Ham and Cheese Molletes Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 bolillo rolls
- 4 tablespoons of butter, softened
- 1 cup of refried beans
- 8 slices of ham
- 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup of diced red onion
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Oven
- Baking sheet

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Cut the bolillo rolls in half lengthwise and spread the softened butter on the cut sides.
3. Place the rolls on a baking sheet, cut side up, and bake for 5-7 minutes until lightly toasted.
4. Spread the refried beans on the toasted rolls.
5. Top each roll with 2 slices of ham.
6. Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese over the ham.
7. Bake the molletes for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove the molletes from the oven and sprinkle with chopped cilantro and diced red onion.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Serving size:
This recipe makes 4 servings.

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 470
Total fat: 25g
Saturated fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 1360mg
Total carbohydrates: 38g
Dietary fiber: 5g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 24g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Bolillo rolls can be substituted with French bread or ciabatta bread.
- Refried beans can be substituted with black beans or pinto beans.
- Ham can be substituted with cooked bacon or turkey.
- Cheddar cheese can be substituted with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese.
- Cilantro can be substituted with parsley or green onions.
- Red onion can be substituted with white onion or shallots.

Variations:
- Add sliced avocado or tomato on top of the cheese before baking.
- Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Gouda.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top of the molletes before serving.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before spreading it on the rolls to ensure even coverage.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the rolls in half lengthwise.
- Don't overbake the molletes, as the cheese can become tough and rubbery.
- Serve the molletes hot and fresh from the oven for the best flavor and texture.

Storage instructions:
Store any leftover molletes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the molletes in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the molletes on a platter with a side of salsa or hot sauce for dipping.

Garnishes:
Garnish the molletes with chopped cilantro and diced red onion.

Pairings:
Serve the molletes with a side of Mexican rice or a simple green salad.

Suggested side dishes:
- Mexican rice
- Green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Corn on the cob

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese is not melting evenly, try spreading it out more evenly over the ham.
- If the molletes are too dry, add a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of sour cream on top before serving.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the ham to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
Molletes are a traditional Mexican dish that originated in the state of Veracruz. They are typically made with bolillo rolls, refried beans, cheese, and sometimes meat or vegetables.

Flavor profiles:
The molletes are savory and cheesy, with a hint of spice from the red onion and cilantro.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the molletes as a hearty breakfast or brunch dish, or as a satisfying lunch or dinner option.

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Region: Mexican

Taste: Savory, Rich, Cheesy, Salty, Tangy