Mexican Mollete with Refried Beans and Cheese

Ingredients

• 2 bolillo or telera bread rolls 2 bolillo or telera bread rolls
• 1 cup (200g) refried beans 1 cup (200g) refried beans
• 1 cup (100g) Oaxaca or Monterrey Jack cheese, shredded 1 cup (100g) Oaxaca or Monterrey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Optional toppings: sliced avocado, salsa, chopped cilantro Optional toppings: sliced avocado, salsa, chopped cilantro

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Slice the bolillo or telera bread rolls in half lengthwise.
3. 3.
   Heat the vegetable oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
4. 4.
   Place the bread halves cut-side down in the skillet and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
5. 5.
   Remove the bread from the skillet and spread a generous layer of refried beans on each half.
6. 6.
   Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the beans.
7. 7.
   Place the molletes on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute.
9. 9.
   Optional: Top with sliced avocado, salsa, and chopped cilantro.
10. 10.
    Serve warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bolillo or telera bread — If you can't find these specific types of bread, you can use a French baguette or ciabatta as a substitute. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Refried beans — You can use canned refried beans for convenience, but homemade refried beans will elevate the flavor of the mollete even more. If using canned beans, choose a brand with minimal additives and preservatives.
• Oaxaca or Monterrey Jack cheese — These cheeses are traditional choices for mollete, but you can experiment with other melting cheeses like Cheddar or Mozzarella if desired.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, spread a thin layer of salsa on top of the refried beans before adding the cheese.
• If you prefer a spicier mollete, sprinkle some chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes on top of the cheese before baking.
• Customize your mollete by adding sliced tomatoes, onions, or grilled vegetables as additional toppings.
• Serve the mollete with a side of fresh salsa or guacamole for dipping.
• If you're short on time, you can use a toaster oven to melt the cheese instead of baking in the oven.

Serving advice

Serve the mollete warm as a delicious breakfast or brunch dish. It pairs well with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the mollete with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a drizzle of Mexican crema or sour cream. Serve it on a colorful plate or a wooden board for a rustic touch.