Authentic Mexican Molletes Recipe: A Simple and Delicious Breakfast Treat

Ingredients

4 bolillo rolls or baguettes
2 cups of refried beans
2 cups of shredded cheese (preferably Monterey Jack or mild Cheddar)
1 cup of pico de gallo salsa
1 avocado, sliced
2 tablespoons of butter

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the bolillo rolls or baguettes in half lengthwise and spread butter on each side.
Place the buttered bread on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes or until lightly toasted.
Remove the bread from the oven and spread a layer of refried beans on each half.
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the beans.
Return the bread to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
While the bread is in the oven, prepare the pico de gallo salsa by combining diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeno, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.
Once the bread is out of the oven, top each piece with pico de gallo salsa and sliced avocado.
Serve immediately while still warm.

Tools for making

Baking sheet - Used to toast the bread and melt the cheese in the oven.
Knife - Used to slice the bolillo rolls or baguettes and avocado.
Bowl - Used to mix ingredients for pico de gallo salsa.
Spoon - Used to spread refried beans onto the bread.

Recipe variations

Use whole wheat bolillo rolls or baguettes instead of regular ones for a healthier option.
Try different types of bread such as sourdough or ciabatta for a unique flavor.
Add a layer of cooked and seasoned ground beef or chorizo on top of the refried beans for a meaty variation.
Include sliced ham, bacon, or turkey as an additional layer along with the refried beans and cheese.
Add a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema on top of the melted cheese for extra creaminess.
For a spicy kick, mix chipotle peppers or adobo sauce into the refried beans before spreading them on the bread.
Sprinkle some chopped fresh cilantro or green onions on top for added freshness.
Replace the shredded cheese with crumbled queso fresco or crumbled feta cheese for a different texture and taste.
Include pickled jalapenos or sliced black olives as toppings to add some tanginess and brininess.
For a vegan option, use vegan-friendly cheese alternatives and skip the butter or use a plant-based spread.

Recipe overview

Welcome to this delicious and easy recipe for making traditional Mexican Molletes. This recipe is perfect for brunch, lunch, or a comforting dinner. Molletes are essentially open-faced Mexican sandwiches, featuring a base of warm, toasted bread, topped with savory refried beans, melted cheese, fresh pico de gallo salsa, and creamy avocado slices. This dish is a staple in many Mexican households and it's also a popular street food. In this recipe, we will be using bolillo rolls or baguettes, but feel free to use your favorite type of bread. The whole process should take you no more than 30 minutes, from start to finish, so it's perfect if you're looking for a quick and satisfying meal. Enjoy the harmony of flavors and textures that is the hallmark of this beloved Mexican dish!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of bread? You can use any type of bread you prefer, but traditionally bolillo rolls or baguettes are used for Molletes.
Can I use canned refried beans? Yes, you can use canned refried beans to save time. Alternatively, you can also make your own refried beans from scratch.
What other types of cheese can I use? You can use any type of cheese that melts well, such as Monterey Jack, mild Cheddar, or even a combination of different cheeses.
Can I add other toppings? Absolutely! Molletes are versatile, and you can add additional toppings like diced onions, sliced jalapenos, sour cream, or even cooked bacon.
Can I make Molletes in advance? While it is best to serve Molletes immediately after baking, you can prepare the bread and toppings in advance and assemble them just before serving.
Can I make Molletes for a larger crowd? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to serve more people. Just adjust the quantities of the ingredients accordingly.

Serving dishes and utensils

Baking sheet - Used to toast the bolillo rolls or baguettes in the oven.
Knife - Used to slice the bread and avocado.
Bowl - Used to prepare and serve the pico de gallo salsa.
Spoon - Used to spread the refried beans on the bread.

Origin stories

Molletes is a traditional Mexican dish loved for its simplicity and heartiness. The origin of this dish can be traced back to the culinary practices of Spanish colonizers who brought bread to Mexico. Over time, local inhabitants incorporated their own ingredients, transforming the simple bread into the molletes we know today—a delicious open-faced sandwich topped with refried beans, cheese, and often finished with pico de gallo or other local salsas. This humble dish is a staple in homes and street food stalls across the country, often enjoyed for breakfast or a quick, satisfying snack. Despite its simplicity, don't be fooled—each bite of a mollete offers a comforting taste of Mexico's rich culinary history and its people's knack for creating food that is simple, yet brimming with flavor.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.