Traditional Mexican Molletes Recipe

Bolillo rolls: Traditional Mexican bread rolls, similar to French bread rolls, used as the base for molletes.

Refried beans: Creamy, mashed beans that provide a hearty layer on the bread.

Cheese: Either Oaxaca or Monterey Jack, both of which melt beautifully to create a gooey topping.

Pico de gallo: A fresh salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice, adding a burst of freshness to the dish.

To achieve a perfectly melted and bubbly cheese topping, make sure to use a broiler setting for the last 2 minutes of baking. This will give your molletes a delightful golden-brown finish.

• bolillo rolls - Substitute with baguette: A baguette has a similar texture and crust, making it a good alternative for bolillo rolls.

• refried beans - Substitute with black bean spread: Black bean spread offers a similar creamy texture and can be seasoned to match the flavor of refried beans.

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

• pico de gallo - Substitute with salsa fresca: Salsa fresca has a similar fresh and tangy flavor profile, making it a good alternative for pico de gallo.

• Allow the molletes to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the bread soggy.

• Wrap each mollete individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn.

• Place the wrapped molletes in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. Label with the date to keep track of storage time.

• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place in the freezer for up to 2 months.

• When ready to enjoy, reheat refrigerated molletes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.

• For frozen molletes, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven. Alternatively, you can reheat directly from frozen, but it may take a few extra minutes.

• To maintain the texture and flavor, avoid reheating molletes in the microwave, as this can make the bread chewy and the cheese rubbery.

• If you have leftover pico de gallo, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add it fresh to the reheated molletes for the best taste and texture.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover molletes on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is warm and slightly crispy.

• For a quicker method, use a toaster oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the molletes inside for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure the cheese melts perfectly without burning.

• If you prefer using a microwave, place the molletes on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes. Check to see if the cheese is melted and the beans are heated through.

• For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the molletes cheese-side up in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is warm.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the molletes in the basket and cook for about 5-7 minutes. This method will give you a crispy bread texture while ensuring the cheese is perfectly melted.

• Oven: Used to bake the molletes until the cheese is melted and bubbly

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to place the bolillo rolls on while baking

• Knife: Essential for slicing the bolillo rolls in half lengthwise

• Spatula: Useful for spreading the refried beans evenly on each half of the rolls

• Cheese grater: Needed if you are shredding the cheese yourself from a block

• Mixing bowl: Handy for holding the shredded cheese if you are grating it yourself

• Spoon: Helps in scooping and spreading the refried beans onto the rolls

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the bolillo rolls and preparing other ingredients

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

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

Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheese to cut down on prep time.

Ready-made refried beans: Use canned or store-bought refried beans to avoid making them from scratch.

Assemble in batches: Prepare all the bolillo rolls at once before spreading the refried beans and cheese.

Pre-chop pico de gallo: Have your pico de gallo ready in advance to quickly top the molletes after baking.