Save Festive, bite-sized meatballs stacked into charming edible Christmas trees, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Preparation Time 25 minutes Cooking Time 25 minutes Total Time 50 minutes Category Appetizer Difficulty Easy Cuisine International Yield 24 mini trees (serves 8 12 as appetizers) Diet Contains Meat Nut-Free
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs: 500 g ground beef (or half beef half pork)
- For the Meatballs: 1 small onion finely minced
- For the Meatballs: 2 cloves garlic minced
- For the Meatballs: 1 large egg
- For the Meatballs: 40 g breadcrumbs
- For the Meatballs: 40 g grated Parmesan cheese
- For the Meatballs: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- For the Meatballs: 1 tsp dried oregano
- For the Meatballs: ¾ tsp salt
- For the Meatballs: ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- For the Meatballs: 2 tbsp milk
- For the Meatballs: 2 tbsp olive oil (for baking or frying)
- For Assembly and Decoration: 24 cherry tomatoes
- For Assembly and Decoration: 24 fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- For Assembly and Decoration: 48 fresh basil leaves
- For Assembly and Decoration: 24 pretzel sticks (or sturdy rosemary sprigs)
- For Assembly and Decoration: 1 yellow bell pepper (for star toppers)
- For Assembly and Decoration: Fresh chives or parsley finely chopped (optional for tinsel)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- 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.
- Step 3:
- Shape the mixture into 48 small meatballs (about 2 2.5 cm diameter each).
- Step 4:
- Place meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle or brush lightly with olive oil.
- Step 5:
- Bake for 15 18 minutes turning halfway until golden and cooked through. Let cool slightly.
- Step 6:
- While meatballs bake slice the yellow bell pepper into small star shapes using a mini cutter or knife.
- Step 7:
- To assemble each Christmas tree: 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.
- Step 8:
- Arrange assembled trees on a platter and serve immediately.
Save Assemble just before serving to keep pretzels crisp.
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
Save These mini meatball Christmas trees add festive charm to any holiday table and are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Recipe Guide
- → What kind of meat is best for the mini meatballs?
A mix of ground beef and pork works well for tender and flavorful meatballs, but ground beef alone can be used for simplicity.
- → Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
Yes, baking at 200°C (400°F) on a parchment-lined sheet produces juicy, evenly cooked meatballs without extra oil.
- → How do I assemble the Christmas trees?
Thread a pretzel stick with a cherry tomato base, followed by fresh basil leaves, a mozzarella ball, then two stacked mini meatballs, topped with a star-shaped bell pepper.
- → Are there vegetarian alternatives for the meatballs?
Plant-based meatballs or falafel can be substituted to create a vegetarian-friendly option without compromising texture.
- → What garnishes enhance the flavor and appearance?
Chopped fresh parsley or chives sprinkled over the assembled trees add a festive look and a touch of herbal freshness.
- → How should the appetizers be served for best texture?
Assemble just before serving to keep pretzels crisp and meatballs moist for the best taste and presentation.