Vegan Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza Rolls Recipe

Let me tell you, these Vegan Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza Rolls are one of those recipes that warm your kitchen and your heart all at once. They combine sweet, slowly caramelized onions with fresh spinach, wrapped in soft, chewy dough that’s perfect for dipping and sharing. Whenever I’m looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a cozy snack, these rolls are my go-to because they’re flavorful but still light and totally plant-based.

What makes this Vegan Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza Rolls Recipe stand out is how approachable it is, even if you’re new to making dough from scratch. The yeast dough is simple to mix up, and the filling simmers down to this rich, savory blend that tastes like you’ve been slow-cooking it for hours. Trust me, you’ll want to pinch one out of the roll before they even come out of the oven!

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this recipe come together beautifully to build layers of flavor. Each one plays a role, from the olive oil that makes both the dough and filling silky, to the yeast that gives the rolls their fluffy texture. A quick tip—using fresh spinach and high-quality marinara really makes these pizza rolls shine.

• Active dry yeast: Choose fresh yeast for a good rise; proofing it in warm water is key.
• Warm water: Not too hot or you’ll kill the yeast; just comfortably warm to the touch.
• Sugar: A little sweetness to feed the yeast and help the dough brown nicely.
• All-purpose flour: Basic pantry staple that gives structure to the dough.
• Salt: Enhances flavor without overpowering the gentle sweetness of the onions.
• Olive oil: Use extra virgin for the filling, and regular olive oil works well in the dough.
• Large onions: Thinly sliced for even caramelizing and natural sweetness.
• Fresh spinach: Adds color, nutrition, and a mild earthiness to the filling.
• Garlic: Minced finely to infuse that classic pizza flavor.
• Dried oregano: Brings that unmistakable Italian scent and taste.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a little kick, this adds subtle heat.
• Marinara sauce: The saucy glue that holds all the filling flavors together.
• Nutritional yeast (optional): Sprinkle on top for a cheesy, nutty note without dairy.

Variations

One of the things I love about the Vegan Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza Rolls Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to suit your tastes or what’s in your fridge. I often adjust the filling or add different spices depending on my mood or season.

• Add mushrooms: I sometimes toss in sautéed mushrooms for extra umami – it gives the filling a meatier texture without losing that veggie goodness.
• Swap spinach for kale: This works great if you want a heartier green; just make sure to soften it well before filling the rolls.
• Use vegan cheeses: If you like melty cheese, adding shredded vegan mozzarella to the filling makes these even more indulgent.
• Gluten-free dough: I’ve tried this with a store-bought gluten-free dough – it changes the texture slightly but still bakes up nicely.

How to Make Vegan Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Proof the yeast and prepare the dough

Start by proofing your yeast: mix the active dry yeast with warm water and sugar in a bowl. Give it about 5 to 10 minutes until it’s foamy – this means your yeast is awake and working its magic. Then, combine the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl, add the olive oil, and pour in the yeast mixture. Stir together until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes. You’re aiming for a smooth, elastic dough that springs back when you press it gently. Cover it with a clean towel and leave it to rise in a warm place for about an hour until doubled in size.

Step 2: Caramelize the onions and prepare the filling

While your dough is rising, heat olive oil over medium-low heat in a large pan and add thinly sliced onions. Slowly cook them, stirring occasionally, for about 25 to 30 minutes until they turn golden brown and sweetly caramelized. This gentle cooking is the secret to building that rich flavor everyone loves. Add minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes about 5 minutes before they’re done to let those flavors bloom. Toss in the fresh spinach and cook just until it wilts. Finally, stir in the marinara sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the filling cool slightly before assembling your rolls.

Step 3: Assemble and roll the pizza dough

Once your dough has risen, gently punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12×16 inches. Spread the caramelized onion and spinach filling evenly across the dough, leaving a little space along the edges. Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife to slice it into 1 to 1.5-inch thick rolls. Arrange the rolls cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them a bit of room to expand while baking.

Step 4: Bake your pizza rolls to golden perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the rolling tray in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top and cooked through. If you want, sprinkle nutritional yeast on top about 5 minutes before finishing baking to get that extra cheesy flavor. Once done, let them cool slightly before serving so they hold their shape and you don’t burn your fingers—though those first bites hot out of the oven are irresistible!

How to Serve Vegan Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

I like to garnish these pizza rolls with a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley to add a touch of brightness and color. A little drizzle of olive oil or a dusting of nutritional yeast really enhances the flavor, too. Sometimes, I add a side of crushed red pepper flakes for those who want a spicy kick.

Side Dishes

These rolls are great on their own, but I often serve them alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of chilled tomato soup for dipping. They’re fantastic as finger food at gatherings and hold up well with lighter sides like roasted veggies or even a chilled glass of soda or sparkling water with fresh lime.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes place the rolls in a circular wreath shape on a platter—sprinkled with fresh herbs and served with a dipping bowl of extra marinara in the center. It’s visually striking and super fun for guests to grab from the “pizza roll wreath.” Another idea is to serve them with a variety of dipping sauces like garlic aioli, vegan ranch, or a smoky chipotle salsa to keep things exciting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually wrap them well to prevent drying out. When you want to enjoy them again, just let them come to room temperature before reheating so they warm evenly.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these rolls both before and after baking with great results. For freezing before baking, assemble the rolls, place them on a tray in the freezer until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. You can bake them straight from frozen, adding just a few extra minutes. If freezing after baking, wrap each roll individually and store in freezer bags—reheat gently to keep texture.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat these pizza rolls is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, which revives their crisp edge without making them soggy. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave works too—but I prefer the oven because it keeps that satisfying chew and slight crunch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

These Vegan Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza Rolls Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen, just like they did in mine. They’re cozy enough for weeknight snacks but impressive enough to serve at casual get-togethers. The simple ingredients come together into something unexpectedly delightful, and the homemade dough adds that personal touch that makes the experience so much more satisfying. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these rolls as much as I do—because nothing beats biting into warm, garlicky, cheesy (without the cheese!) rolls fresh from the oven. Give it a try, and let me know how they turned out in your kitchen!

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