Pin it Festive, bite-sized meatballs stacked into charming edible Christmas trees, perfect for holiday gatherings.
This recipe has become a holiday favorite in my family, bringing joy and smiles to appetizer time.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 500 g ground beef (or half beef, half pork)
- Onion: 1 small onion, finely minced
- Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Egg: 1 large egg
- Breadcrumbs: 40 g breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese: 40 g grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt: ¾ tsp salt
- Black pepper: ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Milk: 2 tbsp milk
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp olive oil (for baking or frying)
- Cherry tomatoes: 24 cherry tomatoes
- Fresh mozzarella balls: 24 fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- Fresh basil leaves: 48 fresh basil leaves
- Pretzel sticks: 24 pretzel sticks (or sturdy rosemary sprigs)
- Yellow bell pepper: 1 yellow bell pepper (for star toppers)
- Fresh chives or parsley: finely chopped (optional, for tinsel)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, minced onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix until just combined do not overwork.
- Step 3:
- Shape the mixture into 48 small meatballs (about 2–2.5 cm diameter each).
- Step 4:
- Place meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle or brush lightly with olive oil.
- Step 5:
- Bake for 15–18 minutes turning halfway until golden and cooked through. Let cool slightly.
- Step 6:
- While meatballs bake slice the yellow bell pepper into small star shapes using a mini cutter or knife.
- Step 7:
- To assemble each Christmas tree: a Thread a pretzel stick (or rosemary sprig) with a cherry tomato at the base followed by a basil leaf a mozzarella ball another basil leaf and finally two mini meatballs stacked on top of each other b Top with a bell pepper star c Sprinkle with chopped chives or parsley for a festive effect if desired.
- Step 8:
- Arrange assembled trees on a platter and serve immediately.
Pin it This recipe has created cherished moments sharing festive appetizers with family and friends.
Notes
Pair with sparkling white wine or festive punch. Assemble just before serving to keep pretzels crisp.
Required Tools
Baking sheet Mixing bowl Parchment paper Sharp knife Mini star-shaped cutter (optional) Skewers or pretzel sticks
Nutritional Information
Calories: 160 Total Fat: 9 g Carbohydrates: 7 g Protein: 13 g
Pin it Enjoy making and sharing these delightful mini meatball Christmas trees every holiday season.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of meat is best for the meatballs?
A mix of ground beef and pork works well to keep the meatballs moist and flavorful, but ground beef alone is also great.
- → Can I bake or fry the meatballs?
Both methods work; baking is easier and requires less oil, while frying provides a crispier exterior.
- → How do I assemble the mini trees?
Thread a pretzel stick through a cherry tomato, basil leaf, mozzarella ball, another basil leaf, and stack two baked meatballs, then top with a star-shaped bell pepper slice.
- → What can I use as a star topper if I don't have a cutter?
Thinly slice yellow bell pepper into small triangles or use other festive-shaped vegetables as alternatives.
- → How to keep the pretzels crisp before serving?
Assemble the trees just before serving to maintain pretzel stick crispness and freshness.