Easy Molletes Recipe + Topping Ideas

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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.

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