Save It Festive, bite-sized meatballs stacked into charming edible Christmas trees, perfect for holiday gatherings.
This recipe quickly became a holiday staple in our home, with everyone loving the fun presentation and delicious flavor.
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 Oven:
- 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 Meatballs:
- Shape the mixture into 48 small meatballs (about 2–2.5 cm diameter each).
- Bake Meatballs:
- 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:
- 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.
- Serve:
- Arrange assembled trees on a platter and serve immediately.
Save It This recipe brings the family together every holiday season sharing laughs while assembling these festive treats.
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
Nutritional Information
Calories 160 Total Fat 9 g Carbohydrates 7 g Protein 13 g (per serving two trees)
Save It Add a festive touch with fresh herbs sprinkled on top before serving for extra color and flavor.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → How do I keep the meatballs tender and moist?
Use a mix of ground beef and pork for juiciness, add breadcrumbs soaked in milk, and avoid overmixing the meat to maintain tenderness.
- → Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?
Yes, baking at 200°C for 15–18 minutes until golden is a great way to cook the meatballs evenly and with less oil.
- → What can I use instead of pretzel sticks for skewering?
Rosemary sprigs or wooden skewers work well and add aromatic or practical alternatives for assembling the trees.
- → Are there vegetarian alternatives for the meatballs?
Plant-based meatballs or falafel can replace the meat portion while maintaining flavorful, bite-sized layers.
- → How do I make the bell pepper stars more defined?
Use a small star-shaped cutter or carefully carve the shapes with a sharp knife for neat and festive toppers.
- → What herbs enhance flavor without overpowering?
Fresh parsley and oregano complement the meatballs nicely, while fresh basil leaves add a sweet, aromatic layer in the assembly.