# Components:
→ 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 - 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 sturdy rosemary sprigs
17 - 1 yellow bell pepper (for star toppers)
18 - Fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, mix ground meat, minced onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and milk until just combined without overmixing.
03 - Form mixture into 48 small meatballs, each about ¾ to 1 inch in diameter.
04 - Place meatballs on prepared baking sheet, brush lightly with olive oil, and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and cooked through. Allow to cool slightly.
05 - While meatballs bake, cut yellow bell pepper into small star shapes using a mini cutter or knife.
06 - Thread a pretzel stick or rosemary sprig starting with a cherry tomato at the base, followed by a basil leaf, a mozzarella ball, another basil leaf, stack two meatballs on top, and finish with a bell pepper star. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped chives or parsley.
07 - Arrange the assembled trees on a serving platter and serve immediately to maintain crispness.
