Pin Elf Shoe Shaped Toast Bites bring a whimsical touch to your festive brunch board. These crisp and charming toast bites, cut into playful elf shoe shapes, are not only delightful to look at but also perfect for dipping or topping with your favorite spreads. Whether filled with savory or sweet toppings, they add magic and joy to any holiday gathering.
Pin With a preparation time of just 20 minutes and a quick 10-minute bake, these elf shoe toast bites are a delightful way to engage kids and guests alike. The combination of crisp bread shaped into tiny shoes paired with fresh and colorful toppings creates an irresistible treat that’s both playful and delicious.
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 to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. 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. Arrange the elf shoe-shaped bread pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Brush lightly with melted butter.
- 4. Bake for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp. Allow to cool slightly.
- 5. Arrange the toast bites on a serving board. Divide into savory and sweet sections as desired.
- 6. For savory bites, top with cream cheese, cucumber, cherry tomato, mozzarella, salmon, prosciutto, or hummus as desired. Garnish with fresh herbs.
- 7. For sweet bites, spread with cream cheese and strawberry jam. Decorate with sprinkles or colored sugar.
- 8. Serve immediately with extra toppings and spreads on the side.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For a gluten-free option, substitute with gluten-free sandwich bread. Kids enjoy helping cut out the shape; use a template if no cookie cutter is available. Feel free to change toppings to keep the recipe fresh and personalized.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Swap toppings to suit your taste: nut butter and banana slices for sweet, or avocado and radish for savory alternatives. Add edible glitter for a festive sparkle that enchants guests of all ages.
Serviervorschläge
Present the elf shoe shaped toast bites on a festive board with separate sections for sweet and savory options, accompanied by small bowls of additional spreads and toppings to let guests customize their bites.
Pin Make your holiday brunch board stand out with these delightful Elf Shoe Shaped Toast Bites. Their charm and versatility make them a memorable and joyful addition to any celebration, inviting creativity and fun in every bite.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of bread works best for these toast bites?
White, whole wheat, or brioche slices all bake well and hold the elf shoe shape crisp and golden.
- → Can I make these bites gluten-free?
Yes, using gluten-free sandwich bread will keep the crisp texture while accommodating dietary needs.
- → How do I shape the elf shoe toast bites?
Use a specialized cookie cutter or carefully cut shapes with a sharp paring knife for best results.
- → What savory toppings pair well with these toast bites?
Cream cheese, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, smoked salmon, prosciutto, or hummus complement the crisp toast.
- → Are sweet variations possible?
Absolutely. Spread cream cheese topped with strawberry jam and colorful sprinkles creates a delightful sweet bite.
- → How long should I bake the toast bites?
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway until golden and crisp.