Description
These Vegan Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza Rolls combine soft, homemade yeast dough with a savory filling of sweet caramelized onions, fresh spinach, and a hint of garlic and spices. Perfect as a delicious appetizer or a comforting snack, these rolls are easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection, making them a delightful vegan treat packed with flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
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
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, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour. Stir until the dough starts to come together, then knead on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Caramelize Onions: While the dough is rising, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and sweetly caramelized.
- Sauté Spinach and Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with caramelized onions and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and season with dried oregano, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Roll Out Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately 12 by 18 inches.
- Assemble Rolls: Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges. Evenly distribute the caramelized onion and spinach mixture over the marinara layer.
- Form Rolls: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal rolls.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls cut-side up on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet or pan, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Cover and let rise for an additional 20-30 minutes until slightly puffed.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Add Topping and Serve: Remove rolls from the oven and immediately sprinkle nutritional yeast on top if desired for a cheesy flavor boost. Serve warm as a delicious vegan appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Ensure the water used for activating yeast is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Slow caramelizing of onions is key for developing the sweet, deep flavor.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted or adjusted to preference for spice level.
- These rolls store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven.
- For gluten-free adaptation, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and adjust liquid as needed.
Keywords: Vegan pizza rolls, caramelized onion, spinach, vegan appetizer, savory rolls, plant-based snacks, homemade dough