# 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 - 0.75 tsp salt
10 - 0.5 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)
# Cooking Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, combine ground meat, minced onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix gently until just combined to avoid toughening.
03 - Form the mixture into 48 small meatballs, approximately 0.8 to 1 inch in diameter each.
04 - Arrange meatballs evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush or drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked. Let cool slightly.
05 - While meatballs bake, slice the yellow bell pepper into small star shapes using a mini cutter or a sharp knife.
06 - Thread a pretzel stick or rosemary sprig sequentially with a cherry tomato at the base, followed by a basil leaf, a mozzarella ball, another basil leaf, and then stack two mini meatballs on top. Finish by topping with a bell pepper star. Optionally, sprinkle with finely chopped chives or parsley for decoration.
07 - Arrange assembled mini meatball trees on a serving platter and serve immediately to maintain pretzel crispness.
