# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Meatballs
01 - 1.1 lb ground beef (or half beef, half pork)
02 - 1 small onion, finely minced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 1.4 oz breadcrumbs
06 - 1.4 oz grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
08 - 1 tsp dried oregano
09 - ¾ tsp salt
10 - ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
11 - 2 tbsp milk
12 - 2 tbsp olive oil (for baking or frying)
→ Assembly and Decoration
13 - 24 cherry tomatoes
14 - 24 fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
15 - 48 fresh basil leaves
16 - 24 pretzel sticks (or sturdy rosemary sprigs)
17 - 1 yellow bell pepper (for star toppers)
18 - Fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, combine ground meat, minced onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix until just combined; avoid overworking.
03 - Form the mixture into 48 small meatballs, approximately ¾ to 1 inch in diameter each.
04 - Place meatballs evenly on the prepared baking sheet and lightly brush with olive oil.
05 - Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Allow to cool slightly.
06 - While baking, slice the yellow bell pepper into small star shapes using a mini cutter or knife.
07 - Thread a pretzel stick (or rosemary sprig) with a cherry tomato at the base, followed by a basil leaf, mozzarella ball, another basil leaf, and two stacked mini meatballs. Top with a bell pepper star and garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired.
08 - Arrange the assembled mini trees on a platter and serve immediately to preserve crispness.
