# What You Need:
→ Meatballs
01 - 1.1 lbs 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 rosemary sprigs
17 - 1 yellow bell pepper (for star toppers)
18 - Fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped (optional)
# Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, minced onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix gently until just combined to avoid toughening.
03 - Shape the mixture into 48 small meatballs, approximately ¾ to 1 inch in diameter.
04 - Arrange meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush or drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 15–18 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and cooked through. Remove and let cool slightly.
05 - While meatballs bake, slice the yellow bell pepper into small star shapes using a mini cutter or a sharp knife.
06 - Thread a pretzel stick or rosemary sprig starting with a cherry tomato at the base, followed by a basil leaf, mozzarella ball, another basil leaf, then two stacked mini meatballs. Top each with a bell pepper star and optionally sprinkle with chopped chives or parsley.
07 - Arrange the assembled mini trees on a platter and serve immediately to ensure crispness of the pretzels.
