Save Festive, bite-sized meatballs stacked into charming edible Christmas trees, perfect for holiday gatherings.
This recipe is always a hit at our family parties and is fun to assemble together.
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 meatball ingredients:
- 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).
- Prepare for baking:
- Place meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle or brush lightly with olive oil.
- Bake meatballs:
- 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.
Pin it Our kids love decorating the trees and it’s a joyful holiday tradition.
Notes
Try flavored mozzarella or add a dab of pesto for extra flavor. Pair with sparkling white wine or festive punch.
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.
Pin it This recipe adds a fun and flavorful twist to holiday appetizers perfect for sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of meat is best for the mini meatballs?
A mix of ground beef and pork works well for juicy meatballs, but ground beef alone is also delicious.
- → Can I bake instead of frying the meatballs?
Yes, baking at 200°C (400°F) until golden is recommended for even cooking and less oil.
- → How do I assemble the Christmas trees?
Thread cherry tomato, basil leaf, mozzarella ball, basil leaf, two mini meatballs onto a pretzel stick and top with a star-shaped bell pepper piece.
- → What can I use as a star topper if I don't have a cutter?
Carefully cutting small star shapes from a yellow bell pepper with a sharp knife works well as a bright, edible topper.
- → Are there vegetarian alternatives for the meatballs?
Yes, falafel or plant-based meatballs can be used as tasty substitutes for a vegetarian version.