Introduction

These vegan caramelized onion and spinach pizza rolls are a delicious twist on traditional pizza, perfect for a snack or light meal. Soft dough wrapped around savory caramelized onions, wilted spinach, and fragrant herbs makes each bite flavorful and satisfying.

The image shows a glass baking dish filled with freshly baked savory rolls arranged closely together. Each roll has about three visible layers of soft, doughy bread that is a light golden color on the outside. Swirled inside the dough are layers of rich, red tomato sauce, wilted dark green spinach leaves, and light-colored sautéed onions. Some melted cheese bits and small green herb sprinkles add texture on top of the sauce, giving the rolls a slightly glossy and appetizing look. The baking dish sits on a white marbled surface with a metal utensil partially visible in the background. 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 the yeast, warm water, and sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Knead the mixture into a smooth dough for about 8–10 minutes. Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour.
Step 3: While the dough rises, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes until they are golden and caramelized.
Step 4: Add the minced garlic, fresh spinach, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pan. Cook for 2–3 more minutes until the spinach has wilted. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, then allow it to cool slightly.
Step 5: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
Step 6: On a floured surface, roll out the risen dough into a rectangle. Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough, then top with the spinach and caramelized onion filling.
Step 7: Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Slice this log into 10–12 rolls and place them in the prepared baking dish.
Step 8: If desired, sprinkle the rolls with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, until they puff up and turn golden brown.
Step 9: Allow the pizza rolls to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add fresh basil or thyme to the filling mixture.
Substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different green.
Use homemade marinara sauce for a fresher taste.
Sprinkle vegan cheese on top before baking for a melty finish.
If you prefer a spicier roll, increase the red pepper flakes slightly.

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 in the microwave until warmed through. These rolls can also be frozen before baking; thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed.

How to Serve

The image shows six golden-brown, spiral-shaped rolls baked in a clear glass dish. Each roll is made of soft dough with visible layers and swirls of green spinach and red tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese that has a slightly crispy texture. The rolls are tightly packed, filling the glass dish evenly, with some browned spots on top showing a well-baked crust. The background and surface beneath the dish are a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour for the dough?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for bread. The texture may be slightly different but should still be delicious.

Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Absolutely. The caramelized onion and spinach filling can be made a day ahead and refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble the rolls.

Vegan Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza Rolls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 73 reviews

These Vegan Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza Rolls are a delicious plant-based twist on classic pizza, featuring a soft homemade dough filled with sweet caramelized onions, sautéed spinach, garlic, and marinara sauce. Perfect as a savory snack or appetizer, these rolls are baked until golden and topped with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for an extra cheesy flavor without dairy.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 10–12 rolls 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, mix yeast, warm water, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then knead until you form a smooth dough, approximately 8–10 minutes. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until it doubles in size.
Caramelize Onions: While the dough rises, heat olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes until the onions are golden brown and caramelized.
Sauté Spinach and Garlic: Add minced garlic, fresh spinach, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pan. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool.
Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll the risen dough into a large rectangle. Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough, then evenly distribute the cooled spinach and onion mixture on top.
Form Rolls: Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 10–12 equal rolls and place them cut-side up in the prepared baking dish.
Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle nutritional yeast over the rolls if desired for a cheesy flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed up and golden brown on top.
Cool and Serve: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors settle and to avoid burning your mouth. Enjoy warm as a tasty vegan appetizer or snack.

Notes

Ensure the water is warm but not hot when activating the yeast, ideally around 105°F (40°C), to avoid killing the yeast.
Caramelizing onions low and slow is key for maximum sweetness and flavor.
For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor but is optional; omit if unavailable or undesired.
Store leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

Keywords: vegan pizza rolls, caramelized onion pizza rolls, spinach pizza rolls, vegan appetizers, plant-based snacks, homemade pizza dough, savory vegan rolls