Caprese-Style Italian Pork Sliders
These sliders feel like the cozy, weeknight version of a Caprese salad… but with a little extra “wow.” You get juicy, savory pork patties seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs, a blanket of melty fresh mozzarella, and that classic combo of tomato and basil that always tastes like summer — even when it’s raining outside.
They’re perfect for casual dinners, game-day snacking, or those nights when you want something fun but still a little “homemade Italian.” And honestly? The moment the mozzarella starts melting and the marinara warms up, your kitchen smells like a tiny trattoria. Warm, garlicky, and impossible to ignore.
One bite and you’ve got it all: soft toasted bun, rich pork, creamy cheese, a juicy tomato slice, and fresh basil that makes everything taste brighter. They’re simple, but they feel special.
Ingredients
For the Pork Patties
1 pound ground pork
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
For the Sliders
6 small slider buns (or soft dinner rolls)
6 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
1 large tomato, sliced into thick rounds
½ cup marinara sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil (for toasting buns)
Fresh basil leaves
Optional Garnish
Extra grated Parmesan
Red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Mix the pork gently.
In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and Parmesan. Mix just until everything comes together. Try not to overwork it — the less you fuss, the juicier the patties stay.
2. Shape your slider patties.
Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions. Shape them into small patties slightly larger than your buns. They’ll shrink a bit as they cook, so this little trick keeps them perfectly bun-sized later.
3. Cook the patties.
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. If you have a thermometer, you’re aiming for 160°F (71°C) in the center.
4. Melt the mozzarella.
During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of fresh mozzarella on each patty. Cover the skillet briefly to help the cheese melt into that dreamy, glossy layer. This is the part where everything starts looking (and smelling) extra good.
5. Toast the buns.
Brush the inside of each bun lightly with olive oil. Toast them in a separate pan or under the broiler until golden. You want them warm and lightly crisp — it keeps the sliders from getting soggy once the marinara goes on.
6. Assemble while everything’s warm.
Spread a spoonful of warm marinara sauce on the bottom bun. Add the cheesy pork patty. Top with a thick slice of tomato, then a few fresh basil leaves. Finish with the top bun.
7. Garnish and serve.
If you like, sprinkle with extra Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Serve immediately — these are at their best when the cheese is still melty and the buns are warm.
Presentation
For that “wow, you made these?” look, tuck a bright basil leaf so it peeks out the side of each slider. It adds color and makes them feel restaurant-worthy. You can also serve them on a wooden board with a small bowl of extra marinara for dipping.
If you’re feeding a crowd, line them up on a platter and finish with a light snowfall of Parmesan and a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes. Simple, but so pretty.
Nutritional Information:
⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
🔥 Kcal: Approximately 450 kcal per serving (1 slider)
🍽️ Servings: 6 sliders
Conclusion
These Caprese-style Italian pork sliders are the kind of food that disappears fast — warm, cheesy, saucy, and fresh all at once. They’re easy enough for a weeknight, but they feel special enough for guests, too.
If you’ve got 30 minutes and a craving for something cozy and Italian-inspired, make these soon. And don’t be surprised if someone asks for “just one more” slider… two minutes later.