and caraway seeds add a delightful aromatic touch.
Cast Iron Perfection: Baking in a skillet gives you that perfect crispy crust every time.
Versatile Serving: Ideal as a side for dinner, snack with butter, or even breakfast on the go.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before diving into making these minis, let’s talk ingredients. All are pantry staples, but a few little pointers can elevate your bread from good to amazing.

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

All-purpose flour: The backbone of your dough, providing structure and that tender crumb we want.
Kosher salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the bread’s natural taste.
Baking soda: The leavening agent that gives soda bread its signature rise without yeast.
Crushed fennel and caraway seeds: These aromatic seeds infuse each mini with that classic Irish twist and a subtle sweetness.
Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang, activating the baking soda for a perfect rise.
Butter: Used both in the dough and for brushing, it creates a rich, golden crust with a melt-in-your-mouth finish.

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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 parts about this Crispy Irish Soda Bread Minis Recipe is how easy it is to put your own spin on it. Whether you want to highlight different flavors or adjust it for dietary preferences, these bread minis are incredibly versatile and forgiving.

Switch up the seeds: I love using a mix of fennel and caraway seeds for that unique aroma and slight sweetness. But sometimes, I swap them out for just caraway seeds to get a more traditional Irish bread flavor or even try adding a sprinkle of crushed anise for a fun twist.
Make it dairy-free: If you’re avoiding dairy, try substituting buttermilk with a mix of almond milk and a splash of lemon juice for that tangy bite. Use a dairy-free butter substitute to brush the skillet and tops — it works beautifully!
Add mix-ins: For a heartier mini loaf, toss in some finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. It adds an earthy note that pairs wonderfully with soups and stews.
Sweet version: Craving something a little sweeter? Mix in a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup into the dough and swap out the seeds for a handful of currants or raisins. These sweet minis make a perfect breakfast treat!

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: Butter Up the Skillet and Preheat Your Oven

Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, grab your 10-inch cast iron skillet and butter it generously with 1 tablespoon of the butter. This not only prevents sticking but adds a lovely rich flavor to the bottoms of your bread minis. The butter should coat the skillet evenly, creating a golden crispness as the bread bakes.

Step 2: Combine Your Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, stir together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ¾ teaspoon baking soda, and 2 teaspoons of crushed fennel and caraway seeds. Mixing these well ensures the seeds get evenly distributed throughout the dough for that aromatic punch every bite.

Step 3: Add Buttermilk and Bring Your Dough Together

Make a shallow well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour in 1½ cups of cold buttermilk. Using a wooden spoon, gently stir to start combining the ingredients. The dough will be sticky and a bit rough at this point—it’s supposed to be! If it feels too dry, add more buttermilk one tablespoon at a time, just until the dough comes together but isn’t overly wet or tough. Be careful not to overmix; you want it tender, not dense.

Step 4: Shape Your Dough into Mini Rolls

Turn your dough out onto a clean surface. It might look a bit uneven and sticky, and that’s totally normal. Wet your hands with water to keep the dough from sticking, then quickly knead it into a flattened disk. Divide the dough into 5 or 6 roughly equal pieces and roll each into a round ball. Each mini will bake evenly and create that irresistible crispy crust with a fluffy center.

Step 5: Arrange and Bake Your Bread Minis

Place the dough balls evenly spaced in your buttered cast iron skillet. Don’t crowd them—give each mini room to grow as it bakes. Pop the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. You’ll notice the tops beginning to turn a light golden brown, signaling it’s time for the next step.

Step 6: Butter Bath for Extra Crispness

While your bread rolls are baking, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small pot. When the oven timer goes off at 15 minutes, take the skillet out and brush each bread mini generously with the melted butter. This step adds a rich, buttery glaze and helps them develop those beautifully browned peaks. Slide the skillet back into the oven for another 10 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Cool Slightly and Enjoy

Once they’re golden brown and perfectly crisp on top, remove the skillet from the oven. Let the minis rest just long enough to handle comfortably. Then, split each roll open and slather the insides with more butter. Take a deep breath and savor the warm, aromatic scent—the best part of this Crispy Irish Soda Bread Minis Recipe. These taste amazing fresh out of the skillet and make any meal special!

Top Tip

These tips will help ensure your Crispy Irish Soda Bread Minis Recipe turns out perfectly every time, with that ideal golden crust and fluffy interior.

Use Cold Buttermilk: Using buttermilk straight from the fridge keeps the baking soda well-activated, giving your bread that wonderful rise and lightness.
Don’t Overmix or Overknead: I learned that handling the dough gently preserves its tender crumb — the dough should be slightly sticky and craggly before baking.
Butter the Skillet Well: A generous coating of butter on your cast iron skillet prevents sticking and infuses the bread with extra flavor as it bakes.
Brush with Melted Butter Mid-Bake: This simple step adds a rich, crispy crust and encourages lovely golden peaks on the minis — a detail I never skip now!

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 shine brightest when served warm with a generous slather of softened butter right after baking. For extra flair, top with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of honey. Fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley also complement the subtle fennel and caraway flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair your Crispy Irish Soda Bread Minis with comforting dishes like hearty Irish stew or a creamy potato soup. They also work wonderfully alongside smoked salmon, sharp cheddar cheese, or a fresh green salad for a lighter meal. Breakfast lovers can enjoy them with scrambled eggs and sautéed greens for a cozy start to the day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover minis in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This preserves their moisture while maintaining the crisp exterior.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooled bread minis individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or leftover minis by warming them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crisp again. For a quick fix, you can also toast split minis and add butter for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

What if I don’t have fennel or caraway seeds?

No worries! You can substitute with just caraway seeds or omit both for a more classic, plain Irish soda bread flavor.

Can I use a different pan instead of a cast iron skillet?

Absolutely. A heavy oven-safe skillet or a round baking dish works fine as long as it’s properly buttered to prevent sticking.

How do I know when the minis are fully baked?

They’re golden brown on top with nicely browned peaks and feel firm when gently pressed. You can also insert a toothpick—it should come out clean.

Final Thoughts

Making these Crispy Irish Soda Bread Minis has been such a rewarding and comforting experience for me. They bring a touch of rustic charm and warm, herby flavors to any meal, and their quick prep time means you don’t have to wait long to enjoy fresh homemade bread. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just craving a cozy snack, these skillet bread minis never disappoint. I hope they become a beloved staple in your kitchen, just as they are in mine!