Molletes (Classic Mexican Breakfast)
Molletes are basically an open-faced Mexican sandwiches with refried beans, melted cheese, and fresh pico de gallo. A classic breakfast or dinner ready in 15 minutes with just a few simple ingredients.
4 pieces
Calories: 490kcal
Ingredients
Molletes
- 2 bolillos or teleras cut in half lengthwise (or 1 baguette or 2 ciabatta rolls)
- 1 tablespoon butter regular or plant-based
- 1 cup refried beans warmed (black beans or pinto beans)
- 1 cup shredded cheese that melts well mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Violife for vegan
Pico de Gallo
- 2 Roma tomatoes seeded and diced small
- 1/4 white onion finely diced
- 1 serrano or jalapeño pepper seeded and finely diced (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Slice the bolillo rolls in half lengthwise. Spread a little butter on the cut side and toast them in a skillet or under the broiler until golden and slightly crispy.
- Spread the beans: Evenly spread a layer of warm refried beans on each toasted bolillo half.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the beans.
- Melt the cheese: Place the molletes under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Make the pico de gallo: In a bowl, mix the diced tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
- Top and serve: Spoon the pico de gallo over the warm molletes and serve immediately.
Notes
Beans: Use any refried beans you like - homemade, canned, or Instant Pot. Black beans or pinto beans both work. Warm them before spreading for easier assembly.
Cheese: Any melting cheese works. Mozzarella and Monterey Jack are easy to find. For a vegan version, Violife shreds melt well.
Salsa swap: Instead of pico de gallo, try salsa verde, guacamole, or sliced avocado on top.
Serving: Molletes are best eaten immediately. The bread gets tough as it cools. Do not try to reheat - make fresh.
No oven? Use a toaster oven, or melt the cheese in a covered skillet on low heat. Air fryer at 350F for 3-4 minutes also works.
Nutrition
Serving: 1piece | Calories: 490kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 1308mg | Potassium: 271mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 625IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 360mg | Iron: 5mg