Molletes de Atún (Tuna and Bean Melts)
Toasted split rolls spread with refried beans and flaked tuna, melted under cheese and finished with fresh pico de gallo.
Made with Fresh pico de gallo and Refried beans (frijoles refritos). Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time20 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £1.46 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. Place the split rolls cut side up on a baking tray and spread them with the butter.
- 2
Toast under the grill for 2 minutes, until just golden at the edges. Take out of the grill.
2 min - 3
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. Spread a thick layer over each roll half.
3 min - 4
Flake the tuna over the beans, then scatter with the grated cheese and pickled jalapeño.
- 5
Return to the grill for 3 to 4 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbling and flecked with brown.
3 min 30 s - 6
Spoon your ready made pico de gallo (see the base recipe) over the top, sprinkle with coriander and eat straight away while the cheese is molten.
Tips
- Toast the rolls first. This makes a barrier so the beans do not turn the bread soggy under the grill.
- Oaxaca cheese is the traditional melter and pulls into long strings. Mozzarella is the best UK swap, and mature cheddar adds more flavour.
- Spread beans right to the edge of the bread for even toasting and no burnt corners.
- Tinned tuna in olive oil tastes richer than tuna in water, which can be dry.
Storing and freezing
Best eaten straight from the grill. Leftover molletes keep in the fridge for 1 day and can be reheated in a hot oven until the cheese is bubbling and the middle is steaming hot. Do not freeze.
Questions
What are molletes?
Molletes are a classic Mexican breakfast or snack of a split bread roll topped with refried beans and melted cheese. Tuna is a popular, heartier variation, topped with pico de gallo.
Can I make them without tuna?
Yes. Leave the tuna off for the traditional bean and cheese version, or use cooked chorizo, ham or flaked cooked salmon instead.
Can I make them gluten free?
Yes, use gluten free rolls. The beans, tuna, cheese and pico de gallo contain no gluten, though always check labels, and note it contains dairy from the butter and cheese.
More made with fresh pico de gallo
Huevos Estrellados sobre Arroz Verde con Frijoles (Fried Eggs on Green Rice with Beans)
GFDFNFNopales Asados (Grilled Cactus Paddles)
GFEFNFSopa de Lentejas al Adobo (Mexican Lentil Soup)
GFDFEFMilanesa de Pollo con Arroz Rojo y Pico de Gallo (Mexican Breaded Chicken)
DFNFDouble 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.