Traditional Mexican Molletes Recipe

Bolillo rolls: Traditional Mexican bread rolls that are crusty on the outside and soft on the inside.

Refried beans: Mashed and cooked beans, typically pinto or black beans, seasoned with spices.

Cheese: Shredded Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese, known for their melting qualities.

Tomato: Freshly diced to add a juicy and slightly acidic contrast.

Avocado: Sliced for a creamy texture and rich flavor.

Jalapeño: Sliced to add a spicy kick.

Salt: Used to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

When spreading the refried beans on the bolillo halves, make sure to warm them slightly beforehand. This will make them easier to spread evenly and ensure that they meld well with the shredded cheese during baking. Additionally, for a more flavorful experience, consider using homemade refried beans seasoned with a touch of cumin and garlic.

• bolillo rolls - Substitute with baguette: Baguettes have a similar texture and crust, making them a good alternative for the base of molletes.

• refried beans - Substitute with black bean spread: Black bean spread offers a similar creamy texture and rich flavor, suitable for spreading on the bread.

• shredded cheese - Substitute with cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese melts well and provides a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• diced tomato - Substitute with salsa: Salsa adds a bit more flavor and spice, enhancing the overall taste of the molletes.

• sliced avocado - Substitute with guacamole: Guacamole provides a creamy texture and a burst of flavor, similar to sliced avocado.

• sliced jalapeño - Substitute with pickled jalapeños: Pickled jalapeños add a tangy and slightly spicy kick, similar to fresh jalapeños but with an extra layer of flavor.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• Allow the molletes to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
• Wrap each mollete individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.
• Place the wrapped molletes in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This helps to keep them fresh and prevents any unwanted odors from seeping in.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the molletes within 2-3 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer.
• To freeze, ensure the molletes are tightly wrapped and then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about 1-2 hours until they are firm.
• Once frozen, transfer the molletes to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of their freshness.
• When ready to eat, thaw the molletes in the refrigerator overnight if they were frozen.
• Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the molletes are heated through.
• For a quicker option, you can also reheat in the microwave. Place the molletes on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking to ensure they are heated evenly.
• Add fresh toppings like diced tomato, avocado slices, and jalapeño slices after reheating to maintain their texture and flavor.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the molletes on a baking sheet.
  3. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from drying out.
  4. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the refried beans and cheese are heated through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes to let the cheese get bubbly again.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the molletes on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If the cheese hasn't melted completely, continue heating in 15-second intervals.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Preheat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Place the molletes in the skillet, cover with a lid to trap the heat.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the refried beans and cheese are warmed through.
  4. For a crispier bolillo base, remove the lid for the last 2 minutes.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the molletes on the toaster oven tray.
  3. Heat for about 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the refried beans are hot.
  4. For an extra crispy finish, use the broil setting for the last 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the molletes in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If the cheese isn't fully melted, continue heating in 1-minute intervals.

• Oven: To bake the bolillo halves until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

• Baking sheet: To place the bolillo halves on for baking.

• Knife: To slice the bolillo rolls, avocado, and jalapeño.

• Cutting board: To provide a safe surface for slicing the ingredients.

• Spoon: To spread the refried beans on the bolillo halves.

• Cheese grater: To shred the cheese if it is not pre-shredded.

• Mixing bowl: To hold the diced tomato before topping the molletes.

• Measuring cup: To measure out the refried beans and shredded cheese.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the ingredients to save time.

Use canned refried beans: Opt for canned refried beans instead of making them from scratch to cut down on prep time.

Shred cheese in advance: Shred your cheese ahead of time and store it in the fridge for quick assembly.

Prep toppings beforehand: Dice the tomato, slice the avocado, and jalapeño in advance to streamline the process.

Use a toaster oven: If you have a toaster oven, use it for faster baking and less energy consumption.