Name: Vegan Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 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; 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)

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Introduction

These vegan caramelized onion and spinach pizza rolls are a delicious twist on classic pizza flavors, wrapped in soft, homemade dough. Perfect as a snack or a party appetizer, they offer a savory, satisfying bite with a hint of sweetness from the caramelized onions.

A close-up of savory rolls arranged in a glass baking dish on a white marbled surface, each roll made of soft, golden-brown dough, spiraled with three visible layers: a bright red tomato sauce layer with a smooth texture, a layer with cooked spinach leaves providing deep green patches, and translucent slices of onion adding a light cream color. The tops of the rolls have been sprinkled with shredded cheese that has melted to a light golden crust with some small browned spots. The rolls look fluffy and slightly shiny from the sauce, with some herbs scattered on top for extra color. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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 dough)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for filling)
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)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, mix yeast, warm water, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Knead into a smooth dough for about 8–10 minutes. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
Step 3: Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes until golden and caramelized.
Step 4: Add minced garlic, spinach, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Cook for 2–3 more minutes until spinach is wilted. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside to cool.
Step 5: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
Step 6: Roll out the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread marinara sauce evenly over the dough, then top with the spinach-onion mixture.
Step 7: Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Slice into 10–12 rolls and place them in the prepared baking dish.
Step 8: Sprinkle nutritional yeast on top if using. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the rolls are puffed and golden.
Step 9: Let cool slightly before serving to enjoy warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add chopped fresh basil or thyme to the filling.
Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
Use gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
For a cheesy vegan touch, add vegan cheese inside the rolls before baking.

Storage

Store 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 or until warmed through to maintain crispness. You can also freeze the baked rolls for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows a glass baking dish filled with soft, golden-baked spiral rolls. Each roll has three visible layers: the outer dough layer is light beige and fluffy, the middle layer is a rich red tomato sauce, and the inner layer has dark green spinach leaves and slices of pale onion. The spirals are topped with small bits of melted cheese and herbs. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a blurred silver fork in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture before cooking to avoid soggy rolls.

Is it necessary to let the dough rise for 1 hour?

Letting the dough rise allows the yeast to activate and the dough to become light and airy. While you can shorten the rise time slightly, the texture may be denser.