# What You 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 - 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
06 - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
08 - 1 tsp dried oregano
09 - 3/4 tsp salt
10 - 1/2 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)
# How To Make:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, mix ground meat, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and milk until just combined without overmixing.
03 - Form the mixture into 48 small meatballs, each about 0.8 to 1 inch in diameter.
04 - Arrange meatballs on the baking sheet and lightly brush or drizzle with olive oil.
05 - Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Let cool slightly.
06 - Slice the yellow bell pepper into small star shapes using a mini cutter or a knife.
07 - Skewer 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, and two stacked meatballs. Top with a bell pepper star and garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired.
08 - Arrange assembled trees on a platter and serve immediately for best texture.
