Save to Pinterest Celebrate the holidays with a touch of whimsy using these elf shoe shaped toast bites. Crisped to golden perfection, these playful toast pieces not only add charm to any festive brunch board but also invite endless creativity with toppings—from creamy spreads to vibrant veggies and sweet jams. Whether you're serving them as a delightful appetizer or a fun brunch treat, their petite size and unique shape make them irresistible for guests of all ages.
Save to Pinterest This recipe transforms simple sandwich bread into magical little bites, ready to be enjoyed as they are or adorned with colorful spreads and garnishes. The baked elf shoe shape holds its crispness beautifully, making every bite satisfying and ideal for dipping or layering with fresh ingredients.
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 achieve perfectly crisp elf shoe toast bites, make sure to brush them evenly with melted butter before baking. Using a cookie cutter will speed up the shaping process and ensure uniform sizes. After baking, allow a few minutes for the toast to cool slightly so toppings don’t slide off. For a gluten-free version, simply substitute with gluten-free sandwich bread.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Feel free to swap out toppings to match your preferences. For sweet versions, try nut butter with banana slices or sprinkle edible glitter for a magical flair. Savory options can be enhanced with avocado, radishes, or your favorite cured meats. Kids will have fun taking part in shaping and decorating the elf shoes.
Serviervorschläge
Arrange the elf shoe toast bites artfully on a festive board, dividing sweet and savory sections. Serve with small bowls of additional spreads and toppings on the side for dipping or building personalized bites. These toast shoes pair wonderfully with warm tea, coffee, or holiday cocktails for a joyful brunch experience.
Save to Pinterest With their festive appearance and delightful crunch, elf shoe shaped toast bites bring joy and creativity to any brunch or holiday gathering. Everyone will appreciate the chance to personalize each tiny shoe with their favorite flavors, making every bite as fun as it is delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of bread works best?
White, whole wheat, or brioche sandwich bread works well, providing a sturdy base that crisps nicely when baked.
- → How can I make the toast shaped like elf shoes?
Use an elf shoe-shaped cookie cutter or carefully carve the shapes with a sharp knife for best results.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Toast bites are best served fresh to maintain crispness but can be pre-baked and topped just before serving.
- → What topping combinations are recommended?
For savory, try cream cheese with cucumber and smoked salmon; for sweet, combine cream cheese and strawberry jam with sprinkles.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, using vegetarian-friendly toppings like cheeses, vegetables, and jams make them suitable for vegetarians.