• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Everyday Latina
  • Recipes
  • Authentic Mexican Recipes
  • Mi Casa
    • Kid-Friendly Tips
    • Natural Home Remedies
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • All Recipes
  • Authentic Mexican Recipes
  • Mi Casa
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Authentic Molletes Mexicanos

    Published: Mar 31, 2023 · Modified: Sep 10, 2023 by Gemma · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Authentic Molletes Mexicanos are an incredibly delicious and easy-to-make recipe. Made with soft, buttery bread, creamy refried beans, melted cheese, and chipotle salsa, they are a savory, comforting, classic Mexican dish. Plus, they are kid-friendly and can easily be made gluten-free.

    Jump to Recipe
    Cheesy molletes on a plate with a bowl of chipotle sauce in the middle

    This meal ranks at the top of my favorites, just like a big bowl of Pozole Blanco, freshly made tamales, or spicy Enchiladas Rojas.

    First off, Mexican molletes consist of buttery bread, creamy refried beans, melted cheese and a smoky sauce. I mean, what isn't there to love?!

    Secondly, eating them always takes me back to beautiful memories of summer evenings, sitting on our back patio with my siblings and cousins, while my mom and her two sisters served up a freshly-made mountain of these delicacies.

    Nowadays, my husband and kids are also big fans. My oldest daughter has even claimed them as one of her favorite meals. A girl after my own heart!

    Jump to:
    • What are Molletes?
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • The Ingredients
    • How to Make Mexican Molletes
    • Tips and Variations
    • FAQ
    • Recipe

    What are Molletes?

    Mexican Molletes are a staple in Mexican cuisine and are often served for breakfast, lunch, or a snack. They are almost like an open-faced sandwich made with sliced bolillos (a type of Mexican white bread), refried beans, and melted cheese.

    They are then topped with salsa and sometimes customized with toppings such as avocado, chorizo, or eggs.

    The word mollete comes from the word muelle referring to the soft, spongy inside of the bread. Molletes can be found throughout Spain and Latin American countries, with each version being unlike the other.

    For example, in southern Spain the term refers to soft, white round bread that's typically sliced, toasted and eaten with olive oil, salt, or sugar. In Guatemala, the dish is similar to a stuffed French toast and in Cuba they consist of a white bread stuffed with picadillo and then fried.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Easy to Make: The recipe requires minimal time to prepare with easy to find ingredients.
    • Great Flavor and Texture: The combination of crusty, warm, buttery bread, creamy refried beans, and gooey melted cheese is absolutely amazing!
    • Chipotle Salsa: Other people top theirs with pico de gallo, but we always use a smoky chipotle salsa that is the perfect match for these cheesy treats.
    • Kid-Friendly: I always serve the salsa on the side so that my kids, and anyone who might not be a fan of spice, can also enjoy them.
    • Meatless Meal: The recipe requires no meat so it is a great meatless and vegetarian meal.
    • So Filling: Beans are a complete protein and help make these sandwiches hearty and satisfying.
    • Gluten-Free Option: Easily make this recipe gluten-free by swapping out the bread with gluten-free rolls, baguettes, or hamburger buns.

    The Ingredients

    Shredded cheese, butter, pinto beans, chipotle salsa, bolillos
    • Bolillos are like a Mexican version of bread rolls. They are crusty on the outside and soft and pillowy on the inside. They can be found in Latin American grocery stores and bakeries as well as in some regular grocery stores.
    • Butter: Spreading butter on the bolillos allows them to get golden on the inside and adds another delicious layer of flavor.
    • Refried Beans: Creamy, homemade refried beans are key in this recipe. Start with a pot of delicious, homemade pinto beans for the best result.
    • Shredded Cheese: Use white Mexican cheese that melts well such as asadero, Chihuahua, Oaxaca, or Mexican muenster. If you cannot find these, you can use Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
    • Chipotle Salsa: A homemade tomato and chipotle salsa is the perfect complement to this meal. Find my recipe for Smoky Chipotle Salsa here.

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Substitutions

    If you cannot find bolillos, substitute French bread instead. Cut the French bread lengthwise down the middle. Then cut the halves into about 4" to 6" pieces.

    For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread rolls or hamburger buns.

    How to Make Mexican Molletes

    Cast-iron skillet of refried beans with a bean masher
    Cut bolillos on a cutting board
    Taking out the crumb of the bolillos

    1. Make Refried Beans

    • Heat oil in medium skillet over medium heat.
    • Add cooked pinto beans and their liquid to the skillet.
    • Bring to a simmer, then mash with a potato masher until smooth and creamy.
    • Mix a bit more oil into the beans.
    • Keep cooking the beans until slightly thickened and they no longer stick to the pan.
    • Remove from heat and set aside.

    2. Prepare the Bread

    • Cut the bolillos in half lengthwise.
    • Carefully scoop out some of the soft white middle part (called crumb in English or migajón in Spanish) to create a pocket in which to place the filling. (This step allows for more beans to be added to the bread and keeps the toppings from easily falling off.)
    • Spread butter on the inside of each half.
    Bolillos with beans and cheese on a baking sheet
    Baked molletes on a baking sheet

    2. Toast the Bread

    • Lightly toast the bread on both sides on a comal or pan.
    • Toast until soft and just a little golden.
    • Place on a baking sheet

    3. Assemble

    • Spread each bolillo half with a generous amount of refried beans.
    • Top with shredded cheese.

    4. Bake

    • Bake at 350ºF for 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted.
    • Serve with a side of Smoky Chipotle Salsa.

    How to Serve

    These are best served hot, right out of the oven.

    Following are some suggestions on how to serve them:

    • Serve for breakfast with a side of scrambled eggs and cafe de olla
    • Perfect for a casual spring or summer gathering paired with Pineapple Agua Fresca or Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca
    • Accompany with a bowl of soup or stew
    • Serve on their own for an easy lunch or dinner

    How to Store and Reheat

    Store these either before they have been baked or after. Either way, store in an air-tight container or ziplock bag for up to 3 days.

    Reheat them in a 350ºF oven or a toaster oven until warmed through and the cheese is melted and bubbling.

    Tips and Variations

    • Make extra: These make great leftovers and are easy to store and reheat.
    • Toast the Bread: Be sure to toast the bread before adding the toppings, as indicated in the recipe. This is an essential step that will make the bread taste so much better.
    • Add Toppings: Other variations are also topped with scrambled eggs, crumbled chorizo, sliced avocados, pickled jalapeños, or chopped cilantro.
    • If you prefer the typical pico de gallo salsa as a topping, use my recipe for pico de gallo.
    • Try these Open-Faced Ground Beef Tortas for a similar recipe.

    FAQ

    How do you eat molletes?

    Eat these with your hands without the need of a fork or knife, similar to a pizza.

    What kind of bread do I use?

    This dish is typically made with Mexican bolillos, but French bread makes a great substitute.

    Can molletes be made gluten-free?

    Yes, easily make them gluten-free by using gluten-free rolls or hamburger buns.

    How do you pronounce mollete?

    The word is pronounced "moh-yeh-teh" in Spanish.

    I hope you enjoy! If you give this recipe a try please leave me a comment with a star rating below. Follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest to stay in touch, and don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter.

    Molletes Mexicanos on a plate with a bowl of chipotle sauce in the middle

    Recipe

    Cheesy molletes on a plate with a bowl of chipotle sauce in the middle

    Molletes Mexicanos with Chipotle Salsa

    by Gemma Aguayo-Murphy
    Authentic Molletes Mexicanos are an incredibly delicious and easy-to-make recipe. Made with soft, buttery bread, creamy refried beans, melted cheese, and chipotle salsa, they are a savory, comforting, classic Mexican dish. Plus, they are kid-friendly and can easily be made gluten-free.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 35 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 4
    Calories 323 kcal

    Equipment

    • potato masher
    • Baking Sheet

    Ingredients
      

    Molletes

    • 3 cups refried beans (see notes for instructions)
    • 4 Mexican bolillos
    • ½ cup spreadable butter
    • 2 cups shredded cheese such as Mexican muenster, Chihuahua, asadero or Oaxaca

    Chipotle Salsa

    • 2 medium Roma tomatoes
    • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
    • 2 teaspoons adobo sauce from the chipotles
    • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
    • 4 tablespoon water
    • 1 tablespoon oil

    Instructions
     

    Molletes

    • Preheat oven to 350ºF.
    • Cut the bolillos in half lengthwise.
    • Carefully scoop out some of the soft white middle part to create a pocket in which to place the filling.
    • Spread butter on the inside of each half.
    • Lightly toast the bread on both sides until soft and golden on a comal or pan.
    • Place bolillos on a baking sheet and spread each bolillo half with a generous amount of refried beans.
    • Top with shredded cheese.
    • Bake for 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
    • Serve with chipotle salsa.

    Chipotle Salsa

    • Boiling the whole tomatoes in water until fork-tender.
    • Remove the tomato peel and add tomatoes to a blender or food processor.
    • Add chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic powder, salt and water.
    • Blend until smooth.
    • Heat oil in a saucepan on medium-low. Once hot, pour the sauce into the pan.
    • Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
    • Taste for seasoning and adjust salt as needed.

    Notes

    • Refried Beans: Make your own refried beans by doing the following or check out the full blog post for Frijoles Refritos:
      • Start with 4 cups of homemade pinto beans
      • Heat ½ cup of oil in medium skillet over medium-low heat.
      • Add cooked pinto beans and their liquid to the skillet.
      • Bring to a simmer and cook for 4 minutes.
      • Mash with a potato masher until smooth and creamy. Add ¼-1/2 cup of bean broth, if needed, to make them easier to mash.
      • When beans begin to slightly dry, add ¼ more of oil and mix into the beans.
      • Keep cooking the beans until slightly thickened. The beans are done and at the perfect point when you can run a spoon down the middle of the beans and they don't stick to the pan.
      • Remove from heat and set aside.
    • If you cannot find bolillos, substitute French bread instead. Cut the French bread lengthwise down the middle. Then cut the halves into about 4" to 6" pieces.
    • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread rolls or hamburger buns.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 molleteCalories: 323kcalCarbohydrates: 35.7gProtein: 9.8gFat: 15.7gSaturated Fat: 8.9gCholesterol: 44mgSodium: 612mgPotassium: 256mgFiber: 5.8gSugar: 1.2gCalcium: 107mgIron: 2mg
    Did you try this recipe?Leave me a comment and star rating below or mention @everydaylatina on Instagram!

    Wikipedia, "Mollete." March3, 2023. https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mollete

    More Authentic Mexican Recipes

    • Frijoles Refritos (Mexican Refried Beans)
    • Guajillo enchilada sauce in a saucepan
      Guajillo Enchilada Sauce
    • 6 cooked sopes on a platter for a sopes recipe
      Mexican Sopes Recipe
    • Bowl of picadillo con papas topped with sliced jalapeños
      Picadillo con Papas

    About Gemma

    Gemma is the recipe developer, writer and food photographer behind Everyday Latina. Gemma was born in Mexico, but has spent the majority of her life in the United States. She has been sharing recipes since 2018 with an emphasis on her parents' traditional Mexican cuisine and a focus on clean, healthy ingredients. Her goal is to build a community of people who appreciate family, food and culture and, who like her, want to live a healthy, happy everyday life.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jackie M.

      April 04, 2023 at 10:40 am

      5 stars
      These are delicious, especially with the chipotle sauce!

      Reply
      • Gemma

        April 04, 2023 at 10:42 am

        Thank you Jackie. I agree, that sauce on the molletes is so good!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Gemma! I am originally from Mexico and the recipe developer, writer, and food photographer behind Everyday Latina. Here you will find traditional Mexican cuisine and a focus on clean, healthy ingredients. 

    More About Me →

    Trending Recipes

    • Two gluten-free empanadas de sardina on a plate with cilantro and jalapeño slices beside them.
      Gluten-Free Empanadas de Sardina
    • Plate with refried beans, toast and huevos con jamon
      Huevos con Jamon (Scrambled Eggs with Ham)
    • Three tacos dorados de pollo on a brown Mexican plate topped with garnishes
      Tacos Dorados de Pollo (Crispy Chicken Tacos)
    • Glass with dairy-free duraznos con crema surrounded by fresh peaches
      Dairy-Free Duraznos con Crema

    Summer Recipes

    • Shrimp Ceviche in a brown bowl with a lime.
      Mexican Shrimp Ceviche
    • Three clear glasses of Agua De Sandia with water slices besides them.
      Agua De Sandia
    • Grilled Rajas con Papas #grilledrajasconpapas #rajasconpapas #papasconrajas #mexicanfood
      Grilled Rajas con Papas
    • Spicy pineapple-jalapeño salsa #pineapplesalsa
      Spicy Pineapple-Jalapeño Salsa

    Follow Me

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • Disclosure and Privacy

    Newsletter

    Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • TikTok

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Everyday Latina