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

Nothing beats the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread in the kitchen—especially when you’re making this Crispy Irish Soda Bread Minis Recipe. These skillet-baked little gems come out golden and crisp, with a tender crumb that’s just begging to be slathered in butter. Trust me, you’re going to fall in love with these bite-sized delights.

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’ve made this Crispy Irish Soda Bread Minis Recipe a handful of times for friends and family, and every single batch disappears fast. They’re simple, quick, and so satisfying—perfect for when you want homemade bread without the fuss of yeast and rising times.

Quick & Easy: No yeast or proofing required—these minis come together in just 40 minutes total.
Flavor-Packed: Crushed fennel and caraway seeds give a subtle aromatic twist that makes each bite special.
Crispy Crust, Tender Crumb: Baking in a cast iron skillet means a perfectly crunchy outside with a soft inside.
Perfectly Portionable: These bite-sized rolls are ideal for sharing, snacking, or pairing with soups and stews.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start mixing, I like to have everything ready and understand why each ingredient is important. This not only makes the process smoother but gives you a little insight into the magic happening inside your skillet.

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 our dough, providing structure and tenderness.
Kosher salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness of the bread just right.
Baking soda: The quick leavening agent that helps these little breads rise without yeast.
Crushed fennel and caraway seeds: These add a lovely earthy, slightly sweet, and licorice-like aroma that elevates the bread’s flavor.
Buttermilk: Gives the bread a tangy note and tender crumb while reacting with the baking soda to create lift.
Butter: Used for both cooking and finishing, it creates that irresistible golden crust and adds richness.

📝

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 easily it embraces creativity. Feel free to tailor it to your taste buds or dietary needs—this recipe is a fantastic canvas for personalization!

Add Cheese: I love mixing in a half cup of shredded sharp cheddar or aged Irish cheese to the dough for a savory twist. It melts just perfectly inside the crispy crust, creating little pockets of cheesy goodness.
Herb Infusion: If you’re a fan of herbs, try adding a teaspoon of fresh chopped rosemary or thyme along with the fennel and caraway seeds. It adds a lovely fragrant note without overpowering the bread’s classic flavor.
Gluten-Free Version: For a gluten-free take, substitute the all-purpose flour with a sturdy gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check your blend contains xanthan gum or similar to keep the structure intact. The texture will be slightly different but still wonderfully tender.
Sweet Variation: Skip the fennel and caraway and instead fold in some dried currants or raisins for a more traditional Irish soda bread sweetness. Adding a pinch of cinnamon can also add a warm aroma.

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 and Prep That Skillet

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While that warms up, grab your trusty 10-inch cast iron skillet and butter it thoroughly with 1 tablespoon of butter. This not only stops the bread from sticking but also helps build that coveted crispy, rich crust we’re aiming for.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients with Love

In a large bowl, whisk or 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. Take a moment to inhale the aromatic seeds — they set this recipe apart and give it that warm Irish charm.

Step 3: Bring the Dough Together with Buttermilk

Create a shallow well in your dry mixture and pour in 1½ cups of buttermilk. Gently stir with a wooden spoon, lifting flour from the edges and incorporating it into the buttermilk. If needed, add more buttermilk one tablespoon at a time until the dough just comes together. Be mindful not to overmix—this keeps the texture tender and light.

Step 4: Knead and Shape Your Mini Bread Balls

Turn the dough out onto a clean surface. It might feel a bit sticky and rough—that’s perfect! Wet your hands to handle the dough easily, then knead it quickly into a flattened disk. Cut the dough into 5 or 6 roughly equal portions and gently roll each into a soft ball.

Step 5: Arrange, Bake, and Butter Up

Place the dough balls in your buttered cast iron skillet, leaving a bit of space between each so they can rise without crowding. Pop the skillet into the oven and bake for 15 minutes. At this point, the tops should start to take on a golden brown hue. While baking, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan.

Step 6: Brush and Finish Baking

Carefully remove the skillet and use a brush to generously coat each mini bread roll with the melted butter. Return the skillet to the oven and bake another 5 to 10 minutes, until the minis are a lovely golden brown with those irresistibly browned peaks.

Step 7: Cool a Bit and Enjoy!

Once out of the oven, let the minis rest for a few minutes so they’re cool enough to handle. Then split them open and slather with even more butter. The result? Warm, fragrant, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside little rounds of pure comfort. They’re perfect for breakfast, a snack, or alongside a hearty Irish stew.

Top Tip

Mastering the Crispy Irish Soda Bread Minis Recipe is easier with a few helpful pointers. These tips will ensure your minis come out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside every time.

Use a Cast Iron Skillet: From my experience, baking the minis in a well-buttered cast iron skillet creates that wonderfully crispy crust you crave—something a baking sheet just can’t replicate.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: I learned the hard way that overworking the dough can lead to tough bread. Stir gently until the dough just comes together for the best texture.
Butter Brushing Is Key: Brushing the minis halfway through baking with melted butter is what gives the crust that irresistible golden shine and rich flavor.
Wet Your Hands to Handle Dough: When shaping the dough balls, wetting your hands prevents sticking and helps you form smooth, even minis easily without frustrating mess.

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 a blank canvas for delicious toppings. Try slathering them with fresh Irish butter, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. For a savory touch, add creamy sharp cheddar or a slice of smoked salmon with a touch of dill.

Side Dishes

Pair your Crispy Irish Soda Bread Minis with a bowl of hearty stew or Irish lamb soup to soak up all the rich flavors. They also make a fantastic accompaniment to breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs and sautéed greens, or alongside a fresh salad for a lighter meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover minis in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days. This keeps the crumb tender while the crust remains delightfully crisp.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the cooled minis tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw them at room temperature.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat minis in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also pop them in a toaster oven. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that signature crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, shape the dough balls and proceed with the recipe as usual.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No buttermilk? No problem. Use regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes to sour—it works just as well in this recipe.

Can I omit the fennel and caraway seeds?

Absolutely. If you prefer a more traditional Irish soda bread flavor, simply leave out the seeds or substitute with anise seeds for a similar aromatic note.

Why do my minis sometimes turn out dense?

Dense minis are often due to overmixing the dough or adding too much buttermilk. Stir just until the ingredients come together and add buttermilk gradually for a tender crumb.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about pulling golden, buttery Irish soda bread minis fresh from the oven—warm, fragrant little bites that bring comfort in every crunch and crumb. Whether you're celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply craving a quick homemade treat, this Crispy Irish Soda Bread Minis Recipe will become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So grab your skillet, butter your hands, and enjoy every delicious moment!