Vegan Caramelized Onion Spinach Pizza Rolls Recipe

Introduction

These vegan caramelized onion spinach pizza rolls are a delicious twist on classic pizza flavors, wrapped into soft, fluffy rolls. Perfect as a snack or a meal, they combine sweet caramelized onions, fresh spinach, and aromatic herbs in every bite.

A close-up of a savory roll placed on a white plate with a fork beside it, showing two layers inside: the soft, golden brown dough on the outside with a slightly crispy texture, and an inner filling made of red sauce and green leafy herbs spiraled tightly within. In the background, a clear glass baking dish holds multiple baked rolls, all golden with some darker browned spots, resting on a white marbled surface. The scene is well-lit, highlighting the textures and colors of the roll, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 cup warmed almond milk (or other vegan milk)
  • 2 Tablespoons sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
  • 1/4 cup oil (olive or avocado oil recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 3 cups all purpose flour (375 grams)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 large onion (sliced)
  • 4 cups spinach (loosely packed)
  • 2 Tablespoons vegan butter
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 2/3 cup tomato sauce
  • 8-10 leaves fresh basil (torn)
  • 1-2 Tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the warmed almond milk and sugar. Add the yeast, whisk, and let sit for 5 minutes until activated and bubbly.
  2. Step 2: Once the yeast is active, add the oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, and dried basil. Whisk to combine.
  3. Step 3: Gradually add the flour and salt, about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing until a thick dough forms.
  4. Step 4: Knead the dough with a bread hook on a mixer for 5-7 minutes until elastic and no longer sticky, or knead by hand on a floured surface for the same time.
  5. Step 5: Form the dough into a ball and place it in a well-oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 24-48 hours to rise slowly.
  6. Step 6: About 1 hour before baking, remove the dough from the fridge, punch it down, shape it into a ball, and let it rise for another hour at room temperature.
  7. Step 7: While the dough rises, melt vegan butter in a large frying pan over low heat. Add sliced onions and cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring frequently, until soft and caramelized.
  8. Step 8: Add spinach to the caramelized onions, cook for 2 more minutes until wilted, then remove from heat and set aside.
  9. Step 9: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  10. Step 10: Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a 1/2 inch thick rectangle.
  11. Step 11: Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges.
  12. Step 12: Evenly distribute the caramelized onion and spinach mixture over the tomato sauce. Sprinkle torn fresh basil leaves on top.
  13. Step 13: Roll the dough tightly into a log, tucking the filling in as you go. Pinch the seam to seal and place the roll seam-side down.
  14. Step 14: Cut the roll into 12 equal slices and place them in a greased 9 x 13 inch baking pan.
  15. Step 15: Sprinkle nutritional yeast over the rolls, if using.
  16. Step 16: Bake for 34-38 minutes until the rolls are golden brown outside but soft inside.
  17. Step 17: Serve warm with extra tomato sauce for dipping. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

  • For a richer flavor, use avocado oil in the dough and vegan butter for caramelizing the onions.
  • Try adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives inside the rolls for extra depth.
  • Use gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free version; note that texture may vary.
  • Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor but can be omitted or replaced with vegan cheese.

Storage

Store any leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to retain crispness, or microwave for 1-2 minutes for a quicker option.

How to Serve

The image shows golden brown pizza rolls tightly packed in a clear glass baking dish on a white marbled surface. Each roll has a spiral shape with visible layers including a light tan dough outer layer with a slightly crusty texture, a thin red tomato sauce layer, scattered dark green spinach leaves, and bits of caramelized onion with a golden-brown hue inside. The tops of the rolls appear slightly brushed with oil and sprinkled with a crumbly yellow topping. In the foreground, one pizza roll is served on a white plate, revealing its soft, fluffy inside with the same colorful layers, and a woman's hand holding a silver fork is visible beside it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough and bake on the same day?

Yes, but refrigerating the dough for 24-48 hours develops better flavor and texture. If short on time, let the dough rise for 1-2 hours at room temperature before using.

What can I use instead of almond milk?

Any plant-based milk such as soy, oat, or coconut milk can be used warm in this recipe without altering the flavor.

Print
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Vegan Caramelized Onion Spinach Pizza Rolls Recipe


  • Author: Mariam
  • Total Time: 25 hours (including dough rising time)
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

These Vegan Caramelized Onion Spinach Pizza Rolls are a delicious plant-based twist on classic pizza flavors wrapped in soft, fluffy dough. Slow-risen for optimal texture, the rolls are filled with sweet caramelized onions, tender spinach, savory tomato sauce, and fresh basil, then baked until golden brown. Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or party dish, these rolls combine rich flavors with a satisfying chew, all while being completely vegan and packed with wholesome ingredients.


Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 1 cup warmed almond milk (or other vegan milk)
  • 2 Tablespoons sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
  • 1/4 cup oil (olive or avocado oil recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 3 cups all purpose flour (375 grams)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Filling Ingredients

  • 1 large onion (sliced)
  • 4 cups spinach (loosely packed)
  • 2 Tablespoons vegan butter
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 2/3 cup tomato sauce
  • 810 leaves fresh basil (torn)
  • 12 Tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, whisk together warmed almond milk and sugar. Add the active dry yeast and whisk again. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until bubbles form, confirming yeast activation.
  2. Add Oil and Seasonings: Once yeast is active, add oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, and dried basil. Whisk to combine.
  3. Incorporate Flour and Salt: Gradually add flour, 1/2 cup at a time, along with salt, mixing until a thick dough forms.
  4. Knead the Dough: Knead dough using a stand mixer with a bread hook for 5-7 minutes until elastic and not sticky, or knead by hand on a floured surface for the same duration until dough is tacky but not sticky and stretches easily without tearing.
  5. First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 24-48 hours to allow a slow rise.
  6. Second Rise Preparation: About 1 hour before baking, remove dough from fridge, punch it down, reshape into a ball, and let it rise at room temperature for 1 hour to reactivate the yeast.
  7. Caramelize Onions: Melt 2 tablespoons vegan butter in a large frying pan over low heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, for 20-30 minutes until onions are soft, sweet, and brown.
  8. Cook Spinach: Add spinach to the pan with caramelized onions, cook for 2 minutes until wilted, then remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  10. Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 1/2-inch thick rectangle, dusting the rolling pin with flour to prevent sticking.
  11. Add Tomato Sauce: Spread 2/3 cup tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around edges free of filling.
  12. Add Filling: Spread the caramelized onion and spinach mixture evenly over the tomato sauce, then sprinkle torn fresh basil leaves on top.
  13. Form Rolls: Roll the dough tightly into a log, tucking in filling to prevent spilling. Pinch the seam to seal, then place the seam side down.
  14. Slice Rolls: Cut the dough log into 12 equal slices and arrange them in a greased 9 x 13 inch baking pan.
  15. Add Topping: Sprinkle nutritional yeast over the rolls if using, for a cheesy, savory flavor.
  16. Bake: Bake rolls for 34-38 minutes until golden brown on the outside and soft inside.
  17. Serve: Slice and serve warm with extra tomato sauce for dipping. Enjoy your vegan pizza rolls!

Notes

  • For best dough texture, refrigerate dough for up to 48 hours for slow fermentation.
  • Use vegan butter or olive oil for optimal flavor in caramelizing onions.
  • You can substitute spinach with kale or swiss chard if preferred.
  • Nutritional yeast is optional but adds a cheesy, umami flavor to the rolls.
  • Make sure to roll the dough tightly to prevent filling leakage during baking.
  • These rolls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen before baking.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 24-48 hours dough rising time)
  • Cook Time: 38 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Vegan, Italian-inspired

Keywords: vegan pizza rolls, caramelized onion, spinach, plant-based, homemade pizza dough, savory rolls, vegan appetizer, party food

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