Save Celebrate the holidays with a playful twist on classic toast—Elf Shoe Shaped Toast Bites turn ordinary sandwich bread into whimsical, crisp bites that charm both kids and adults alike. Perfect for a festive brunch board, these elf shoe shapes are not only adorable but also a versatile base to dip into your favorite spreads or pile high with sweet and savory toppings.
Save Whether you're planning a holiday party or a cheerful brunch, these toast bites are sure to impress. Their crisp texture pairs beautifully with creamy cheeses, fresh herbs, and bursts of juicy vegetables or sweet jam and sprinkles, delighting every palate.
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
To ensure perfect crispiness, turn the toast bites halfway through baking. For easier shaping, involve kids by letting them cut the elf shoe shapes using a template or cutter. Melted butter brushed over the bread helps achieve a beautiful golden finish that complements both sweet and savory toppings.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Make the recipe gluten-free by choosing gluten-free sandwich bread. Experiment with toppings: swap sweet strawberry jam for nut butter and banana slices or try savory avocado and radish. Adding food-safe edible glitter can bring extra festive sparkle to your presentation.
Serviervorschläge
Arrange the elf shoe toast bites on a large wooden board, dividing savory and sweet sections for variety. Garnish savory bites with fresh herbs to brighten flavors, and decorate sweet bites with sprinkles or colored sugar for a cheerful look. Serve alongside extra spreads for dipping and sharing.
Save This festive and easy-to-make recipe is perfect for bringing a touch of whimsy and flavor to your holiday table. With vibrant colors and delightful shapes, Elf Shoe Shaped Toast Bites will be a memorable treat that everyone loves to share.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of bread works best?
Use sandwich bread such as white, whole wheat, or brioche for a soft yet sturdy base that crisps well when baked.
- → Can these be made gluten-free?
Yes, substituting with gluten-free sandwich bread maintains the shape and texture suitable for baking crisp bites.
- → How do I make the elf shoe shapes without a cutter?
A sharp paring knife and a printed template can guide you to cut the bread into elf shoe shapes precisely.
- → What are good topping combinations to try?
For savory, try cream cheese with cucumbers or smoked salmon. For sweet, pair cream cheese with strawberry jam and sprinkles.
- → How should the bites be baked?
Brush slices lightly with melted butter and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp, turning halfway.
- → Can children help with preparation?
Yes, kids can assist in cutting shapes using templates or a cookie cutter, making it a fun, hands-on activity.