Pin it
Nothing turns a simple dinner into a showstopper like vegan caramelized onion and spinach pizza rolls fresh out of the oven tender dough swirled with deeply savory onions garlic and bright spinach all finished with a hint of marinara. These make any weekday feel special and are always the first thing to disappear at gatherings.
I made these for a friend’s birthday party and guests were fighting over the last roll. Now I make double batches because they go so quickly.
Ingredients
- Active dry yeast: Gives the dough a soft pillowy texture. Make sure your yeast is fresh by checking the date.
- Warm water: Activates the yeast and ensures the dough rises properly.
- Sugar: Helps the yeast foam up during blooming.
- All purpose flour: Works best for light fluffy rolls. Opt for unbleached if possible.
- Salt: Brings out the flavor in the dough.
- Olive oil: Keeps the dough supple and makes the filling rich. Use extra virgin for the best taste.
- Large onions: Create the sweet caramelized base of the filling. Go for yellow or Vidalia onions for best results.
- Fresh spinach: Wilts perfectly and delivers a boost of greens. Look for vibrant leaves with no slimy spots.
- Garlic: Adds layers of flavor. Use freshly minced for punch.
- Dried oregano: Brings classic pizza flavor.
- Red pepper flakes: Add gentle heat but are totally optional.
- Marinara sauce: Gives a saucy pizza bite. Use your favorite jarred or homemade version.
- Salt and pepper: Are essential to balance the flavors.
- Nutritional yeast: Adds cheesy depth on top. Go for flake style if you can find it.
Instructions
- Make the Dough:
- In a small bowl combine yeast warm water and sugar. Let this mixture sit for about ten minutes until you see lots of bubbles forming on top which means the yeast is alive and ready.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl add the flour and salt then pour in the bubbly yeast mixture plus olive oil. Stir until mostly combined then knead by hand until you have a smooth springy dough which takes around ten minutes. If it sticks too much dust with a little extra flour.
- Let the Dough Rise:
- Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and set it somewhere warm for about an hour or until the dough has doubled in size. This step is key for fluffy rolls.
- Caramelize the Onions:
- While the dough rises heat olive oil in a big skillet over medium low heat. Add your sliced onions and let them cook slowly for up to twenty minutes stirring occasionally. The goal is deep golden color and sweet aroma so take your time.
- Add Spinach and Aromatics:
- Once the onions are caramelized stir in minced garlic spinach oregano and chili flakes if using. Cook for a few minutes just until the spinach wilts down. Season well with salt and pepper then transfer to a plate and let cool.
- Shape the Rolls:
- Grease your baking dish and set oven to 190 C or 375 F. On a floured surface roll the dough out into a big rectangle. Spread the marinara over it evenly then scatter the cooled spinach onion mixture across the top.
- Roll and Slice:
- Starting from the long side roll up the dough into a tight log. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into ten to twelve even pieces. Gently place these in your baking dish swirl side up.
- Finish and Bake:
- Sprinkle the rolls with nutritional yeast for a cheesy finish if you like. Bake for about half an hour until they are lightly golden and puffed up. Cool for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Caramelized onions completely transformed my pizza roll game. I watched my usually skeptical father go back for seconds and thirds which pretty much sealed these as a family favorite.
Storage Tips
These rolls stay good in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven so they crisp up again. If you plan to freeze let them cool after baking then wrap tightly. They will keep in the freezer for up to two months. When ready to eat bake straight from frozen until heated through.
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to sub kale or swiss chard for the spinach. If you are not into onions roasted mushrooms or bell peppers would be a tasty swap. Gluten free flour blends work well for the dough if you check the hydration as some absorb more liquid.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these alongside a bright salad for a main meal or cut into smaller pieces for appetizers. They are perfect for packing into school lunches or as a party snack. A drizzle of balsamic glaze over warm rolls adds a lovely tangy contrast.
Cultural and Seasonal Notes
Pizza rolls bring together classic Italian flavors in a fun riff on cinnamon rolls. In spring try adding a handful of fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the filling. Late summer is great for tossing in roasted cherry tomatoes for extra richness.
Seasonal Adaptations
Try subbing baby arugula or fresh basil when spinach is out of season Add diced roasted squash or eggplant in autumn Sprinkle with pine nuts for a festive winter touch
Success Stories
After sharing these at a family reunion I had three aunts text me for the recipe within hours. Even our youngest picky eater asked for them in her lunchbox the next day.
Freezer Meal Conversion
To freeze before baking assemble and slice the rolls then arrange in your baking dish and wrap tightly. Pop in the freezer. When ready to bake transfer frozen rolls to the oven add five to ten minutes to the baking time.
Make a double batch if you want leftovers because these really do vanish fast. A final sprinkle of nutritional yeast on the warm rolls brings everything together beautifully.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes the onions caramelized?
Slicing and slowly cooking onions over low heat draws out their natural sugars, creating a sweet, golden flavor.
- → Can I use fresh or frozen spinach?
Both options work well; just be sure to squeeze out excess moisture from frozen spinach before adding to the filling.
- → Is nutritional yeast necessary?
No, it's optional, but it provides a delicious, savory flavor and adds a cheesy touch without dairy.
- → How do I prevent the dough from sticking?
Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. This makes it easier to shape and roll out the dough.
- → What's a good dipping sauce for these rolls?
Marinara or garlic-herb sauces pair wonderfully, but feel free to try vegan ranch or tahini drizzle for variety.
- → Can these pizza rolls be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate them before baking, or bake in advance and reheat before serving.