Name: Skillet 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)

If you love the cozy, homemade feel of fresh bread but need a quick fix, this Skillet Irish Soda Bread Minis Recipe is absolutely what you’re looking for. Imagine buttery, slightly tangy rolls infused with warm fennel and caraway seeds, all baked right in a cast iron skillet for that perfect golden crust—pure magic!

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

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m honestly hooked on these little soda bread minis — they’re fast to make and ridiculously flavorful. Plus, serving them warm with butter feels like an instant comfort hug for your kitchen adventures.

Super Quick Prep: Ready to bake in just 10 minutes, perfect for busy days.
Distinctive Flavor Boost: Crushed fennel and caraway seeds add a delightful aromatic twist.
Golden Crust Magic: Cooking in a cast iron skillet creates an irresistibly crisp exterior.
Versatile Serve: Enjoy them plain, with butter, or as an accompaniment to soups and stews.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need and some tips for picking the best ingredients. Making great Irish soda bread minis comes down to simple pantry staples, plus thoughtful touches like fresh butter and aromatic seeds.

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 base for these minis, giving you that soft, tender crumb.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing the bread’s flavor.
Baking soda: The classic leavening agent that gives Irish soda bread its signature rise without yeast.
Crushed fennel and caraway seeds: These add a fragrant, slightly sweet and licorice-like note that makes these rolls uniquely delicious.
Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and moisture, plus it reacts with the baking soda to give the bread its lift.
Butter: Divided between the skillet and brushing the tops, butter ensures a golden crust and rich flavor.

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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 the Skillet Irish Soda Bread Minis Recipe is how adaptable it is to your personal taste. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, seeds, or even add-ins to make these charming little breads uniquely yours.

Herb Twist: I sometimes swap out the fennel and caraway seeds for a mix of rosemary and thyme when I want a fragrant, woodsy note that pairs beautifully with stews.
Cheesy Upgrade: Adding a handful of shredded sharp cheddar or parmesan to the dough elevates these minis into a savory treat that’s perfect for snacking.
Sweet Variation: For a sweeter spin, try folding in some raisins and a teaspoon of cinnamon. It’s wonderful with a drizzle of honey and a pat of butter.
Gluten-Free Option: While I haven’t tested it myself, using a gluten-free flour blend could work if you adjust the buttermilk slightly—just be gentle with mixing to maintain a tender crumb.
Seasonal Flavors: Infuse the bread with lemon zest in spring or add chopped dried cranberries and orange zest for a festive winter touch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Skillet 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 the Oven and Prepare Your Skillet

First things first—heat your oven to 400°F. This temperature sets the stage for perfectly golden crusts. While it warms up, grab your trusty 10-inch cast iron skillet and generously coat it with 1 tablespoon of butter. This not only prevents sticking but also gives your bread a rich, buttery base as it bakes. The aroma of the butter melting in the hot pan is my favorite sneak peek of what’s to come.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large 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. Make sure the seeds are evenly distributed—those little bursts of flavor are what make this bread stand out. Give everything a quick stir so you have a uniform mix to work with.

Step 3: Add Buttermilk and Form a Tender Dough

Create a shallow well in the center of the dry mixture and pour in 1 ½ cups of buttermilk. Using a wooden spoon, gently stir to combine the flour and buttermilk. The dough should start coming together but remain a bit sticky and craggly. If it feels too dry, add more buttermilk—one tablespoon at a time—until it just holds together without becoming wet or runny. Resist the urge to overmix; this keeps the bread light and tender.

Step 4: Lightly Knead and Shape Your Minis

Turn the dough onto a clean countertop. The texture will be rustic—slightly sticky and uneven, which is perfect. Wet your hands to prevent sticking and knead just enough to form a disk. Then, divide the dough into 5 or 6 roughly equal pieces and shape each into a smooth ball. The round shapes help the minis bake evenly and look charming in the skillet.

Step 5: Arrange and Bake to Golden Perfection

Place each dough ball into the buttered skillet, leaving a little breathing room between them. Pop the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s time for the next step when the tops are starting to brown and look beautifully domed.

Step 6: Brush with Butter and Finish Baking

While the bread bakes, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small pot. Pull the skillet out after 15 minutes and brush each mini generously with the melted butter — this adds a glossy, rich finish and helps develop more delicious, golden peaks. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the bread is golden brown and irresistible.

Step 7: Rest, Serve, and Enjoy!

Once out of the oven, let your skillet soda bread minis cool just enough to handle. Then, split them open and slather with even more butter if you like. Breathe in the warm, fragrant aroma and enjoy right away—these are simply divine fresh and warm!

Top Tip

These tips come from lots of hands-on baking experience with Irish soda bread minis — they help you get that perfect crust and tender crumb every time.

Use Cold Buttermilk: I’ve found that using slightly cold buttermilk helps control the dough’s consistency so it’s easier to handle and doesn’t get too sticky.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mixing just until the dough comes together keeps these minis tender. Overworking will make them tough.
Butter the Skillet Generously: Buttering the cast iron skillet well not only prevents sticking but also adds a lovely, golden crust that’s hard to beat.
Brush with Melted Butter Mid-Bake: This little step after 15 minutes really boosts flavor and creates beautifully browned tops without drying out your bread.

How to Serve Skillet 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 minis are delightful simply split open and slathered with butter while warm. For extra flair, try a smear of honey butter, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or a dollop of tangy Irish cream cheese. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley can add a fresh pop on the side as well.

Side Dishes

Serve your Skillet Irish Soda Bread Minis alongside hearty Irish stews, creamy chowders, or a fresh garden salad for a comforting meal. They also pair beautifully with breakfast dishes like scrambled eggs and smoked salmon or as a snack with sharp cheddar and apple slices.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover minis in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them fresh and soft, perfect for enjoying the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each cooled bread mini tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a 350°F oven for about 8–10 minutes until warmed through. You can also warm them in a toaster oven or briefly in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel to keep the moisture in.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these minis without fennel and caraway seeds?

Absolutely! The fennel and caraway seeds add a unique aromatic flavor, but you can omit them or substitute with herbs or seeds you prefer for a different twist.

What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?

If buttermilk isn’t available, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar with 1 ½ to 2 cups of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. This makes a great substitute.

Can I bake these minis in something other than a cast iron skillet?

Yes! While a cast iron skillet gives the best crust, you can use any heavy, oven-safe pan or a baking dish. Just be sure to butter it well to prevent sticking.

How can I tell when the minis are fully baked?

Look for golden brown tops with some browned peaks and a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom. The bread should feel light but firm. Baking times are about 20-25 minutes total.

Final Thoughts

These Skillet Irish Soda Bread Minis bring a cozy slice of tradition with a fresh twist to your table. Easy to whip up and bursting with comforting flavors from the fennel and caraway seeds, they’re perfect whenever you crave a warm, homemade bread with minimal fuss. I hope you enjoy baking and savoring these as much as I do!