Molletes (Refried Bean and Cheese Melts)

Step 1

1 Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees

Step 2

2 Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper

Step 3

3 Halve the bread across the equator, then remove all but about 1/4 inch of its interior

Step 4

4 Place cut side up on the prepared baking sheet

Step 5

5 Bake for 5 minutes, or until lightly toasted

Step 6

6 (If you place the bread removed from the interior of the loaf on the same baking sheet, you can toast, cool and then blitz it in a food processor to make breadcrumbs

Step 7

7 )

Step 8

8 In a medium bowl, combine the refried beans and scallion whites

Step 9

9 Spread the refried bean mixture evenly inside the toasted bread

Step 10

10 Top generously with the grated cheese

Step 11

11 Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is lightly toasted around the edges

Step 12

12 (This is a good time to slice your avocado or make pico de gallo, if you choose to do so

Step 13

13 )

Step 14

14 Transfer the bread to a cutting board and slice crosswise into 4-inch lengths

Step 15

15 Serve warm, topped with pico de gallo, and avocado, jalapeño, cilantro, scallions greens and lime wedges, if using, on the side