Mexican Mollete (Baked Bean and Cheese Sandwich)

Name: Mexican Mollete (Baked Bean and Cheese Sandwich)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 400 g Refried beans (canned); 200 g Shredded cheese (e.g., Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, or a mix); 2 tbsp Butter or olive oil; null Pico de gallo (optional, for serving); null Pickled jalapeños (optional, for serving); null Sour cream or Mexican crema (optional, for serving)

Difficulty

easy

Time

25m

Price Category

cheap

Calories

Medium

Molletes are a classic Mexican open-faced sandwich, perfect for a quick breakfast, lunch, or a comforting snack. They feature crusty bread topped with a generous layer of warm refried beans and melted cheese, often garnished with pico de gallo. This simple yet incredibly satisfying dish is a staple in Mexican households, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors. It's easy to customize and always a crowd-pleaser!

ingredients

4 Servings

400 g Refried beans (canned)200 g Shredded cheese (e.g., Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, or a mix)2 tbsp Butter or olive oil0 Pico de gallo (optional, for serving)0 Pickled jalapeños (optional, for serving)0 Sour cream or Mexican crema (optional, for serving)

Steps

Prepare the Bread

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Slice the bolillos or baguette lengthwise and lightly toast them in a dry pan or oven for a few minutes until slightly golden. This prevents them from getting soggy.

Heat the Beans

In a small saucepan, gently heat the refried beans over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warm and spreadable. You can add a splash of water if they are too thick.

Assemble Molletes

Spread a generous layer of warm refried beans over each toasted bread half. Top each with a good amount of shredded cheese.

Bake and Serve

Place the assembled molletes on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly and the edges of the bread are golden brown. Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Garnish with pico de gallo, pickled jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Extra Tips

► Toasting the bread is key to prevent it from getting soggy from the beans, keeping it nice and crispy.

► Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite; Monterey Jack and Oaxaca are the most authentic.

► Serve with fresh pico de gallo and a few pickled jalapeños for the perfect flavor kick.

Nutrition

	Per 100g	Per Serving 200g
Calories	280 kcal	560 kcal
Protein	13g	26g
Fat	12g	24g
Carbohydrate	28g	56g
Fiber	6g	12g
Sugar	3g	6g