Vegan Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza Rolls Recipe
These Vegan Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza Rolls are a delicious and savory plant-based treat featuring a soft homemade dough filled with sweet caramelized onions, tender spinach, garlic, and herbs. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they are baked to golden perfection and topped with optional nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 rolls 1x
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- 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 active dry yeast, warm water, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Make Dough: In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead the ingredients together on a clean surface for 8 to 10 minutes until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Caramelize Onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes or until they turn a rich golden brown and are thoroughly caramelized.
- Prepare Filling: To the caramelized onions, add minced garlic, fresh spinach, dried oregano, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and fragrant. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste and allow to cool.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish large enough to hold the rolls.
- Assemble Rolls: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the risen dough into a large rectangle. Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough’s surface. Evenly distribute the cooled spinach and onion filling on top.
- Shape Rolls: Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 10 to 12 equal-sized rolls and arrange them cut side up in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake: Sprinkle the rolls with nutritional yeast if desired. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed up and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Allow the pizza rolls to cool slightly before serving warm as a delicious vegan snack or appetizer.
Notes
- Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.
- Caramelizing onions slowly is key to developing a sweet, deep flavor—avoid turning up the heat.
- For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for yeast dough.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for mild flavor.
- Nutritional yeast is optional but adds a cheesy, nutty flavor that complements the vegan filling.
- These rolls can be made ahead and reheated for a quick snack.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (approximate)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: vegan pizza rolls, caramelized onion recipe, spinach pizza rolls, vegan appetizers, plant-based snacks