This molletes recipe may be simple, but it comes together in a delicious and satisfying way. I’ll share all the details on how to make your own molettes as well as a number of topping ideas. My favorite is molletes con pico de gallo (with pico de gallo) – basic but SO good!
These molletes de frijoles are made with just 3 ingredients and ready in 15 minutes. Then the toppings are up to you! You can go as basic or complex as you like.
Back when we visted in Sayulita, Mexico I came across molletes on a menu at a French-ish cafe and promptly ordered them. Fancy? No. But they shouldn’t be underestimated!
All it takes is a loaf of French bread topped with refried beans and cheese, then baked together until nice and toasty and garnished with a healthy serving of pico de gallo and pickled jalapeño slices if you like some spice.
This molletes recipe was originally published in March 2014 and updated in January 2021 to include a revised recipe, topping ideas, and FAQs.
Molletes Ingredients:
There are just 3 ingredients in molletes:
- French bread – Traditionally, molletes are often made with bolillos, a soft and crusty roll. You can use those if you have access to them, otherwise we want a softer, fluffy loaf of bread, NOT a baguette.
- Refried beans – make your own or use canned for a quick kitchen shortcut
- Shredded cheese – Queso asadero and Oaxaca are Mexican cheeses that melt well, so are perfect for molletes. If you can’t find those, you can also use shredded Monterey jack cheese.
How to Cook Molletes:
It’s as easy as assemble and bake!
Spread the refried beans onto sliced bread or rolls and top with shredded cheese. Bake and serve with fresh toppings when they come out of the oven.
Topping Ideas:
You can go in any direction when it comes to toppings! I think a fresh and acidic topping (aka pico de gallo) is my favorite, but here are a few other ideas:
- salsa or hot sauce
- fresh pico de gallo
- pickled red onion
- sliced avocado or guacamole
- sliced radish or jalapenos
- chopped cilantro
- queso fresco
Mollete Recipe FAQs:
How to pronounce molletes?
Molletes pronunciation: moh-YEH-tehs
What is molletes in English?
Molletes translates to muffin in English, but bread rolls are another common translation.
How many calories in molletes?
Each serving of molletes (2 open-faced sandwiches) has 392 calories. You can find the rest of the nutrition information below the recipe card.
How to Store Leftover Molletes:
These molletes won’t store well, so only make what you will eat. You can store everything separately and assemble and bake right before serving.
More Easy Mexican-ish Recipes:
If you like this recipe for molletes, you might also like some of these other Mexican-inspired recipes:
- Mexican Ground Beef Casserole – Layers of taco-seasoned beef, rice and cheese give this flavor – and a layer of veggies adds some nutrition!
- Mexican-Style Cauliflower Rice – The best side dish for Mexican-inspired meals! Why? Because most meals (salsa chicken tacos, grilled turkey fajitas, etc. need a side dish…and usually need some veggies. This is the best of both worlds.
- Mexican Tater Tot Casserole – Minnesota’s classic casserole gets some upgraded flavors. Obviously a family favorite.
- Mexican Chicken Taco Soup – Classic chicken taco soup made with my favorite kitchen shortcut to give it max flavor.
- Mexican Quinoa – This skillet meal is loaded with plant-based protein and fiber. And everyone can add their own toppings. Great for meal prep.
Easy Molletes Recipe + Topping Ideas
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This simple molletes recipe can be made in 15 min with just 3 ingredients + toppings! Don’t underestimate this humble sandwich, it’s delish.
Ingredients
-
12 oz. french bread (not baguette, the fluffy kind!)
-
15 oz. can of refried beans
-
1-2 cups shredded queso asadero or Oaxaca
-
toppings (see above post or notes below for ideas)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Slice the baguette on the bias. You’ll want about 12 slices.
- Spread beans on bread and sprinkle with shredded cheese. (about 2-3 tablespoons of beans + 1 tablespoon cheese).
- Bake for 5-7 minutes, until bread is crispy and cheese has melted.
Equipment
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Notes
- Serving size: 2 molletes (2 slices bread + 4-6 tablespoons beans + 2-3 tablespoons cheese)
- Nutrition facts do not include toppings.
- Queso asadero and Oaxaca are Mexican cheeses that melt well, so are perfect for molletes. If you can’t find those, you can also use shredded Monterey jack cheese.
- Toppings: I like to serve molletes with a variety of toppings: salsa, fresh pico de gallo, pickled red onion, sliced avocado, sliced radish, chopped cilantro, queso fresco
Keywords: molletes recipe
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Alyssa
I have never heard of a molette before either, but after seeing this I can confidently say I would LOVE them. Yum is an understatement!
Mellissa
These look delicious. Must try 🙂
allie@sweetpotatobites
I’ve never heard of molettes either but will definitely give these a try!
Stephanie @cookinfanatic
what a fun idea, i’ve never heard of these either!! kinda like mexican bruschetta of sorts!!
Emily
Yeah, it is!
Mercedes
Apparently I live under a rock as well because I have never heard of molettes either! But I am so happy that you have enlightened me because I would love this for lunch any day!
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub
Never heard of a molette either. But beans, cheese, bread…I’m in!
S
I’ve never heard of molettes before, but I already know I’m gonna love them! I can’t say no to bread and cheese.
-S
http://www.thesassylife.com
Karla @ Foodologie
Ok so you were right, we basically eat the same foods. Yay for beans and cheese! Best combo on the planet!
P.S. not to be the Español police but I believe they’re spelled “Molletes” (pronounced mo-ye-tes), just FYI 🙂
Emily
Oh nooooooo!!!!! Is there any reason that it would be either spelling? Just because I’ve seen it spelt molettes many times… But I want to have it right. Thanks for letting me know.
Chelsea @ Designs on Dinner
Yum, those look right up my alley. I loooove refried beans, even though they aren’t that pretty.
Emily
I know. They might be one of my favorite “hideous but delicious” foods!
Kristina @ Love & Zest
Sounds really good! I must be living under that same rock!
Lisa Eirene (@LisaEirene)
What a delicious looking idea! For a meal or a snack.
Megan (Braise The Roof)
These sound so good! What is it about refried beans that is so delicious? Probably the “refried” part. 😉
Emily
I know you are busy…but I miss your blog! 🙂
lynn @ the actor's diet
Yummy! I’ve been eating these for years but thought it was just something weird I invented!
erin
I’ve never heard of them, either… maybe it’s because we’re from the midwest? 😉 These sound delish!
sarah k @ the pajama chef
ummm, wow. never heard of mollettes before either but wow! i can’t wait to try ’em.
Mark Frankel
It looks amazing. I’m gluten free and I was wondering if you think this would work on a soft or hard corn tortilla.
Emily
Sure! It wouldn’t be mollettes, but it would be good!
Marcy
All-time favorite! Two “l”s definitely. Mo-ye-tays.
Liz
I also never heard of mollettes. So, I guess I’ve also been living under a rock.
That makes me wonder if we’ve all been under one big rock or do we each have a personal rock? 🙂
Ron
Funny just saw Brittney Payton eat one at Cafe Jumping Bean in Pilsen, Illinois on Chicago’s Best so i searched and found this. Will definitely be making these !!
Stacey
I’m going to make this with my kids in an afterschool cooking class… do you happen to have a recipe for the pico de gallo?
Thank you… always exciting to learn something new
Emily
Oh that is so wonderful! Pico can be as simple as chopped tomatoes and onion. You can add jalapeno or cilantro too if desired. Just season with salt and pepper to taste!