Authentic Mexican Molletes
User Reviews
5
Authentic Mexican Molletes
Description
Authentic Mexican Molletes begin with bolillo bread split horizontally and toasted until crisp to provide a sturdy base. The filling is a seasoned black bean puree made by cooking canned black beans with garlic, onion, cumin, chipotle powder, Mexican oregano, salt, and pepper, then mashing until smooth but not overly thick. The combination of pepper jack and cheddar cheese melts on top under a broiler or oven heat to create a gooey, flavorful layer.
Pico de gallo, made with plum tomatoes, white onion, jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro, and salt, adds fresh and tangy contrast, while cotija cheese sprinkled on top contributes salty, crumbly texture. This balance of textures and flavors makes molletes a fulfilling and diverse dish rooted in Mexican culinary tradition.
The recipe allows for substituting refried beans if preferred and suggests scooping some bread inside to form a bread boat if desired. The choice of cheeses can vary based on availability, but the classic combination gives the right melt and taste profile for molletes.
This dish works well for breakfast, snacks, or casual lunches. The versatility of toppings means it can be customized after preparation.
Ingredients
- 15 oz black beans See Note 1, canned
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese See Note 2, shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese See Note 2, shredded
- 3 bread rolls sliced horizontally (See Note 3, bolillo
- 2 cups Pico de Gallo (See below)
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese
Black Bean puree:
- 15 oz black beans with liquid
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chipotle powder (See Note 4)
- 1/2 tsp Mexican oregano (See Note 5)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Pico de Gallo:
- 2 plum tomatoes seeded and diced
- 1/2 white onion diced
- 1 jalapeño seeded and diced
- 1 lime juice
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Feel free to use a 15 oz can refried beans and season as described here. Heat and set aside. If too thick, thin with a little water.
- You may also scoop a little of the bread inside of each cut half to make a bread boat.
For the beans:
- In a skillet over medium high heat add the black beans and all liquid from can. Add the garlic and onion powders, cumin, chipotle powder, salt and pepper. Stir and cook several minutes.
- Mash the beans with back of spoon, a potato masher or in a food processor. Set aside.
For the pico de gallo:
- In a small bowl mix together the chopped onion and lime juice. Toss to coat and set aside for 15 minutes.
- Add all the other ingredients to a bowl and combine, tossing to coat and season to taste.
Assembly
- Cut the bread rolls in half horizontally, press to flatten and place on a lined baking sheet. Place under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp them up and toast.
- Spread each roll with a layer of beans and shredded cheese. Place under the broiler again for 3 minutes or until the cheese is thoroughly melted.
- Top with pico de gallo and sprinkle with cotija cheese, serve immediately.
Notes
- You may use refried beans seasoned with the spices as a substitute for pureed black beans.
- Bolillo bread is traditional; if unavailable, a crusty soft bread roll works as a substitute.
- Optionally scoop out some bread inside each roll half to create a cavity to hold more filling.
- Chipotle powder can be replaced with chopped chipotles in adobo sauce to adjust heat and flavor.
- Mexican oregano provides authentic flavor and can usually be found in Latin markets.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 382 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 382kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 43g | 14% |
| Protein | 19g | 38% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 48mg | 16% |
| Sodium | 1010mg | 42% |
| Potassium | 341mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
| Vitamin A | 1033IU | 21% |
| Vitamin C | 16mg | 18% |
| Calcium | 374mg | 37% |
| Iron | 7mg | 39% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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