Name: Vegan Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast; 1 cup warm water; 1 tablespoon sugar; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 large onions, thinly sliced; 3 cups fresh spinach; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 cup marinara sauce; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional, for topping)

Jump to Recipe

If you love the comforting flavors of a classic pizza but want to keep it plant-based and portable, you are going to fall hard for these Vegan Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza Rolls. They offer the perfect balance of sweet, slow-cooked onions, vibrant spinach, and a tender, golden dough wrapped into delightful, bite-sized rolls. Every roll bursts with rich, layered taste and a lovely texture that’ll have you reaching for seconds before you even finish the first. Whether as a snack, appetizer, or part of a casual meal, these pizza rolls are a total crowd-pleaser that bring a fresh twist to your vegan recipe collection.

Vegan Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet crucial for making those luscious Vegan Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza Rolls. Each one plays an important role — from the yeast that gives us that pillow-soft dough to the caramelized onions that inject a deep, sweet flavor, and the fresh spinach adding a burst of color and freshness.

Active dry yeast: Essential for giving the dough its airy, soft texture with a perfect rise.
Warm water: This wakes up the yeast and helps activate the dough’s expansion.
Sugar: Just a touch to feed the yeast and balance the savory notes in the filling.
All-purpose flour: The hearty base for a dough that’s both sturdy and tender.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors in dough and filling alike.
Olive oil: Adds moisture and richness to the dough and is used for perfectly caramelizing onions.
Large onions: Thinly sliced and caramelized for that sweet, melt-in-your-mouth magic.
Fresh spinach: Brings a gorgeous green punch and nutrition.
Garlic: Adds a fragrant and savory boost to the filling.
Dried oregano: Infuses classic Italian herbal notes.
Red pepper flakes (optional): A little kick for those who love subtle heat.
Marinara sauce: Serves as a flavorful base spread that keeps rolls juicy.
Salt and pepper: To taste, balancing the filling perfectly.
Nutritional yeast (optional): A savory topping that adds a cheesy, nutty layer without dairy.

How to Make Vegan Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin by mixing the active dry yeast with warm water and sugar in a small bowl. It’s exciting to watch the mixture foam up as the yeast wakes up — this foaming is your green light that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic in the dough. Let this sit for about 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Next, combine your flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Stir in the foamy yeast mixture along with olive oil, then knead this combination until smooth and stretchy, roughly 8 to 10 minutes. Kneading is therapeutic and crucial because it builds the gluten network that gives the dough its chewy, fluffy texture. Cover your dough and let it rise for an hour — during this time, it will double in size, getting wonderfully airy and soft.

Step 3: Caramelize the Onions

While the dough is rising, heat olive oil over medium-low heat in a skillet. Add your thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes until they turn a rich golden color and become irresistibly sweet. This slow caramelization is the secret ingredient that takes your pizza rolls from good to unforgettable.

Step 4: Sauté Spinach and Garlic

Add minced garlic, fresh spinach, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pan with onions. Sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes just until the spinach wilts and every flavor melds together. Season this mixture with salt and pepper to taste, then set it aside to cool so it won’t make the dough soggy.

Step 5: Assemble the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish. Roll your dough out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread an even layer of marinara sauce over the dough, then scatter the cooled onion and spinach mixture on top. Roll the dough up tightly along the longer edge into a log shape, then slice it into 10 to 12 even rolls. Arrange these snuggly in your baking dish.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

If you like, sprinkle nutritional yeast on top for an extra cheesy flavor boost. Bake the pizza rolls in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until they’re puffed up and a gorgeous golden brown on top. Let them cool slightly, then prepare for the best first bite!

How to Serve Vegan Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza Rolls

Garnishes

These rolls already shine with robust flavors, but a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten them up beautifully. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or a few cracks of black pepper add a sophisticated touch that deepens their flavor profile without overpowering the gentle sweetness of the caramelized onions.

Side Dishes

Serve these Vegan Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza Rolls alongside a fresh green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a hearty tomato soup for cozy, crowd-pleasing combos. They also pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables for a colorful, wholesome meal everyone will adore.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Arrange the rolls on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of marinara sauce and vegan pesto for dipping. Or try serving them as party snacks with colorful skewers or toothpicks for easy grabbing— perfect for gatherings and casual entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, simply cover the rolls tightly with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days — they remain delicious and soft; just give them a quick reheat before serving.

Freezing

These pizza rolls freeze beautifully! Arrange the unbaked sliced rolls on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can store them frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, let them thaw and then bake as usual.

Reheating

For reheating, the best method is to warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crisped on the edges. This retains their delightful texture much better than microwaving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach for the vegan caramelized onion & spinach pizza rolls?

Yes, frozen spinach works fine—but make sure to thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible to avoid soggy dough.

Is it necessary to use nutritional yeast on top?

Not at all! Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor, but the rolls are delicious even without it.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the day before, keep it covered in the fridge, and let it come to room temperature before rolling out.

What if I don’t have red pepper flakes?

You can simply omit them or substitute with a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a different flavor twist.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should roughly double in size and feel light and airy when gently poked with a finger.

Final Thoughts

These Vegan Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza Rolls are a fabulous, flavor-packed treat that brings something new and exciting to your plant-based cooking. Perfectly soft dough intertwined with sweet onions and fresh spinach makes every bite simply irresistible. I can’t wait for you to whip them up and share this little slice of joy with your friends and family — they’re guaranteed to become a regular in your meal rotation!