Molletes, a traditional Mexican dish, are a delightful combination of refried beans, cheese, and bread. This simple yet tasty dish is perfect for breakfast or lunch and can be customized with various toppings to suit your taste. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make molletes.
Firstly, gather all the necessary ingredients. You will need four bolillo rolls (or baguettes), two cups of refried beans, two cups of shredded cheese (preferably Monterey Jack or Cheddar), butter for spreading, and pico de gallo or salsa for topping.
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While waiting for the oven to heat up, slice the bolillo rolls in half lengthwise. Spread a thin layer of butter on each cut side of the roll halves. Then place them on a baking sheet with the cut side facing up.
Bake these halves in the preheated oven until they’re lightly toasted—this should take about five minutes. Once they’re perfectly toasted, remove them from the oven but keep it turned on as you’ll be using it again shortly.
Next comes adding flavor to these toasted buns! Spread an even layer of refried beans over each bun half. Be generous with this spread because it forms an essential part of molletes’ rich flavor profile.
After applying beans comes the cheesy layer—sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over each bean-covered bun half. Ensure that you cover as much surface area as possible so that every bite has that delicious melted cheese!
Now return these loaded buns into your still-hot oven and bake until you see that irresistible sight—the cheese bubbling away happily and turning into a beautiful golden brown color! It should take around 7-10 minutes more.
Once ready, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving so you don’t burn your tongue! To finish off this masterpiece dish traditionally, top your molletes with some pico de gallo or salsa. However, feel free to experiment with other toppings like avocado slices, crumbled chorizo, or pickled jalapenos for an extra kick.
And there you have it—delicious molletes ready to be devoured! This easy-to-make dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also versatile enough to accommodate various dietary preferences. You can switch up the ingredients as per your liking and make it vegetarian by using veggie refried beans or even vegan by opting for dairy-free cheese. Enjoy this delightful Mexican treat that’s sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire!