Save Bring a touch of holiday magic to your table with Elf Shoe Shaped Toast Bites. These whimsical, crisp toast morsels, fashioned like tiny elf shoes, are not only a feast for the eyes but also a delicious centerpiece for any festive brunch or appetizer spread. Their playful shape invites creativity, making them perfect for dipping into your favorite spreads or topping with vibrant garnishes that celebrate the spirit of the season.
Save These elf shoe toast bites bring whimsy and flavor together, making them a must-have for any holiday gathering. Their crisp texture balances beautifully with creamy spreads and fresh garnishes, encouraging everyone to get creative with their favorite toppings. Whether you're hosting a brunch or serving appetizers, these bites add charm and delight in every nibble.
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. Cut 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. Arrange and butter
- 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. Serve on board
- 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
To accommodate dietary preferences, substitute regular sandwich bread with gluten-free bread. Involve children by letting them help cut out the elf shoe shapes, using a template if a specialized cookie cutter is unavailable.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Feel free to swap toppings to suit your taste: try using nut butter with banana slices for a sweet twist or opt for avocado and radish to elevate the savory bites. Adding food-safe edible glitter provides an extra festive sparkle.
Serviervorschläge
Present these toast bites on a festive brunch board, arranged with vibrant fresh herbs and accompanied by small bowls of extra spreads and garnishes, encouraging guests to customize their own bites.
Save With their charming presentation and versatile toppings, Elf Shoe Shaped Toast Bites are sure to become a beloved seasonal favorite that brings fun and flavor to every holiday table.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of bread works best for toast bites?
Sandwich bread like white, whole wheat, or brioche slices work well due to their softness and ability to crisp nicely when baked.
- → How can I shape the bread into elf shoes?
Use an elf shoe-shaped cookie cutter or carefully cut with a sharp knife following a stencil to achieve the desired whimsical shape.
- → Can I prepare these toast bites in advance?
It's best to bake them fresh to retain crispness, but you can cut and shape the bread ahead of time and bake shortly before serving.
- → What toppings complement the toast bites?
Choose savory options like cream cheese, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, smoked salmon, or sweet choices like strawberry jam and sprinkles for variety.
- → Are there gluten-free alternatives?
Yes, substituting regular sandwich bread with gluten-free slices allows for accommodating gluten sensitivities.