Molletes are Mexican avocado and bean toasts: warm, crusty bolillo bread topped with creamy refried beans, melted cheese, and fresh toppings like pico de gallo and avocado. They’re simple, easy to make, and highly comforting!
Molletes (pronounced moh-yeh-tehs) are a classic Mexican comfort food—warm, crusty bolillo bread topped with creamy refried beans, melted cheese, and fresh toppings like pico de gallo and avocado. They’re easy to make, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor, making them a perfect breakfast, lunch, or snack option.
I am not sure what part of Mexico they originate from but I can say that I had not heard of them until a few years ago. My family is from Purepero, Michoacan which is located in central-northern Mexico. Molletes are not typical to this area of Mexico so I never got a chance to try them but ever since I tried them I can’t stop making them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal ingredients.
- Customizable – Choose your favorite toppings to personalize your molletes.
- Plant-Based & Nutritious – High in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins.
- Affordable & accessible – Make Molletes for the entire family for under $10.
- Authentic & Flavorful – A staple in Mexican cuisine that’s satisfying and delicious.
What Are Molletes?
Molletes are an open-faced sandwich made with bolillo rolls, refried beans, and cheese, typically served with fresh toppings like salsa and avocado. They’re a popular breakfast or snack in some parts of Mexico and can be made in various ways to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Bolillo bread – Traditional Mexican bread with a crispy crust and soft interior. Find it at your local Mexican market or in the bakery section of Safeway/Lucky or any large store.
- Cooked beans – Use black, pinto or peruvian/mayocoba beans for a creamy base. Feel free to use canned beans to take a shortcut! I love Trader Joe’s canned refried beans – great taste and no oil!
- Vegetable broth – Helps blend the beans into a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Onion & chile de arbol – Adds depth of flavor (optional for spice lovers). Find chile de arbol in the dried chili section at your local market.
- Vegan cheese – For a melty, cheesy topping. I love using Daiya shreds, Miyoko’s or Follow your Heart.
- Salt & oil – Enhances flavor and texture.
Toppings
- Avocado: or maybe even a fresh homemade guacamole recipe.
- Pico de Gallo: my pico de gallo recipe is the best in my opinion 🙂
- Pickled onions: try my easy, no-heat recipe for pickled onions!
- Salsa: try this Easy Mexican Salsa recipe!
How to Make Molletes
- Prepare the Beans – In a pan, sauté diced onion in oil until soft. Add cooked beans, vegetable broth, chile de arbol (if using), and salt. Mash and cook until smooth.
- Assemble & Bake – Spread refried beans over the toasted bread, top with vegan cheese, and bake until the cheese melts.
- Add Toppings – Finish with fresh avocado, pico de gallo, pickled onions, and salsa.
- Serve & Enjoy!
Nutrition Benefits
As a Mexican-American registered dietitian, I can assure you that most of the recipes you’ll find on my blog are nutrient-dense and this one is no different! Molletes are a nutritious meal packed with:
- Plant-Based Protein – Beans provide a great source of protein and fiber.
- Healthy Fats – Avocado adds heart-healthy fats.
- Vitamins & Minerals – Tomatoes, onions, and chiles offer vitamin C, antioxidants, and essential nutrients.
What to Serve with Molletes
- A side of fresh fruit or a green salad for a balanced meal.
- A warm cup of café de olla (Mexican spiced coffee) for a traditional touch.
- Extra salsa or guacamole for dipping.
Molletes Cooking methods:
- Stove top: Use a griddle to toast/fry the bolillo rolls and cheese. I’ve grilled the cheese directly on the pan before to melt it and then put it on top of the beans without having to use the oven or air fryer.
- Oven/Airfryer: Prep your molletes with beans and cheese. Bake at 400 F for 7-10 minutes depending on how crispy you want them and how strong your oven is.
Molletes are an easy and satisfying way to enjoy authentic Mexican flavors in a nutritious, plant-based meal. Give them a try and let me know how you customize yours!
More Delicious Mexican Breakfasts:
Print
Molletes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Molletes are Mexican open-faced sandwiches made with beans, cheese, salsa, and avocado. It’s simple, easy to make, and highly comforting. Perfect to make when you have leftover beans!
Ingredients
- 4 bolillo bread rolls, sliced in half
- 2 cups cooked beans
- ¾ cup vegetable broth
- ½ onion, diced
- 1 chile de arbol (optional)
- 1 tbsp oil
- vegan cheese
- salt to taste
Toppings:
Instructions
- Add oil to a pan and once it’s hot, add onions. Cook for about 5 minutes and then add a few splashes of vegetable broth to deglaze.
- To the pan add cooked beans, chile de arbol, the rest of the vegetable broth, and salt to taste. Turn heat to high until broth is boiling and then reduce to a simmer. Let simmer for at least 5 minutes.
- Once it has simmered, mash beans or blend them in a blender. I prefer to blend them to get a creamy texture that spreads easily.
- Remove some of the bolillo filling to make a little crevice for the beans.
- Add a generous serving of refried beans and spread it evenly. Next, add cheese and place it in the oven or air fryer for 5-7 minutes at 400 F or until the cheese melts.
- Add avocado slices, pico de gallo, pickled onions and salsa. Enjoy!
Notes
*best when eaten fresh
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stove
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mollete
I’ve never had molletes until I made this recipe and wow it’s like a Mexican toast with much more flavor and texture. Making these my breakfast almost daily now!
Never knew about these but so glad I tired them! Great recipe highly recommend giving it a shot 👍
Pingback: Refried Beans Recipe – Healthy Simple Yum