Molletes Recipe

This Molletes Recipe, or cheesy beans on toast, is a traditional breakfast dish that incorporates refried beans, white melted cheese, tomato, red onion, and lime.

Imagine warm, crusty bread topped with creamy refried beans and melted cheese. The combination is irresistible and sure to satisfy your cravings. Molletes are not only delicious but also versatile, allowing for endless variations and personal touches.

Whether you're looking for a hearty breakfast, a tasty brunch option, or a quick and satisfying snack, molletes are the answer. They bring together the warmth and comfort of Mexican cuisine in every bite.

If you love this Cheesy Beans on Toast, feel free to pair with my Tamarind Tea or try my Frijoles Charros.

Jump to:

• What are Molletes?
• Why you will love this recipe
• Molletes Recipe Ingredients
• How to make Molletes Recipe
• What to serve with Molletes
• Substitutions
• Molletes Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store Molletes
• Molletes Recipe Top tips
• Molletes Recipe
• Food safety

What are Molletes?

Molletes are a traditional Mexican dish that typically consists of a split bread roll (bolillo) topped with refried beans and melted cheese. They are often served as a breakfast or brunch item and can be enjoyed as a quick and satisfying meal.

The preparation of this molletes recipe is straightforward. The bolillo is sliced in half lengthwise and toasted until crisp. Then, a layer of refried beans is spread on each half of the bread, followed by a generous amount of melted cheese. The assembled molletes are then placed under a broiler or in an oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Why you will love this recipe

• Simple and Quick: Molletes are incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients. They come together quickly, making them a convenient option for a delicious meal or snack.
• Comforting and Satisfying: Molletes offer a comforting combination of warm, crusty bread, creamy beans, and melted cheese. The flavors and textures create a satisfying experience that will leave you feeling nourished and content.
• Versatile: The beauty of molletes lies in their versatility. You can customize them with various toppings to suit your taste preferences. From fresh tomatoes and avocados to tangy salsa and spicy jalapeños, the options are endless, allowing you to create your perfect flavor combination.
• Suitable for Any Time of Day: Molletes are traditionally enjoyed for breakfast or brunch, but they are suitable for any time of day. Whether it's a lazy weekend morning or a quick and satisfying lunch or snack, molletes fit the bill.

Molletes Recipe Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• Bollilo rolls or a baguette
• Refried beans
• Mozzarella CHeese
• Tomato
• Red onion
• Lime
• Salt

See recipe card for Molletes Recipe quantities.

How to make Molletes Recipe

What to serve with Molletes

• Fresh Salsa or Pico de Gallo: Serve a side of fresh salsa or pico de gallo alongside your molletes. The vibrant flavors of diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice will add a refreshing element to the dish.
• Guacamole: A dollop of creamy guacamole pairs perfectly with molletes. The richness of the avocado and the hint of lime will complement the flavors and textures of the dish.
• Mexican Rice: Serve a side of fluffy Mexican rice to add substance to your meal. The combination of rice with the flavors of tomato, onion, and spices will complement the molletes beautifully. Check out my Moro Recipe. Check out my Moro Rice Recipe.
• Mexican Street Corn (Elote): For a more indulgent and flavorful side dish, consider serving Mexican street corn (elote) alongside your molletes. Grilled corn on the cob slathered with mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice will add a delicious twist to your meal.

Substitutions

Refried Beans: You can refry your own beans, but I just bought refried beans from a can. 

Cheese: I used mozzarella cheese but you can use any shredded cheese that melts well. Other cheeses to use are Mexican blend, pepper jack and Monterrey Jack. 

Bread: I always grew up using baguette bread but traditionally you should use bolillo rolls. 

Molletes Recipe Variations

• Molletes con Chorizo: Add cooked and crumbled Mexican chorizo to the refried beans for a savory and flavorful twist. The spicy and robust flavors of the chorizo complement the creamy beans and melted cheese.
• Molletes con Pico de Gallo: Top your molletes with a generous spoonful of fresh pico de gallo. The combination of diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro adds a burst of freshness and tanginess to the dish.
• Molletes con Guacamole: Instead of serving guacamole as a side, spread a layer of creamy guacamole on top of the refried beans before adding the cheese. This variation adds richness and a vibrant green color to the molletes.
• Molletes con Ham: Layer slices of cooked ham on top of the refried beans before adding the cheese. The saltiness and smokiness of the ham provide an additional layer of flavor and texture to the molletes.

Check out this Peruvian Ceviche with Leche de Tigre.

Equipment

• Oven or Toaster Oven: Molletes are typically made by toasting the bread and melting the cheese in an oven or toaster oven. Make sure you have a functioning oven or toaster oven available for this step.
• Baking Sheet or Oven-Safe Pan: You'll need a baking sheet or an oven-safe pan to place the assembled molletes on for toasting in the oven.
• Mixing Bowl: A mixing bowl will be useful for preparing the refried beans, combining ingredients, or making any variations you desire.
• Cutting Board and Knife: A cutting board and knife are needed for slicing the bread and any other ingredients you plan to use as toppings.
• Spatula or Spoon: You'll need a spatula or spoon to spread the refried beans onto the bread and assist in assembling the molletes.
• Cheese Grater: If you're using a block of cheese, a cheese grater will be handy for grating the cheese to sprinkle over the molletes.
• Serving Plates: Once your molletes are ready, you'll need serving plates to present them to your guests or family members.

How to store Molletes

• Cool Completely: Allow the molletes to cool completely before storing them. This will help prevent moisture buildup and maintain their texture.
• Store in an Airtight Container: Place the cooled molletes in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. This will help preserve their freshness and prevent them from drying out.
• Refrigerate: Store the molletes in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within a day or two. The cool temperature will help extend their shelf life.
• Reheating: To enjoy leftover molletes, you can reheat them in the oven or toaster oven. Preheat the oven to a low temperature, around 300°F (150°C), and warm the molletes for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This will help revive their crispiness and melt the cheese.
• Toppings: If you have added fresh toppings like salsa, guacamole, or pico de gallo, store them separately from the molletes. Keep them refrigerated and add them just before serving to maintain their freshness.

Molletes Recipe Top tips

• Choose the Right Bread: Look for a crusty bread like bolillo or French bread for the base of your molletes. The bread should have a sturdy texture that can hold up well to the toppings without becoming overly soggy.
• Toast the Bread: Toasting the bread before adding the toppings helps create a crispy texture and prevents it from becoming too soft once the toppings are added. Toast the bread in the oven or toaster until it's golden brown and slightly crispy.
• Use Good-Quality Refried Beans: Opt for high-quality refried beans, whether you make them from scratch or use canned ones. Good-quality refried beans will provide a rich and flavorful base for your molletes.
• Melt the Cheese Properly: For gooey and melty cheese, make sure to distribute it evenly over the refried beans and bread. You can use shredded cheese or slices of cheese to cover the surface. Be generous with the cheese to achieve that delicious molten texture.
• Customize with Toppings: Molletes are highly customizable, so feel free to add your favorite toppings. Fresh salsa, pico de gallo, guacamole, or pickled jalapeños can add a burst of flavor and freshness to the dish. Be creative and experiment with different combinations.
• Serve Immediately: Molletes are best enjoyed right after assembly while the bread is still warm and crispy. Serve them immediately to ensure the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
• Experiment with Variations: Don't be afraid to try different variations of molletes by incorporating additional ingredients or flavors. From chorizo to bacon, or even vegetarian options with sautéed vegetables, there are numerous ways to personalize your molletes.

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.