If you're craving something warm, comforting, and bursting with savory flavor, this Vegan Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza Rolls Recipe is the perfect choice. Ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or sharing with friends during casual gatherings, these rolls bring together sweet, deeply caramelized onions and fresh spinach rolled inside a soft, golden dough. I love making these when I want the fun of pizza but in a hand-held, shareable form that's easy to serve and impossible to resist.
Jump to:
Why This Recipe Works
This vegan pizza rolls recipe strikes a perfect balance between rich flavor and delightful texture, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser every time. From slowly caramelized onions tamed to mellow sweetness to a tender, chewy dough baked just right, it comes together simply yet thoughtfully.
- Consistent Texture: The dough stays soft and fluffy while the rolls maintain a perfect, slight crisp on the edges.
- Deep, Balanced Flavor: Caramelized onions bring natural sweetness that balances the savory spinach and herbs.
- Simple Ingredients: Easily sourced pantry basics transform into something sophisticated and satisfying.
- Fast Prep, Big Payoff: Just an hour of rise time and a little caramelizing delivers a fantastic finished bake.
Ingredient Game Plan
Choosing good-quality ingredients makes a subtle but noticeable difference here, especially since the flavor depends on the caramelization and freshness of your produce. I always pick ripe onions and vibrant, tender spinach, knowing they'll make the filling sing in this Vegan Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza Rolls Recipe.
- Active dry yeast: Ensure it's fresh and store it cold for best rise and flavor development.
- Onions: Yellow onions are my choice for caramelizing-they develop great sweetness and color.
- Fresh spinach: Young leaves work best; they wilt quickly and stay tender.
- Olive oil: A good-quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness and a lovely aroma.
- Marinara sauce: Use a simple, no-sugar-added brand or homemade for the cleanest flavor.
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Cook Vegan Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza Rolls Recipe
Step 1 - Prep & Season
Start by waking up your yeast in warm water with a touch of sugar - you'll want to wait until it's foamy, about 5 to 10 minutes. This signals the yeast is active and ready to work. Then, combine the flour and salt before mixing in the yeast and olive oil. Knead the dough with your hands until it's smooth and elastic - this usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Remember to cover it and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, until it's roughly doubled in size. This step really sets your dough up for a beautiful rise and soft pull later.
Step 2 - Build Flavor
While the dough is rising, gently caramelize your onions. Cook them low and slow in olive oil, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes until they're a gorgeous amber color with a mouthwatering sweet aroma. Resist the urge to rush this part - every minute deepens their flavor. Then, toss in the garlic, fresh spinach, oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Cook just until the spinach wilts, seasoning with salt and pepper to bring out all the layers. Let this mixture cool slightly so it won't make your dough soggy when you spread it.
Step 3 - Finish for Best Texture
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish while the filling cools. Roll out your dough on a floured surface into a neat rectangle-this will make rolling easier and your slices more uniform. Spread a thin, even layer of marinara sauce first, then add the spinach and onion filling, distributing it evenly. Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log, then slice it into 10 to 12 rolls. Arrange them snugly in the dish. If you like, sprinkle nutritional yeast over the top-it adds a subtle cheesy note. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the rolls are puffed with golden edges and a toasty aroma fills your kitchen. Let them cool briefly so the filling sets, then enjoy!
Pro Moves I Swear By
From my experience, a few simple adjustments take this Vegan Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza Rolls Recipe to the next level every time. Paying attention to the signals your dough and onions give you during cooking makes all the difference.
- Doneness Cue: Look for golden edges and a puffed top-your rolls should smell toasted and feel springy.
- Temperature Trick: Use warm, but not hot, water for your yeast to avoid killing the yeast cells.
- Make-Ahead Move: You can prepare and shape the rolls, then refrigerate before baking; just add a few extra minutes in the oven.
- Skip This Pitfall: Don't rush caramelizing onions by turning up the heat-it'll burn and throw off the flavor.
Serve It Up
Finishing Touches
For a finishing flourish, I like to add a sprinkle of fresh basil or a drizzle of balsamic glaze over these Vegan Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza Rolls Recipe. The freshness contrasts nicely with the sweet onion and savory filling, while a touch of glaze adds a lovely tang. Nutritional yeast on top adds that cheesy umami boost without overpowering.
Great Pairings
These rolls shine alongside a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of roasted tomato soup. The crisp freshness and acidic notes balance the richness of the rolls and keep the meal feeling light but satisfying.
Easy Plating Wins
Serve your pizza rolls on a wooden board lined with parchment for casual entertaining. Arrange them slightly overlapping in a spiral to show off the spiraled filling-it's both inviting and visually appealing, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Vegan Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza Rolls Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll keep well for about 3 to 4 days without drying out, especially if you warm them gently. The filling stays moist, and the dough retains a pleasant chew rather than becoming tough.
Freezer Notes
These rolls freeze beautifully. After baking and cooling, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for best texture. Freezing may slightly soften the crust, but reheating crisps them right back up.
Reheating Vegan Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza Rolls Recipe Without Drying Out
To reheat without drying out, I recommend warming the rolls in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, covered loosely with foil to retain moisture. Alternatively, an air fryer at 320°F for 5 minutes crisps the outside nicely. You can microwave on low power wrapped in a damp paper towel for 30 seconds if in a hurry, but you'll lose some texture that way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough, then refrigerate it covered overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling out for the best rise.
If you don't have nutritional yeast, you can skip it or sprinkle some finely chopped fresh herbs or a pinch of smoked paprika for extra flavor.
This particular recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it's not gluten-free as is. However, you can experiment with gluten-free pizza dough mixes tailored for yeasted recipes.
Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or artichokes make great additions, but keep them well sautéed and moisture-reduced to avoid soggy rolls.
Final Thoughts
PrintComplete Recipe
Vegan Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza Rolls Recipe
Delicious vegan pizza rolls filled with caramelized onions, fresh spinach, and a flavorful marinara sauce. These soft, golden rolls are perfect for a snack or appetizer and topped with optional nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the active dry yeast, warm water, and sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and allow the dough to rise in a warm place for 1 hour until it doubles in size.
- Caramelize Onions: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes until they are golden brown and caramelized.
- Cook Filling: Add minced garlic, fresh spinach, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes to the caramelized onions. Cook for 3 more minutes until the spinach wilts. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Rolls: Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough, then evenly distribute the spinach and onion filling on top.
- Roll and Slice: Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Slice the log into 12 rolls and place them in the prepared baking dish.
- Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the rolls with nutritional yeast if desired for a cheesy flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the rolls are puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pizza rolls to cool slightly before serving to enjoy their full flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of chili powder.
- Nutritional yeast is optional but adds a cheesy, nutty flavor great for vegan recipes.
- Make sure the water for the yeast is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- These rolls can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven for a quick snack or appetizer.
- Use gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten free if needed.
Leave a Reply