Save Celebrate the holiday season with Elf Shoe Shaped Toast Bites—a whimsical and delightful treat that adds a festive touch to any brunch or appetizer spread. These crisp, golden-toasted bites shaped like little elf shoes are perfect for entertaining, inviting your guests to dip, spread, and pile on their favorite toppings. Whether sweet or savory, each bite bursts with flavor and charm, making your holiday gathering extra special and memorable.
Save These toast bites start with simple sandwich bread, transformed by a little creativity and a careful toast to golden crispness. The buttery crunch provides the perfect canvas for a variety of toppings, from cream cheese and fresh veggies to sweet strawberry jam adorned with colorful sprinkles. Whether you prefer the savory charm of mozzarella and smoked salmon or the playful sweetness of jam and sugar, these elf shoe toasts bring joy and flavor to your table.
Ingredients
- 8 slices sandwich bread (white, whole wheat, or brioche)
- 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)
- 1/4 cup smoked salmon (optional)
- 1/4 cup prosciutto (optional)
- 1/4 cup hummus (optional)
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, simply substitute the sandwich bread with your favorite gluten-free variety. Kids will love taking part by cutting out their own elf shoe shapes—using a template if you don't have a cookie cutter adds to the fun. Feel free to customize your toast bites by switching up toppings or adding a sprinkle of edible glitter to dazzle your guests.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Personalize these toast bites with your favorite toppings! For sweetness, try nut butter paired with banana slices. For savory twists, avocado and radish add fresh flavor. The optional smoked salmon, prosciutto, or hummus elevate the bites for more gourmet palates while keeping the festive charm intact.
Serviervorschläge
Arrange your Elf Shoe Shaped Toast Bites on a festive board divided into savory and sweet sections. Garnish with fresh herbs for color and freshness, and serve alongside small bowls of extra spreads and toppings for guests to customize their bites. Perfect for brunch, holiday parties, or any celebration in need of whimsical charm.
Save These Elf Shoe Shaped Toast Bites are sure to charm and delight, creating memorable moments around your holiday table. Enjoy customizing each bite and sharing the fun with family and friends as you gather together in festive style.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of bread works best for elf shoe toast bites?
Sandwich breads like white, whole wheat, or brioche work well, offering a soft texture that crisps nicely when baked.
- → How do I shape the toast into elf shoes?
Use an elf shoe-shaped cookie cutter or carefully cut with a sharp knife following a template to create the whimsical shape.
- → Can I prepare these toast bites ahead of time?
It's best to bake the shaped bread shortly before serving to maintain crispness, though toppings can be prepped in advance.
- → What toppings pair well with these toast bites?
Options include cream cheese, fresh cucumber, cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella, smoked salmon, prosciutto, hummus, or sweet spreads like strawberry jam.
- → Are there variations for dietary restrictions?
Gluten-free sandwich bread can be used, and toppings can be adjusted to suit vegetarian or other dietary needs.
- → How long should I bake the elf shoe toast bites?
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp, turning halfway through.