Save Pin Bring a touch of holiday magic to your brunch table with Elf Shoe Shaped Toast Bites. These whimsical, crisp toast bites are shaped like tiny elf shoes, making them not only delightful to look at but also perfect for dipping or piling high with your favorite spreads. Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or simply want to brighten up your breakfast, these charming bites add fun and flavor in every crisp, golden nibble.
Save Pin The beauty of Elf Shoe Shaped Toast Bites lies in their adaptability. Use your favorite bread—be it white, whole wheat, or brioche—and dress these shoes up however you wish. From creamy spreads and fresh veggies to sweet jams and festive sprinkles, this recipe invites creativity and celebration in every bite.
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. Cut bread into elf shoe shapes.
- 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.
- Place the elf shoe-shaped bread pieces on the prepared baking sheet and brush lightly with melted butter.
- 4. Bake.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp. Allow to cool slightly.
- 5. Arrange on serving board.
- Divide the toast bites into savory and sweet sections as desired.
- 6. Add savory toppings.
- Top with cream cheese, cucumber, cherry tomato, mozzarella, salmon, prosciutto, or hummus as desired. Garnish with fresh herbs.
- 7. Add sweet toppings.
- 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
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free sandwich bread. Kids love helping cut out the elf shoe shapes—using a template if a cutter isn’t available makes it easy and fun. You can swap toppings as you like, experimenting with sweet or savory flavors. For instance, nut butter and banana slices add a lovely sweetness, while avocado and radish offer a fresh, savory twist. For extra holiday sparkle, sprinkle on some food-safe edible glitter to make these treats truly magical.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is wonderfully versatile. Try different breads such as brioche for a richer flavor or whole wheat for extra heartiness. Feel free to mix and match toppings—use smoked salmon and prosciutto for a luxurious savory touch or strawberry jam with sprinkles for a playful sweet bite. The option to include hummus adds another layer of creamy goodness and a vegetarian-friendly protein boost.
Serviervorschläge
Serve your Elf Shoe Shaped Toast Bites on a festive brunch board with small bowls of extra spreads and toppings for guests to customize their own bites. Pair the savory sections with fresh herbs for a fragrant finish and offer sweet versions adorned with sprinkles for a joyful presentation. These toast bites make a charming appetizer for holiday gatherings or a delightful snack anytime you want to add whimsy and flavor.
Save Pin With their charming shape and endless topping possibilities, Elf Shoe Shaped Toast Bites are sure to become a festive favorite. Crisp, buttery, and inviting, these delightful bites bring joy to every brunch or holiday spread. Gather your favorite ingredients and create a memorable dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Questions & Answers
- → What type of bread works best for elf shoe toast bites?
Sandwich bread varieties like white, whole wheat, or brioche work well, providing a sturdy yet tender base for baking and toppings.
- → Can these toast bites be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute regular sandwich bread with gluten-free slices to accommodate dietary needs without compromising texture.
- → How do I achieve a crisp texture on the toast bites?
Brushing the shaped bread with melted butter before baking at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes ensures a golden, crisp finish.
- → What are some topping ideas for a savory version?
Cream cheese, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, smoked salmon, prosciutto, and fresh herbs create fresh savory flavors.
- → Are sweet toppings possible for these bites?
Yes, spread softened cream cheese with strawberry jam and add sprinkles or colored sugar for a fun, sweet variation.
- → Can kids help prepare these toast bites?
Absolutely, cutting bread into elf shoe shapes can be an enjoyable activity using a cookie cutter or template under supervision.