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 (1 tablespoon for greasing skillet, 2 tablespoons for brushing rolls)

If you're after a quick bread that’s bursting with rustic charm and a hint of anise, this Skillet Irish Soda Bread Minis Recipe is an absolute must-try. Trust me, these tender little loaves baked in a cast iron skillet will quickly become your cozy kitchen favorite.

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’ve made these minis more times than I can count because they’re just so simple and reward you with a golden crust and warm, flavorful crumb every time. Plus, that lovely combo of fennel and caraway seeds adds a little something unexpected that really makes them stand out.

Quick & Easy: From mixing to baking in just 40 minutes — perfect for busy days.
Flavor-Packed: The subtle spice of fennel and caraway creates a unique, comforting taste.
Perfect Crust: Cooking in a cast iron skillet gives the bread a wonderfully golden, buttery crust.
Versatile: Great as a snack or alongside soups and stews for a cozy meal.

Ingredients & Why They Work

To nail this skillet Irish soda bread minis recipe, having the right staples on hand is key. You’ll want fresh buttermilk for that perfect tang and cold butter to add richness and help create a crisp crust. And don’t skip the fennel and caraway seeds — they’re subtle but essential for that authentic flavor.

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 sturdy base for tender, rustic bread with just the right structure.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the bread.
Baking soda: The leavening agent that ensures a quick rise, especially when paired with buttermilk.
Crushed fennel and caraway seeds: These fragrant spices bring that classic Irish soda bread twist.
Buttermilk: Adds moisture, a slight tang, and activates the baking soda for rise and lightness.
Butter: Used for both greasing the skillet and brushing the tops, giving the minis their signature golden, buttery 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 things about this Skillet Irish Soda Bread Minis Recipe is how easy it is to tweak and make your own. Whether you're a fan of the traditional flavors or want to get creative, these tender little loaves welcome your personal touch.

Swap the seeds: I once tried using all caraway seeds for a more pungent, earthy flavor, and it was a hit with my husband who loves classic rye bread notes. Feel free to try anise seeds for a sweeter, slightly licorice twist!
Gluten-free option: For those avoiding gluten, replacing the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend works surprisingly well. Just be sure to watch the dough’s consistency — it might need a little extra buttermilk to come together.
Cheesy delight: Adding a half cup of shredded sharp cheddar into the dough before shaping gives a savory boost that transforms these minis into perfect companions for chili or stew.
Herb infusion: In spring, I love swapping out fennel and caraway for fresh chopped rosemary and thyme, which adds a fragrant, garden-fresh note that pairs beautifully with soup.

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: Warm Up the Skillet and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s nice and hot when the dough goes in. While it’s heating, butter your 10-inch cast iron skillet generously with 1 tablespoon of butter. This not only prevents sticking but also wraps the bread in a subtle buttery aroma as it bakes.

Step 2: Mix the Magic – Dry Ingredients Meet Buttermilk

In a large bowl, whisk together the 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ¾ teaspoon baking soda, and the crushed fennel and caraway seeds. These seeds bring that signature, aromatic flavor that makes this recipe stand out. Create a shallow well in the center and pour in 1½ cups of cold buttermilk straight from the fridge. Stir gently with a wooden spoon, folding the flour into the buttermilk until it just comes together. If the dough feels too dry, add more buttermilk one tablespoon at a time—don’t overmix!

Step 3: Shape It Up – From Dough to Mini Loaves

Turn the slightly sticky, rustic dough out onto your clean countertop. Wet your hands with water to keep the dough from clinging. Quickly knead it into a flattened disk—this should only take a few kneads to bring it together. Then divide your dough into 5 or 6 similarly sized pieces, rolling each into a ball. A quick tip: keep your hands wet to avoid sticky frustration!

Step 4: Ready, Set, Bake!

Arrange the dough balls in your buttered skillet, spacing them so they can rise without crowding. Slide the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. During this time, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter on the stove—a crucial step for that golden, glossy finish.

Step 5: The Butter Brush Finish

When your kitchen starts smelling divine, it’s time to check the bread. The tops should be starting to brown. Remove the skillet carefully from the oven and brush each roll generously with the melted butter. This adds that irresistible shiny crust and a rich flavor boost. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, until your minis are beautifully golden with those inviting browned peaks.

Step 6: Rest, Reveal, and Enjoy

Once baked to perfection, let the rolls rest in the skillet until they’re cool enough to handle. Then, split them open and don’t be shy—slather on more butter while they’re still warm. The aroma is heavenly, and the taste is pure comfort. These minis are perfect on their own or paired with your favorite soup or stew for that cozy meal feeling.

Top Tip

These tips come from hands-on experience, helping you make your Skillet Irish Soda Bread Minis Recipe as perfect and flavorful as possible every time.

Use Cold Buttermilk: I’ve found that using cold buttermilk straight from the fridge really helps activate the baking soda, giving the bread that lovely rise and tender crumb.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Early on, I worried about mixing too little, but keeping the dough a bit rustic and sticky gives these minis their wonderful texture. Resist the urge to overwork!
Butter Brushing Magic: Brushing the rolls with melted butter at the 15-minute mark adds a golden sheen and buttery crust that’s simply irresistible. Don’t skip this step!
Spacing Matters: When placing the dough balls in the skillet, leaving a little breathing room allows them to expand beautifully without merging into one giant loaf.

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

For a delightful finish, try spreading your warm minis with extra butter or a dollop of creamy Irish butter. A smear of tangy marmalade, preserves, or sharp cheddar pairs beautifully with the subtle fennel and caraway flavors. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right before serving to enhance the buttery crust’s crunch.

Side Dishes

These minis shine alongside hearty Irish stews, creamy potato soup, or a rich beef and Guinness stew. They’re also a cozy partner to a fresh garden salad or roasted root vegetables, making them ideal for both casual snacks and comforting meals.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Skillet Irish Soda Bread Minis in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them from drying out, wrap them in a clean kitchen towel before placing them in the container.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each mini loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a couple of hours.

Reheating

Warm your soda bread minis by placing them in a 350°F oven for about 5 to 8 minutes until heated through and crusty again. Alternatively, you can microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 20 seconds, but the oven method preserves the crisp texture best.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe without fennel seeds?

Absolutely! If you don’t have fennel seeds, you can simply use all caraway seeds or even substitute with anise seeds to keep that lovely licorice note that complements the bread.

Is a cast iron skillet necessary for baking these minis?

The cast iron skillet is ideal because it helps create a beautifully crisp crust, but you can also use any heavy, ovenproof pan if you don’t have cast iron on hand.

How do I know when the soda bread minis are done baking?

Look for golden, nicely browned peaks on the rolls and a hollow-sounding tap on the bottom of the bread when removed from the skillet. Baking for a total of 30 minutes at 400°F as directed ensures they’re perfectly baked.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

It’s best to bake the dough fresh for the best texture and rise, but you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it, tightly wrapped, for a few hours before baking. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so heartwarming about pulling these golden, buttery Skillet Irish Soda Bread Minis fresh from the oven—the aroma alone is enough to make your kitchen feel like a cozy Irish cottage. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying a quiet moment with a bowl of soup, these minis bring simple joy and a bit of rustic charm to the table. I hope this recipe becomes a comforting staple in your kitchen as it has in mine.