Save Celebrate the season with these whimsical Elf Shoe Shaped Toast Bites, a playful twist on your classic toast. Crisped to golden perfection and cut into festive elf shoe shapes, these bites are an ideal centerpiece for a holiday brunch board. Whether topped with savory spreads and fresh toppings or sweetened with cream cheese and strawberry jam, they bring joy to every bite and invite sharing and dipping at your table.
Save This recipe invites creativity with toppings and garnishes, allowing you to mix and match your favorites to suit any palate. Plus, the elf shoe shapes add a magical touch that makes every bite feel special and festive.
Ingredients
- Bread
- 8 slices sandwich bread (white, whole wheat, or brioche)
- Toppings & Garnishes
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
- 1/4 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- Fresh herbs (parsley, basil) for garnish
- 2 tbsp sprinkles or colored sugar (optional, for sweet versions)
- Optional Extras
- 1/4 cup smoked salmon
- 1/4 cup prosciutto
- 1/4 cup hummus
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. Shape the bread
- Using a sharp knife or elf shoe-shaped cookie cutter, cut each bread slice into an elf shoe shape. Reserve scraps for breadcrumbs or discard.
- 3. Prepare for baking
- Arrange the elf shoe-shaped bread pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Brush lightly with melted butter.
- 4. Bake
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp. Allow to cool slightly.
- 5. Arrange
- Arrange the toast bites on a serving board. Divide into savory and sweet sections as desired.
- 6. Top savory
- For savory bites, top with cream cheese, cucumber, cherry tomato, mozzarella, salmon, prosciutto, or hummus as desired. Garnish with fresh herbs.
- 7. Top sweet
- For sweet bites, spread with cream cheese and strawberry jam. Decorate with sprinkles or colored sugar.
- 8. Serve
- Serve immediately with extra toppings and spreads on the side.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Use a sharp paring knife if you don’t have an elf shoe-shaped cookie cutter to get clean edges. Be gentle when brushing melted butter to keep the shapes intact. Allow the toast to cool slightly after baking so toppings don’t slide off.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Use gluten-free sandwich bread for a gluten-free alternative. For sweeter variations, try nut butter and banana slices (avoid adding ingredients not listed in the recipe). Savory options can include avocado and radish if desired.
Serviervorschläge
Present the elf shoe shaped toast bites on a festive board, separated into savory and sweet sections. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and serve alongside extra spreads for dipping and customizing each bite.
Save Elf Shoe Shaped Toast Bites bring festive charm and delicious versatility to your holiday table. Whether enjoyed as a fun brunch treat or a delightful appetizer, these crisp golden bites create joyful moments and mouthwatering flavors in every whimsical shape.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of bread works best for elf shoe toast bites?
Sandwich bread such as white, whole wheat, or brioche works well for cutting into elf shoe shapes and baking crisp.
- → How can I make these toast bites gluten-free?
Use gluten-free sandwich bread to accommodate gluten restrictions without sacrificing texture.
- → What are some savory topping suggestions?
Try cream cheese, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, smoked salmon, prosciutto, or hummus with fresh herbs for garnish.
- → Can I make sweet versions of the bites?
Yes, spread cream cheese and strawberry jam on the bites and add colorful sprinkles or sugar for a sweet finish.
- → What tools do I need to shape the bread?
An elf shoe-shaped cookie cutter is ideal, but a sharp paring knife and template can also be used to create shapes.
- → How long should the toast bites bake?
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes until golden and crisp, turning halfway through.