Save to Pins Festive, bite-sized meatballs stacked into charming edible Christmas trees, perfect for holiday gatherings.
I always enjoy making these mini meatball Christmas trees because they bring fun and flavor to our holiday table.
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& remove semicolons.
- 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 Decorations:
- While meatballs bake, slice the yellow bell pepper into small star shapes using a mini cutter or knife.
- Assemble Trees:
- 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. Top with a bell pepper star. Sprinkle with chopped chives or parsley for a festive effect, if desired.
- Serve:
- Arrange assembled trees on a platter and serve immediately.
Save to Pins This recipe always brings smiles and encourages family members to gather around the kitchen and help assemble the trees together.
Variations
For a vegetarian version, substitute meatballs with falafel or plant-based meatballs and try flavored mozzarella or add a dab of pesto for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with sparkling white wine or festive punch to complement the flavors and enhance your holiday celebrations.
Storage
Store meatballs in an airtight container for up to 2 days and assemble the trees just before serving to maintain freshness.
Save to Pins These mini meatball Christmas trees add a creative and delicious touch to any holiday spread that’s sure to impress your guests.
Questions & Answers
- → What type of meat works best for these meatballs?
Ground beef or a mixture of beef and pork provide a juicy and flavorful base, but you can also use all beef for simplicity.
- → Can these be prepared in advance?
It's best to bake and assemble just before serving to keep the pretzel sticks crisp and fresh.
- → How are the meatballs seasoned?
They are flavored with minced onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper for a balanced savory taste.
- → What alternatives can replace pretzel sticks?
Sturdy rosemary sprigs are a flavorful alternative that add an aromatic touch while holding the layers together.
- → Is there a vegetarian alternative suggested?
Replacing meatballs with falafel or plant-based balls provides a suitable vegetarian option with similar texture.