Vegan Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza Rolls Recipe
These Vegan Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza Rolls are a delicious and savory snack or meal option, featuring a soft homemade dough filled with sweet caramelized onions, fresh spinach, and a touch of garlic and herbs. Perfectly baked until golden and topped with nutritional yeast for a cheesy, vegan finish, these rolls are great for gatherings or a wholesome treat.
- Author: Cara
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- 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, mix the active dry yeast, warm water, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Make Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then knead the ingredients together for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour until it doubles in size.
- Caramelize Onions: While the dough is rising, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes until they become golden brown and caramelized, developing a sweet, deep flavor.
- Cook Spinach and Garlic: Add minced garlic, fresh spinach, dried oregano, and optional red pepper flakes to the pan with caramelized onions. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish to prevent the rolls from sticking during baking.
- Roll Out Dough and Assemble: On a floured surface, roll the risen dough into a rectangle shape. Evenly spread marinara sauce over the dough, then spread the cooled spinach and onion mixture on top.
- Form Rolls: Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 10 to 12 evenly sized rolls and place them spaced evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Add Topping and Bake: If desired, sprinkle nutritional yeast over the rolls for a cheesy vegan topping. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed up and golden brown on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the rolls cool slightly to set before serving, ensuring the filling is not too hot and the flavors meld perfectly.
Notes
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
- If you prefer a spicier filling, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
- Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor but can be omitted or replaced with vegan cheese if desired.
- These rolls can be made ahead and reheated in the oven for a warm snack.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: vegan pizza rolls, caramelized onion pizza, spinach pizza rolls, vegan appetizers, homemade dough, savory rolls, plant-based snacks