Vegan Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza Rolls Recipe
These Vegan Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza Rolls are a delicious and savory plant-based snack or appetizer. Featuring a soft, homemade yeast dough filled with sweet caramelized onions, fresh spinach, garlic, and a touch of oregano, these rolls are baked to golden perfection and finished with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Perfect for sharing or enjoying as a wholesome treat.
- Author: Jeannette
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 pizza rolls 1x
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegan
For the Dough:
- 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
For the Filling:
- 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)
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the yeast, warm water, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead the mixture by hand or with a mixer fitted with a dough hook until you have a smooth, elastic dough, about 8–10 minutes. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes until they are deeply golden and caramelized.
- Cook Spinach and Garlic: Add the minced garlic, fresh spinach, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the caramelized onions. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the spinach has wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Pizza Rolls: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough 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, tightly roll the dough into a log. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 10–12 equal-sized rolls. Arrange the rolls cut-side up in the prepared baking dish.
- Add Topping and Bake: If desired, sprinkle the rolls with nutritional yeast for a cheesy, nutty flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes until the rolls are puffed up and golden brown on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving warm to enjoy the full flavor and soft texture.
Notes
- You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour for a heartier dough.
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add chopped jalapeños to the filling.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat before serving.
- Freezing the rolls prior to baking is possible; thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
- Feel free to add vegan cheese to the filling for extra creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Vegan pizza rolls, caramelized onion recipe, spinach rolls, vegan appetizer, homemade pizza dough, plant-based snacks