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Each slice of this Mexican open-faced sandwich is layered with creamy refried beans, melted Oaxaca cheese, pico de gallo, and chopped cilantro all on a soft bolillo roll! Molletes are super easy to make, and even easier to devour!
If you’re looking for more recipes similar to molletes (recipes that are topped with all of the best Mexican fixings,) try these easy tostadas, sheet pan nachos, or carne asada fries!
Mexican Molletes Recipe
Originating in Mexico city, these are a tasty variation on Spanish molletes. This recipe is the traditional Mexican version! Regionally, people add different things to their sandwiches but usually it’s very simple with the butter-toasted bolillos, refried beans, and Oaxaca cheese. Usually just with pico de gallo as the topping, but tasty with additional toppings!
The great thing about molletes is that you can customize them however you want, so try adding a dollop of your favorite salsa, guacamole, or add some chopped peppers for heat. I love topping my molletes with pico, sliced avocado for some creaminess, and jalapeno for a kick of spice. With the beans and Oaxaca cheese, it’s the best mixture of flavors!
Ingredients Needed
Let’s dive into the delightful world of molletes! Molletes are a classic Mexican dish that bring together simple ingredients to create a burst of flavor. Check out the recipe card below for measurements.
- Bolillo Bread Rolls: Bolillo rolls are traditional Mexican bread, known for their crusty exterior and soft interior. Split lengthwise, they provide the perfect base for the molletes.
- Salted Butter: Spread a touch of salted butter onto the bolillo halves before toasting.
- Refried Beans: The heart of the molletes! A generous layer of creamy refried beans is spread over the buttered bolillo.
- Oaxaca Cheese (Shredded): The star of the show! Oaxaca cheese is very similar to mozzarella, but it’s salty and really flavorful. It melts beautifully.
- Pico de Gallo: Vibrant salsa made with diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice. It’s fresh, a little spicy, with a zesty tang that cuts through the richness of the cheese and beans.
- Chopped Cilantro: So your molletes have that final touch of herby goodness.
How to Make Molletes
Molletes are a super easy dish to make. Simply layer on all of your favorite toppings and pop them in the oven! You’ll have a delicious, hearty snack ready in a pinch.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare Bread: Then slice the bread length wise. Butter each half and toast in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown.
- Add Beans and Cheese, Bake: Lay the bread toasted side up on a baking sheet and spread a generous amount of refried beans on top. Top with the shredded cheese. Bake for 12-14 minutes, until the cheese is melted and browning.
- Layer With Toppings: Remove from the oven and then top molletes with pico de gallo before serving.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind so your molletes turn out perfectly! These open-faced sandwiches are so delicious, you won’t be able to get enough.
- More Toppings: Pico de Gallo is the traditional topping, but feel free to add jalapenos, serrano peppers, chorizo, guacamole, or lime crema to change things up. You can also add other types of protein like shredded pork or chicken.
- Other Types of Bread: If you can’t find bolillos, use French bread or baguettes. Any dense, flavorful hard roll will work great.
- Cheese Substitutes: If you can’t find Oaxaca cheese use mozzarella, Asadero, muenster, or Monterey jack. Any good melty cheese would be sufficient for a delicious sandwich.
- Don’t Skimp on the Butter! It adds a depth of flavor and also helps the bread stand up to the creamy refried beans.
How Long Do Molletes Last?
No leftovers for this sandwich! Molletes are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. They do not keep well so I can’t recommend storing any, but it’s unlikely that you will have anything left after you try them anyways!
More Delicious Mexican Recipes To Try
As tasty as tacos and burritos are, here are some great recipes to try if you’re wanting to switch things up! They’re all so hearty and flavorful, your family will love every bite. For more dinner inspiration, find my full list of Mexican recipes here.
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Molletes
Ingredients
- 2 bolillo rolls split length wise
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 ½ cup refried beans
- 12 ounces Oaxaca cheese shredded
- Pico de gallo
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees fahrenheit.
- Slice the bread length wise. Butter each half and toast in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown.
- Lay the bread toasted side up on a baking sheet and spread a generous amount of refried beans on top. Top with the shredded cheese. Bake for 12-14 minutes, until the cheese is melted and browning.
- Remove from the oven and top with pico de gallo before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
BEEN LOOKING FOR THIS FOR YEARS EVER SINCE WE HAD THEM IN PUERTO ESCONDIDO MANY YEARS AGO