15-Minute Black Bean Molletes

1 servingsmediumMexican
Black Bean Molletes with Avocado Chipotle Spread

Mexican open-faced sandwiches featuring toasted bolillo rolls topped with refried black beans and melted Mexican cheese, served alongside a creamy avocado chipotle spread and fresh salsa. This popular Mexican breakfast or light meal combines smoky chipotle heat with rich avocado and hearty beans. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a satisfying snack that brings authentic Mexican flavors to your table.

Ingredients

1 servings
  • 1 ea. bolillo roll, sliced in half horizontally
    French bread1:1

    Similar texture and size

  • 1 ea. small canned chipotle pepper, finely chopped
    jalapeño + smoked paprika1 jalapeño + 1/4 tsp paprika

    Provides heat and smoke

  • ½ c. refried black beans
    whole black beans1:1

    Mash lightly for texture

  • ½ c. Mexican blend cheese, shredded
    Oaxaca or Monterey Jack1:1dairy-free

    Traditional Mexican melting cheeses

    Full guide →
  • ½ ea. avocado, mashed
  • ¼ c. salsa

Instructions

  1. 1

    Finely chop the chipotle pepper and stir it into the mashed avocado, then set aside

  2. 2

    Preheat broiler to 500°F and toast the roll halves until lightly brown, then remove from oven

  3. 3

    Top each roll half with black beans, then cheese

  4. 4

    Place the topped roll halves on a foil-covered pan and broil until cheese is melted and starting to brown in spots

  5. 5

    Serve molletes with salsa and avocado chipotle spread on the side as a dip

Tips

Tip 1

Use day-old bolillo rolls for better toasting results that won't get soggy under the broiler.

Tip 2

Watch carefully during the final broiling step as cheese can go from melted to burnt quickly.

Good to Know

Storage

Consume immediately for best texture. Avocado spread can be stored covered in refrigerator for 1 day.

Make Ahead

Prepare avocado chipotle spread up to 4 hours ahead. Toast and assemble just before serving.

Serve With

Serve immediately while cheese is melted and rolls are warm.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip preheating the broiler to ensure proper browning

Watch

Avoid over-broiling to prevent burnt cheese and dried-out rolls

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

Mexican blend cheese
Oaxaca or Monterey Jack1:1dairy-free

Traditional Mexican melting cheeses

Full guide →

General Alternatives

bolillo roll
French bread1:1

Similar texture and size

Full guide →
refried black beans
whole black beans1:1

Mash lightly for texture

chipotle pepper
jalapeño + smoked paprika1 jalapeño + 1/4 tsp paprika

Provides heat and smoke

Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make this without a broiler?

Yes, use a toaster oven or regular oven at 450°F, watching carefully for melting and browning.

How long does the avocado spread keep?

Best used within 4 hours due to avocado browning. Add lemon juice to extend freshness slightly.

Can I freeze assembled molletes?

Not recommended as the bread becomes soggy and avocado doesn't freeze well. Freeze beans only if needed.