Name: 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: 1 tablespoon for skillet, 2 tablespoons for brushing)

There’s something truly magical about baking bread without any fuss, and that’s exactly what makes this Irish Soda Bread Minis Recipe a kitchen favorite of mine. These little skillet breads come out with a crisp crust, soft center, and a comforting aroma that's just irresistible.

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

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I’m hooked on these minis—it’s the perfect blend of traditional Irish flavors and convenient, quick baking that feels like a little kitchen celebration every time.

Quick and Easy: No yeast means no waiting—these breads come together in just 40 minutes total.
Perfectly Portable Minis: Great for snacking, sharing, or serving alongside any meal.
Flavorful Twist: The fragrant fennel and caraway seeds add that unique traditional Irish touch.
Beautiful Crust and Soft Center: Baking in a cast iron skillet creates a crispy outside with a tender inside every time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you gather your ingredients, here’s a quick tip: use fresh buttermilk straight from the fridge for that perfect rise, and if possible, reach for a good quality cast iron skillet to get that crispy crust we all crave.

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 base of the dough, providing structure while keeping the bread tender.
Kosher salt: Enhances flavor without overwhelming the subtle notes.
Baking soda: The leavening agent that makes this a quick bread—no yeast required.
Crushed fennel and caraway seeds: Classic Irish spices that bring warmth and an aromatic bite.
Buttermilk: Adds moisture and tang, and helps activate the baking soda for rise.
Butter: Adds richness, helps prevent sticking, and gives the crust a golden sheen when brushed on hot bread.

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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 Irish Soda Bread Minis Recipe is how easy it is to tailor to your tastes and pantry. Whether you want to add a twist of sweetness or keep it savory, these little breads welcome your creativity!

Variation – Sweet and Fruity: I sometimes add a handful of currants or raisins to the dough before shaping. It lends a lovely burst of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with a touch of honey butter.
Variation – Herb Infused: Swap out the fennel and caraway seeds for fresh rosemary or thyme for a more herbal note that complements soups and roasts beautifully. I love how fragrant these turn out!
Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free twist, try using a plant-based buttermilk substitute and coconut oil instead of butter. The texture stays surprisingly tender, and the flavor is still rich.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the dry mix for some gentle heat—great if you like a little kick with your bread.

Step-by-Step: How I Make 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 Your Skillet and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Then, take your trusty 10-inch cast iron skillet and spread 1 tablespoon of butter all over the bottom and sides. This not only prevents sticking but also ensures a golden, flavorful crust. I find the skillet adds such a lovely rustic charm and an irresistible crispness to these minis.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients Well

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ¾ teaspoon baking soda, and 2 teaspoons crushed fennel and caraway seeds. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly makes sure the flavors are evenly spread and that the baking soda will do its job just right.

Step 3: Add Buttermilk and Create Your Dough

Make a shallow well in the center of your dry mix and pour in 1 ½ cups of cold buttermilk—straight from the fridge is best to avoid prematurely activating the baking soda. Using a wooden spoon, gently stir the flour into the buttermilk, gradually bringing the dough together. If it still feels too dry, add buttermilk one tablespoon at a time, stopping as soon as the dough forms. Remember, this dough should feel a bit sticky and shaggy — don’t overmix or over-knead to keep your minis wonderfully tender.

Step 4: Knead and Shape Your Dough Balls

Dust your countertop lightly with flour and turn the dough out. It will look craggy and stringy—perfect! Wet your hands to prevent sticking and quickly knead the dough into a flattened disk. Then divide it into 5 or 6 even pieces. Roll each piece into a ball—don’t fuss too much with shaping; rustic is exactly what we want here!

Step 5: Arrange and Bake the Minis

Place your dough balls spaced evenly in the buttered skillet, giving them a little room to expand but not too much. Pop the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. At this point, the tops should be starting to brown—one of the most satisfying sights!

Step 6: Butter Brush and Finish Baking

While baking, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan. After the initial 15 minutes, remove the skillet and generously brush each mini with the melted butter. This step locks in moisture and creates those gorgeous golden peaks we all love. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes until the minis are deeply golden and crispy on top.

Step 7: Cool Slightly, Then Enjoy!

Once baked, let the minis cool just enough so you can handle them — but I recommend enjoying these while they’re still warm for the best experience. Split them open, slather the insides with butter, and breathe in that amazing fresh-baked aroma. Whether paired with a hearty stew or enjoyed solo, these Irish Soda Bread Minis bring a comforting homemade touch to any table.

Top Tip

These Irish Soda Bread Minis are straightforward but can truly shine with a few little tricks that make all the difference. Here are some tips I've gathered from baking these minis multiple times, to help you get that perfect crust and tender crumb.

Use Cold Buttermilk: I always use buttermilk straight from the fridge. It prevents the baking soda from reacting too early, ensuring your minis rise just right in the oven.
Don’t Over-Knead: I learned the hard way that too much kneading toughens up this quick bread. A gentle, brief knead into a disk is all you need for tender results.
Butter the Skillet Generously: Melting butter directly in the cast iron skillet before adding dough helps create a beautifully crisp, golden bottom crust that I find irresistible.
Brush with Butter Mid-Bake: Applying melted butter after the initial 15-minute bake locks in moisture and helps brown the tops perfectly without burning.

How to Serve 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 lovely on their own but can be taken up a notch with a few simple garnishes. Slather with extra butter straight from the oven for a luxe melt-in-your-mouth experience. For a savory touch, spread softened cream cheese mixed with fresh chives or dill. A drizzle of honey or a dollop of jam adds a sweet contrast that’s fantastic for breakfast or tea time.

Side Dishes

Serve these Irish Soda Bread Minis alongside hearty soups like creamy potato leek or classic Irish stew to soak up the delicious broth. They pair beautifully with a sharp cheddar cheese plate or roasted vegetables for a simple, satisfying meal. I also love them with scrambled eggs and smoked salmon for a cozy brunch spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Irish Soda Bread Minis in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature. They stay fresh and soft for up to 2 days. For best taste, avoid refrigeration as it can dry out the bread.

Freezing

You can freeze these minis to enjoy later! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They'll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth and crisp crust, reheat your minis in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. If you're in a hurry, microwaving for 15 to 20 seconds works too—just finish with a dab of butter for extra moistness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and activates the baking soda properly, you can substitute regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to mimic buttermilk if needed.

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

No worries! Any heavy, oven-safe skillet or baking dish will work. Cast iron just gives the best crust texture because it retains heat evenly.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Gluten-free flours behave differently, so you might need to experiment. You could try a gluten-free baking mix designed for breads, but the texture and rise might vary from the classic version.

How do I store leftover minis if I’m not freezing them?

Store leftover minis at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped well in plastic to keep them soft for up to two days. Avoid the fridge to prevent drying out.

Final Thoughts

Making these Irish Soda Bread Minis is like inviting a little piece of Ireland into your home—warm, comforting, and full of simple, honest flavors. They come together quickly, don’t require any fuss with yeast, and reward you with that crisp crust and tender inside every time. Whether you’re sharing them for a special meal or enjoying a quiet snack, I hope these minis bring a bit of joy and deliciousness to your table. Sláinte!