Save Festive, bite-sized meatballs stacked into charming edible Christmas trees, perfect for holiday gatherings.
This recipe brings a fun and festive twist to the classic meatball dish that my family and guests always enjoy during the holiday season.
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs: 500 g ground beef (or half beef, half pork), 1 small onion, finely minced, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 large egg, 40 g breadcrumbs, 40 g grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp dried oregano, ¾ tsp salt, ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, 2 tbsp milk, 2 tbsp olive oil (for baking or frying)
- For Assembly and Decoration: 24 cherry tomatoes, 24 fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), 48 fresh basil leaves, 24 pretzel sticks (or sturdy rosemary sprigs), 1 yellow bell pepper (for star toppers), fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped (optional for tinsel)
Instructions
- Preheat:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Meatballs:
- 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.
- Shape:
- Shape the mixture into 48 small meatballs (about 2–2.5 cm diameter each).
- Bake:
- Place meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle or brush lightly with olive oil. Bake for 15–18 minutes turning halfway until golden and cooked through. Let cool slightly.
- Prepare Stars:
- While meatballs bake slice the yellow bell pepper into small star shapes using a mini cutter or knife.
- Assemble Trees:
- 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. Top with a bell pepper star. Sprinkle with chopped chives or parsley for a festive effect if desired.
- Serve:
- Arrange assembled trees on a platter and serve immediately.
Save Making these mini meatball Christmas trees has become a beloved family tradition creating joyful moments each holiday season.
Notes
Try flavored mozzarella or add a dab of pesto for extra flavor. Pair with sparkling white wine or festive punch for the perfect appetizer experience.
Required Tools
Baking sheet Mixing bowl Parchment paper Sharp knife Mini star-shaped cutter (optional) Skewers or pretzel sticks
Allergen Information
Contains Eggs Milk Wheat (gluten) possibly soy (if breadcrumbs or cheese processed) Always check labels for allergens and cross-contamination warnings.
Save These mini meatball Christmas trees are sure to impress your guests with their festive look and delicious taste.
Cooking Questions & Answers
- → What meat is best for the mini meatballs?
Using a mix of ground beef and pork offers a juicy and flavorful meatball, but ground beef alone also works well.
- → How do I prevent meatballs from drying out?
Adding breadcrumbs, egg, and a touch of milk keeps meatballs moist and tender while baking.
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
Meatballs can be baked ahead and assembled just before serving to keep pretzels crisp.
- → What alternatives can I use for decoration?
You can substitute pretzel sticks with rosemary sprigs and use different shaped pepper stars for variation.
- → Are there vegetarian options for the meatballs?
Yes, falafel or plant-based meatballs make excellent substitutes for a vegetarian version.