Name: Crispy Skillet 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 bread that's both crispy and bursting with cozy, aromatic flavors, then you're going to love this Crispy Skillet Irish Soda Bread Minis Recipe. These little beauties are perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!

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 Skillet Irish Soda Bread Minis Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Skillet Irish Soda Bread Minis Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Skillet Irish Soda Bread Minis Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of these Irish soda bread minis. They come together so easily, fill the kitchen with a warm, inviting scent, and have that unbeatable crispy crust you just want to dunk in butter or soup.

Individual-sized charm: Perfect little rolls, each crisped to golden perfection in a skillet.
Fragrant flavor boost: The fennel and caraway seeds add a subtle, aromatic twist that makes these breads stand out.
Simple ingredients: You likely have most of what you need in your pantry already.
Versatile serving: Great for breakfast, tea, or alongside hearty stews and soups.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, I want to share a quick heads-up about the ingredients. The magic here is all about simple pantry staples, plus those lovely seeds that add so much character to the bread. Make sure to grab fresh buttermilk and good-quality butter for the best results.

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: I use butter both in the dough and to butter the skillet—this ensures a fantastic crust and flavor.
All-purpose flour: The sturdy base for these minis, providing just the right texture.
Kosher salt: For that perfect seasoning balance without overpowering.
Baking soda: The leavening agent that gives this soda bread its classic rise and crumb.
Crushed fennel and caraway seeds: These add a fragrant, slightly sweet and earthy note that’s traditional and delicious.
Buttermilk: The tangy liquid that activates the soda and keeps the bread tender and moist.

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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 Skillet Irish Soda Bread Minis Recipe is how easy it is to personalize! Whether you want to elevate the flavor profile or tweak it for dietary needs, these charming little breads invite your creativity.

Variation: I love adding a handful of golden raisins or currants for a touch of natural sweetness—perfect if you’re enjoying these minis with afternoon tea.
Herb swap: Instead of fennel and caraway seeds, try mixing in chopped fresh rosemary and thyme for a fragrant, savory twist that goes beautifully alongside soups.
Dairy alternative: For a lactose-free version, substitute the buttermilk with a mix of almond milk and a splash of apple cider vinegar to mimic the acidity and texture.
Whole grain upgrade: Swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to add a lovely nuttiness and boost fiber—just keep an eye on the dough’s moisture as whole wheat absorbs more liquid.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Skillet 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 Prepare Your Skillet

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While it’s heating up, take a 10-inch cast iron skillet and rub it generously with 1 tablespoon of butter. This not only helps prevent sticking but also builds a beautiful buttery base that caramelizes during baking, giving your minis that irresistible crisp crust.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Add Buttermilk

In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ¾ teaspoon baking soda, and 2 teaspoons of crushed fennel and caraway seeds. Create a shallow well in the center and pour in 1½ cups of cold buttermilk. Using a wooden spoon, gently stir to incorporate the flour into the liquid. The key here is to add buttermilk gradually—up to 2 cups total—but stop once your dough just comes together to avoid overmixing, which can make your bread tough.

Step 3: Shape the Dough into Minis

Turn the craggly, slightly sticky dough onto a clean countertop. Wet your hands to prevent it sticking, then quickly gather and knead the dough into a flattened disk. Divide the disk into 5 or 6 even pieces, rolling each gently into a smooth ball. Place these dough balls spaced evenly in your buttered skillet, giving them room to rise and bake without crowding.

Step 4: First Bake for a Tender Crust

Pop the skillet into the oven and bake the minis for 15 minutes. You’ll notice the tops start to turn golden brown and become set—that’s your cue they’re developing that perfect crust.

Step 5: Butter Brush and Final Bake

While they bake, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small pot. Once the initial 15 minutes are up, remove the skillet from the oven and brush each roll generously with the melted butter. This step adds beautiful richness and keeps the crust soft and glossy. Return the skillet to the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the minis are a gorgeous golden brown with charming darker peaks.

Step 6: Rest, Split, and Enjoy!

Take the skillet out of the oven and let the minis rest until they’re cool enough to handle. Split open each warm, fragrant roll and slather with extra butter—this final indulgence brings out the buttery, seeded flavor and creates an unforgettable experience. Enjoy them fresh out of the skillet for a cozy breakfast, snack, or soup companion.

Top Tip

These Crispy Skillet Irish Soda Bread Minis are a breeze to make, but a few insider tips can really elevate your baking game and ensure they come out perfectly every time.

Gentle Mixing: I always remind myself not to overmix the dough. The craggly, slightly sticky texture is exactly what you want—it keeps the bread tender and flaky rather than dense.
Cold Buttermilk Works Best: I’ve found that using cold buttermilk straight from the fridge activates the baking soda just right, giving these minis a lovely rise and crumb.
Butter the Skillet Generously: Don’t skimp on buttering your cast iron skillet. It prevents sticking and helps develop that irresistible crispy crust.
Brush Immediately After Baking: Applying melted butter right out of the oven keeps the crust soft while adding a rich, buttery flavor—trust me, it’s worth the extra step.

How to Serve Crispy Skillet 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 delicious on their own with a generous slather of butter, but you can kick things up a notch with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of your favorite jam. For a savory twist, try topping them with cream cheese mixed with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. A little fresh parsley or chives can also add pretty color and fresh flavor when serving.

Side Dishes

These crispy skillet Irish soda bread minis pair beautifully with classic Irish stews or any hearty soups — think creamy potato leek or robust beef and vegetable. They also shine at breakfast alongside simple scrambled eggs or smoked salmon. Afternoon tea time is another perfect spot for serving them with sharp cheddar or tangy pickled vegetables.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, wrap your leftover minis tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep fresh at room temperature for up to 24 hours—perfect if you want to enjoy them the next day without sacrificing texture.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each mini individually in plastic wrap and then place them together in a freezer-safe bag or container. Stored this way, they’ll maintain their flavor and texture for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.

Reheating

Reheat your minis in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the crust crisps back up beautifully. For a quick option, a quick zap in the microwave works too—just be mindful that the crust may soften a bit.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these minis without fennel and caraway seeds?

Absolutely! The fennel and caraway seeds add a lovely aromatic flavor, but if you prefer a plainer bread, you can omit them or substitute with herbs or spices you enjoy.

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

No worries—a heavy ovenproof skillet or baking dish will work just fine. The cast iron just gives the crispiest crust. Make sure to butter your pan well to prevent sticking.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Buttermilk’s acidity activates the baking soda, helping the bread rise and tenderize correctly. You can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.

How do I know if the minis are fully cooked?

They should be golden with some darker browned peaks and feel firm to the touch. You can also insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean if they’re done.

Final Thoughts

Making these Crispy Skillet Irish Soda Bread Minis Recipe has become one of my favorite kitchen rituals. There’s something so comforting about the aroma of warm bread mingled with the subtle notes of fennel and caraway filling the house. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, tea, or alongside a cozy supper, they bring a little golden joy to any occasion. I hope you enjoy baking and savoring them as much as I do!