Traditional Mexican Molletes Recipe

Bolillo rolls: A type of Mexican bread roll, similar to a baguette but shorter and softer.

Refried beans: Cooked and mashed beans, typically pinto or black beans, seasoned and fried.

Cheese: Preferably Oaxaca or Monterey Jack, shredded for easy melting.

Tomato: Fresh and diced, adds a juicy and slightly acidic flavor.

Avocado: Sliced, provides a creamy texture and rich taste.

Jalapeño: Sliced, adds a spicy kick to the dish.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the ingredients.

Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the seasoning.

To achieve the perfect molletes, make sure to lightly toast the bolillo rolls before spreading the refried beans. This will create a crispy base that contrasts beautifully with the creamy beans and melted cheese. Additionally, for an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of cumin or paprika to the beans before spreading them on the rolls.

• bolillo rolls - Substitute with baguette: Baguettes have a similar texture and can be easily sliced in half, making them a good alternative.

• refried beans - Substitute with black bean spread: Black bean spread offers a similar creamy texture and flavor profile, making it a suitable replacement.

• oaxaca cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella has a similar meltability and mild flavor, making it a good stand-in for oaxaca cheese.

• monterey jack cheese - Substitute with cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese melts well and has a slightly sharper flavor, which can add a nice twist to the dish.

• diced tomato - Substitute with salsa: Salsa can provide a similar fresh and tangy flavor, and it often includes additional spices that can enhance the dish.

• sliced avocado - Substitute with guacamole: Guacamole offers the same creamy texture and rich flavor, and it can be easily spread over the bread.

• sliced jalapeño - Substitute with pickled jalapeños: Pickled jalapeños provide a similar heat level and add an extra tangy flavor to the dish.

• Allow the molletes to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the bolillo rolls 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 adds an extra layer of protection against moisture and odors.

• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the molletes within 2-3 days. For longer storage, place the container in the freezer.

• When freezing, label the container with the date to keep track of how long the molletes have been stored. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

• To reheat refrigerated molletes, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the molletes on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted.

• For frozen molletes, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, follow the same reheating instructions as for refrigerated molletes.

• If you're in a hurry, you can reheat molletes in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Note that the bolillo rolls may not be as crispy as when reheated in the oven.

• Avoid adding fresh toppings like diced tomato, avocado slices, and jalapeño slices before storing. Instead, add these toppings fresh after reheating to maintain their texture and flavor.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover 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.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the molletes directly on the toaster oven rack or on a small baking sheet.
  3. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the refried beans are warm.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the molletes on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover them with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to prevent splattering.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If the cheese isn't fully melted, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals.

• Skillet Method:

  1. Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Place the molletes in the skillet, cheese side up.
  3. Cover the skillet with a lid to create a mini-oven effect.
  4. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the refried beans are warmed through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the molletes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Air fry for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If needed, add an extra minute or two until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

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

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to place the bolillo halves on while they bake in the oven.

• Spatula: Helps spread the refried beans evenly on each bolillo half.

• Cheese grater: Used to shred the oaxaca or monterey jack cheese if it isn't pre-shredded.

• Knife: Essential for slicing the avocado and jalapeño, as well as dicing the tomato.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for slicing and dicing the vegetables.

• Measuring cup: Ensures you use the correct amount of refried beans and shredded cheese.

• Mixing bowl: Can be used to hold the diced tomato, avocado slices, and jalapeño slices before topping the molletes.

• Oven mitts: Protects your hands when removing the hot baking sheet from the oven.

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven while you prepare the ingredients to save time.

Use canned beans: Opt for canned refried beans to skip the cooking process.

Shred cheese in advance: Shred the cheese beforehand and store it in the fridge.

Prep toppings early: Dice the tomato, slice the avocado, and jalapeño ahead of time.

Assemble on the baking sheet: Assemble the bolillo rolls directly on the baking sheet to reduce cleanup time.