These vegan caramelized onion & spinach pizza rolls are a deliciously savory twist on classic pizza flavors. Fluffy, golden rolls are packed with sweet caramelized onions, garlicky spinach, and tangy marinara sauce, then rolled into a tender homemade dough and baked until perfectly puffed and golden. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, lunchbox filler, or cozy snack, these rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These pizza rolls strike the perfect balance of hearty and wholesome. The dough is soft and tender, the filling is rich in flavor with layers of sweet onion and earthy spinach, and the marinara adds a bright acidity that ties it all together. Entirely plant-based, they’re dairy-free, egg-free, and completely satisfying. Ideal for meal prep, gatherings, or weeknight comfort, they reheat beautifully and are great for sharing.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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)
directions
- In a small bowl, combine the yeast, warm water, and sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- While the dough rises, prepare the filling. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized.
- Add garlic, spinach, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the spinach is wilted. Season with salt and pepper. Let the mixture cool.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread marinara sauce evenly over the dough, then top with the cooled spinach-onion mixture.
- Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 10–12 equal rolls and place them in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle with nutritional yeast if using. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Let the rolls cool slightly before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 10–12 rolls
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes (plus 1 hour rising time)
Calories per serving: 270 kcal
Variations
- Add vegan cheese: Sprinkle shredded vegan mozzarella or parmesan over the filling for extra richness.
- Switch greens: Use kale, chard, or arugula in place of spinach.
- Use store-bought dough: For a quicker version, use pre-made vegan pizza dough.
- Make them spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or increase the red pepper flakes.
- Change the sauce: Swap marinara with pesto or vegan cream sauce for a different flavor profile.
storage/reheating
Store leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes to restore their texture. They can also be frozen (before or after baking) and reheated directly from frozen in the oven until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to maintain the ideal texture.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough can be used for convenience. Make sure it’s vegan if needed.
Are these pizza rolls freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze them either before or after baking. If freezing before, let them thaw and rise slightly before baking.
What’s the best way to caramelize onions?
Cook them low and slow with minimal stirring. This draws out their natural sugars and develops a deep golden color.
Can I make these gluten-free?
You can try using a gluten-free pizza dough, though texture may vary slightly. Ensure the flour blend includes xanthan gum.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but thaw it first and squeeze out excess moisture before using.
What is nutritional yeast and is it necessary?
Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, savory flavor. It’s optional but recommended for an extra layer of taste.
How thick should I roll out the dough?
About 1/4 inch thick is ideal—thin enough to roll but thick enough to hold the filling.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them and refrigerate overnight before baking the next day.
How do I prevent the rolls from unrolling during baking?
Roll tightly and place them close together in the baking dish to help hold their shape.
What kind of marinara should I use?
Use a thick, well-seasoned marinara to prevent the dough from getting soggy.
Conclusion
Vegan Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza Rolls are a flavorful and versatile option for snacks, meals, or party platters. With soft homemade dough and a savory vegetable filling, these rolls offer comfort and convenience in every bite. Make a batch to share, meal prep, or enjoy fresh from the oven—they’re bound to become a favorite in your plant-based rotation.
PrintVegan Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza Rolls
These soft, fluffy pizza rolls are loaded with sweet caramelized onions, garlicky sautéed spinach, and tangy marinara sauce—all rolled into tender vegan dough and baked to golden perfection. They’re a savory twist on a classic, perfect for sharing or meal prepping.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes (plus rising)
- Yield: 10–12 rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 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
- In a small bowl, mix yeast, warm water, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead into a smooth dough, about 8–10 minutes. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes until golden and caramelized.
- Add garlic, spinach, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2–3 more minutes until spinach is wilted. Season with salt and pepper. Let cool.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread marinara evenly over dough. Top with spinach-onion mixture.
- Roll dough tightly from the long side into a log. Slice into 10–12 rolls and place in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle with nutritional yeast if using. Bake for 25–30 minutes until puffed and golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to caramelize the onions slowly for deep flavor.
- Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the rolls cleanly.
- Can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
- Customize with other veggies or vegan cheese if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg