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
- 8–10 leaves fresh basil (torn)
- 1–2 Tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)
Instructions
- 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.
- Add Oil and Seasonings: Once yeast is active, add oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, and dried basil. Whisk to combine.
- Incorporate Flour and Salt: Gradually add flour, 1/2 cup at a time, along with salt, mixing until a thick dough forms.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 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.
- Add Tomato Sauce: Spread 2/3 cup tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around edges free of filling.
- Add Filling: Spread the caramelized onion and spinach mixture evenly over the tomato sauce, then sprinkle torn fresh basil leaves on top.
- 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.
- Slice Rolls: Cut the dough log into 12 equal slices and arrange them in a greased 9 x 13 inch baking pan.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle nutritional yeast over the rolls if using, for a cheesy, savory flavor.
- Bake: Bake rolls for 34-38 minutes until golden brown on the outside and soft inside.
- 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
