# What 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 - 0.14 cup breadcrumbs
06 - 0.14 cup 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, cut into small star shapes
18 - Fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, minced onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
03 - Form the mixture into 48 small meatballs, approximately 0.8-1 inch in diameter each.
04 - Place meatballs evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush or drizzle with olive oil.
05 - Bake for 15–18 minutes, turning halfway through, until meatballs are golden brown and fully cooked inside. Allow to cool slightly.
06 - While meatballs bake, slice the yellow bell pepper into small star shapes using a mini cutter or a sharp knife.
07 - Create each edible tree by threading a pretzel stick or rosemary sprig starting with a cherry tomato at the base, followed by a basil leaf, mozzarella ball, another basil leaf, and stacking two mini meatballs on top.
08 - Top each tree with a bell pepper star. Optionally, sprinkle chopped chives or parsley to simulate festive tinsel.
09 - Arrange the assembled mini trees on a platter and serve immediately to maintain pretzel crispness.
