Save to Pinterest Elf Shoe Shaped Toast Bites bring a dash of whimsy and crisp delight to your holiday brunch or appetizer spread. These playful, elf shoe–shaped toasts are perfectly golden and crunchy, ready to be topped with vibrant, fresh ingredients or sweet spreads. Whether you prefer savory or sweet flavors, these little bites offer a festive and fun way to impress family and friends with a creative twist on simple toast.
Save to Pinterest With just a few basic tools and your favorite bread, you can create a delightful appetizer that invites creativity. These toast bites can be customized endlessly with toppings and garnishes, allowing each guest to build their own unique flavor combinations and enjoy a hands-on eating experience.
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
- Preheat oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 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.
- Arrange and brush
- Arrange the elf shoe-shaped bread pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Brush lightly with melted butter.
- Bake
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp. Allow to cool slightly.
- Arrange on board
- Arrange the toast bites on a serving board. Divide into savory and sweet sections as desired.
- Add savory toppings
- For savory bites, top with cream cheese, cucumber, cherry tomato, mozzarella, salmon, prosciutto, or hummus as desired. Garnish with fresh herbs.
- Add sweet toppings
- For sweet bites, spread with cream cheese and strawberry jam. Decorate with sprinkles or colored sugar.
- Serve
- Serve immediately with extra toppings and spreads on the side.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Use gluten-free sandwich bread for a gluten-free option. Children will enjoy helping to cut out the elf shoe shapes—consider using a template if you don’t have a cutter. For added sparkle, try food-safe edible glitter to enhance the festive look.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Feel free to swap toppings as you like: try nut butter and banana slices for a sweet twist or avocado and radish for a savory alternative. Optional extras like smoked salmon, prosciutto, and hummus add delicious variety and depth.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these toast bites on a colorful brunch board with small bowls of spreads and garnishes to encourage guests to mix and match. They pair well with festive drinks and can be a charming addition to any holiday appetizer lineup.
Save to Pinterest Whether for a whimsical holiday gathering or a playful brunch, Elf Shoe Shaped Toast Bites combine creativity, flavor, and fun in every crisp, delightful mouthful. With simple ingredients and joyful presentation, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What bread types work best for these toast bites?
White, whole wheat, or brioche sandwich breads all create a crisp, sturdy base ideal for shaping and baking.
- → How can I shape the toast into elf shoes?
Use an elf shoe-shaped cookie cutter for precise shapes, or carefully cut the bread slices with a sharp knife following a template.
- → Can these toast bites be made gluten-free?
Yes, substituting with gluten-free sandwich bread allows for a gluten-free version while maintaining texture.
- → What toppings pair well with the toast bites?
Both savory options like cream cheese, cucumber, smoked salmon, and prosciutto, or sweet toppings such as cream cheese with strawberry jam and sprinkles enhance flavor variety.
- → How do I keep the toast bites crisp after baking?
Bake until golden and crisp, then cool slightly before arranging on the serving board to maintain texture.
- → Are there suggestions for kids helping with preparation?
Kids can have fun cutting the elf shoe shapes using a template or cutter, making it an engaging activity.