Molletes Clásicos con Frijol y Queso (Open Bean and Queso Toasts)
Crusty bread spread with refried beans, covered with melted queso and topped with fresh pico de gallo. A Mexican breakfast classic.
Made with Fresh pico de gallo and Refried beans (frijoles refritos) and Queso (Mexican cheese sauce). Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time20 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £0.68 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Heat the grill to high. Brush the cut sides of the rolls with the oil and toast under the grill for 2 minutes until just golden.
2 min - 2
Warm your ready made refried beans (see the base recipe) in a small pan with a splash of water until steaming hot all the way through.
- 3
Warm your ready made queso (see the base recipe) gently in a small pan over a low heat, stirring, until steaming. Add a splash of milk if it has thickened. Do not let it boil.
- 4
Spread the beans thickly on each toasted roll half.
- 5
Spoon a generous layer of queso over the beans and grill for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbling at the edges.
2 min 30 s - 6
Top with your ready made pico de gallo (see the base recipe) and a squeeze of lime. Eat straight away.
Tips
- Choose a bread with a firm crust so the toppings sit on it.
- Do not pile the queso on too thick or it slides off before it sets.
- Add chopped chorizo or a fried egg for a heartier plate.
Storing and freezing
Best eaten fresh. Keep leftover beans and queso separately in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
What bread is used for molletes?
Traditionally bolillo rolls, a small crusty Mexican bread. Ciabatta or any crusty white roll works well in the UK.
Is this vegetarian?
Yes, if you use vegetarian cheese in the queso and check the refried beans were made with oil, not lard.
Can I make it gluten free?
Yes. Use gluten free bread rolls, and the beans, queso and pico de gallo are gluten free.
More made with fresh pico de gallo
Tacos de Carne Asada (Grilled Steak Tacos)
DFEFNFSopa de Lentejas al Adobo (Mexican Lentil Soup)
GFDFEFChuletas de Borrego al Chipotle con Frijoles (Chipotle Lamb Chops with Beans)
GFDFEFTotopos con Guacamole y Pico de Gallo (Chips with Guacamole and Fresh Salsa)
GFDFEFDouble check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.