If you have been searching for a delightful and flavorful snack or light meal, this Vegan Caramelized Onion Spinach Pizza Rolls Recipe is a must-try! These pizza rolls boast a homemade herb-filled dough wrapped around the perfect blend of sweet caramelized onions, fresh spinach, and tangy tomato sauce, all topped with a savory sprinkle of nutritional yeast. Every bite is bursting with rich textures and bold flavors that will have you reaching for just one more roll. Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or a cozy gathering snack, these vegan pizza rolls will quickly become your new favorite treat to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its wonderfully simple, yet essential ingredients. Each component contributes to making these pizza rolls irresistibly tasty, with the dough providing a soft and herby base, the caramelized onions and spinach adding sweetness and earthiness, and the tomato sauce bringing a comforting tang. These ingredients come together beautifully to create a mouthwatering experience.
- 1 cup warmed almond milk or other vegan milk: Activates the yeast and tenderizes the dough.
- 2 Tablespoons sugar: Feeds the yeast and enhances browning.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast: Gives the dough its perfect rise and fluffiness.
- ¼ cup olive or avocado oil: Adds moisture and a subtle richness to the dough.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses the dough with classic Italian herb flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides gentle, savory undertones.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds aromatic freshness to the dough.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (375 grams): Forms the sturdy yet soft structure of the dough.
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt: Balances flavors and enhances the dough’s texture.
- 1 large onion, sliced: Slowly caramelized to bring a sweet, deep flavor to the filling.
- 4 cups loosely packed spinach: Adds vibrant color and nutrition.
- 2 Tablespoons vegan butter: Helps caramelize the onions beautifully.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Season the filling perfectly.
- ⅔ cup tomato sauce: Brings juicy tang and moisture inside every roll.
- 8-10 fresh basil leaves, torn: Bright, fresh taste that elevates the roll’s flavor.
- 1-2 Tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional): Adds a cheesy, umami punch as a topping.
How to Make Vegan Caramelized Onion Spinach Pizza Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough
Start by whisking your warmed almond milk with sugar in a mixing bowl, then sprinkle the yeast on top and whisk again. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes to activate the yeast — you’ll notice bubbles forming, which means it’s ready to go! Next, stir in your oil along with oregano, garlic powder, and dried basil. Gradually add your flour mixed with salt, half a cup at a time, stirring until a thick dough forms. Use a bread hook on a stand mixer or knead by hand on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is elastic, tacky, but not sticky. Shape your dough into a ball, place it in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate to rise slowly for 24 to 48 hours — this slow fermentation gives your dough incredible flavor and texture.
Step 2: Caramelize Onions and Cook Spinach
While the dough is rising, melt vegan butter in a pan over low heat and add sliced onions. Patience is key here; cooking the onions gently for 20 to 30 minutes transforms them into golden, sweet morsels packed with flavor. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Once caramelized, toss in fresh spinach and cook for just a couple more minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper, then set the mixture aside. This vibrant filling promises every roll will be bursting with savory, luscious goodness.
Step 3: Shape and Fill the Pizza Rolls
Remove your dough from the fridge about an hour before baking, punch it down, reshape into a ball, and let it rise again for an hour to wake it up. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle roughly ½ inch thick. Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges. Layer on your caramelized onion and spinach mixture, then sprinkle torn fresh basil leaves on top. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, tucking the filling in as you go to keep it from spilling. Pinch the seam closed and place the roll seam-side down. Slice into 12 equal pieces and arrange them in a greased 9 x 13 inch pan. Finally, sprinkle with nutritional yeast if using.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Soft
Bake your pizza rolls for 34 to 38 minutes until their outside is beautifully browned and the inside remains soft and tender. You’ll know they’re perfectly done when the aroma fills your kitchen and the rolls spring back lightly when touched. Serve warm with extra tomato sauce for dipping. Trust me, you won’t be able to eat just one!
How to Serve Vegan Caramelized Onion Spinach Pizza Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your presentation and flavor with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley on top. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a dusting of smoked paprika can add an appealing aroma and finish that makes these pizza rolls feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair these pizza rolls with a fresh mixed green salad tossed in a light lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Another wonderful accompaniment is a bowl of warm vegan tomato soup — dipping these rolls into soup makes for a delightfully comforting combo.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these pizza rolls buffet-style on a large platter surrounded by small bowls of dipping sauces such as vegan ranch, spicy mayo, or garlic-infused olive oil. They also make excellent party appetizers when served mini-sized alongside colorful veggie sticks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover vegan caramelized onion spinach pizza rolls keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before storing to avoid sogginess. Reheat gently for maximum flavor and texture.
Freezing
Want to stock up? These pizza rolls freeze fabulously. Arrange the unbaked sliced rolls on a tray lined with parchment and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can bake straight from frozen with an additional 10-15 minutes in the oven, making an effortless future meal.
Reheating
The best way to revive these rolls is in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp on the edges. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can make the dough rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour in this recipe?
Yes, but results may vary. Gluten-free flours can sometimes produce a denser dough, so consider blends designed for yeast breads and watch your dough’s texture closely during kneading.
What can I substitute for nutritional yeast?
If you don’t have nutritional yeast, you can omit it or sprinkle some vegan parmesan cheese alternatives on top for a similar cheesy flavor. It’s optional but adds a nice touch.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough should roughly double in size and look puffed up and soft. When you gently press your finger into it, the indentation should slowly spring back.
Can I prepare the dough and filling on the same day?
Absolutely! Though the slow rise in the fridge adds flavor and texture, if you’re short on time, you can let the dough rise at room temperature for about 1 to 2 hours until doubled, then proceed to assemble and bake.
What if my onions don’t caramelize properly?
Caramelizing onions takes patience and low heat. If they start sticking, add a splash of water to loosen them and continue cooking. Avoid high heat, which can burn rather than caramelize.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Caramelized Onion Spinach Pizza Rolls Recipe is an absolute treasure for anyone who loves hearty, flavorful, and comforting food with a plant-based twist. Each roll is a little bundle of joy, combining the sweet depth of caramelized onions, the freshness of spinach and basil, and the satisfying chew of homemade pizza dough. I wholeheartedly encourage you to whip up a batch and share these with loved ones; trust me, they’ll be begging for the recipe. Happy baking and even happier eating!
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Vegan Caramelized Onion Spinach Pizza Rolls Recipe
These Vegan Caramelized Onion Spinach Pizza Rolls feature a homemade herb-infused dough filled with savory tomato sauce, sweet caramelized onions, fresh spinach, and fragrant basil, all topped with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Perfect as a satisfying lunch or dinner treat, these rolls are soft, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious.
- Total Time: 2 hours 8 minutes
- Yield: 12 pizza buns
Ingredients
Pizza Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup warmed almond milk or other vegan milk
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
- ¼ cup olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 3 cups all purpose flour (375 grams)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
Caramelized Onions & Spinach
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cups spinach, loosely packed
- 2 Tablespoons vegan butter
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Bun Filling
- ⅔ cup tomato sauce
- 8–10 leaves fresh basil, torn
- 1–2 Tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a mixing bowl, whisk together warmed almond milk and sugar, then add the active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast activates and bubbles form.
- Make Dough: Add olive or avocado oil and pizza dough spices (oregano, garlic powder, basil) to the yeast mixture and whisk. Gradually add flour and salt half a cup at a time, mixing until a thick dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Using a stand mixer with a bread hook or by hand on a floured surface, knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until elastic and no longer sticky. The dough should be tacky but easily stretch without tearing.
- First Rise: Form the dough into a ball, place it in a well-oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 24-48 hours to rise slowly.
- Second Rise Prep: About 1 hour before baking, remove the dough from the fridge, punch it down, reshape into a ball, and let it rise at room temperature for 1 hour to reactivate.
- Caramelize Onions: In a large frying pan, melt vegan butter over low heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, for 20-30 minutes until soft, sweet, and golden brown.
- Cook Spinach: Add spinach to the caramelized onions and cook for 2 more minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll into a ½-inch thick rectangle using a floured rolling pin.
- Add Fillings: Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around edges. Top with caramelized onion and spinach mixture and sprinkle torn fresh basil leaves evenly on top.
- Form Rolls: Carefully roll the dough into a log, tucking in filling to prevent spilling. Pinch the seam to seal and place the log seam-side down.
- Slice & Arrange: Cut the log into 12 even slices and place them cut-side up in a greased 9 x 13 inch baking pan.
- Top & Bake: Sprinkle nutritional yeast over the rolls. Bake for 34-38 minutes until golden brown and cooked through but still soft inside.
- Serve: Remove from oven, slice, and enjoy warm with extra tomato sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Dough can be made 24-48 hours ahead to develop better flavor with slow fermentation in the fridge.
- Use vegan butter and plant-based milk to keep the recipe fully vegan.
- Rolling the dough tightly ensures fillings stay inside when baking.
- For extra flavor, add different herbs like thyme or rosemary into the dough.
- Leftover rolls can be reheated in the oven or toaster oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 38 minutes
- Category: Lunch + Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
