Introduction
Pizza rolls are a beloved snack and party favorite, but this Savory Vegan version proves that dairy free, plant based flavors can be as comforting and satisfying as the classic. In this recipe, a simple yeast dough is rolled with a robust tomato sauce, savory vegan cheese, garlic, and herbs, then baked until crisply golden and chewy. Perfect for weeknight dinners, lunch boxes, or game day bites, these vegan pizza rolls offer a portable, crowd-pleasing option without compromising on taste. The idea is to use pantry staples and a couple of fresh ingredients to create a cohesive, zesty filling that stays moist inside the roll while the exterior achieves a gentle crunch. We will cover selecting ingredients, preparing the dough, making a bright tomato sauce, choosing a vegan cheese that melts, and how to roll, bake, and serve for maximum flavor. This guide also includes tips for adapting the recipe to gluten free flours, oil free options, or higher protein dough for a more substantial bite. Throughout, you will find practical steps, troubleshooting tips, and ways to customize fillings with roasted vegetables or plant based proteins if you desire. By the end, you will have a reliable method for crafting fluffy, flavorful vegan pizza rolls that taste like a cozy, comforting bite fresh from the oven. So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to roll up a crowd-pleasing plant based snack.
Gathering Ingredients
To start, assemble generous portions of all the elements that make vegan pizza rolls shine. A basic yeasted dough provides the sturdy, chewy shell, so you will need flour, warm water, a pinch of sugar or maple syrup, a little salt, olive oil, and a pinch of instant yeast. You can mix by hand or with a mixer until a smooth, elastic ball forms, then let it rest until it doubles in size. For the filling, prepare a bright tomato sauce with crushed tomatoes, garlic, dried oregano, a touch of olive oil, and a splash of plant based milk or water to loosen the sauce if needed. The cheese layer should be creamy and melty, so opt for a vegan mozzarella or a blend of vegan cheddar and mozzarella that melts well. Fresh vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and olives bring color and texture, while herbs such as basil or parsley brighten the rolls with freshness. If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of smoked paprika. Optional add-ins include finely chopped sun dried tomatoes, finely grated carrot for sweetness, or crumbled vegan sausage for a heartier bite. Have parchment paper ready to line the baking sheet, and a rolling pin to shape the dough. Finally, keep a brush handy for a light coat of olive oil to help the rolls brown evenly. With all ingredients gathered, you are ready to start forming the filling and shaping the rolls.
Making the Pizza Dough
Creating the dough begins with attention to temperature and timing. In a large bowl whisk together flour and salt to ensure even distribution of salt. In a separate bowl dissolve a teaspoon of sugar or maple syrup in warm water, then sprinkle yeast over the surface and wait a few minutes for it to foam. A healthy foam is a sign that the yeast is active and ready. Pour the foamy mixture into the flour and add olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon or mix with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook until a shaggy mass forms. Knead on a floured surface or with the mixer on low until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. If the dough feels too dry, add a splash more water; if too sticky, dust with a little flour. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot until it has doubled in size. This usually takes about one hour, depending on room temperature. After the first rise, punch down the dough to release the gas, then shape it into a disk and let it rest briefly. Rolling the dough for the filling is easiest when the dough has relaxed enough to stretch without tearing. A well developed dough will yield a tender crust that bakes up with subtle chew and a slight blister.
Tomato Sauce and Vegan Cheese
Begin by whisking together crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, oregano, and a drizzle of olive oil. Simmer briefly to meld flavors, then season with salt, pepper, and a touch of sugar if the tomatoes are very acidic. This sauce should be bright, slightly thick, and easy to spread without soaking the dough. For the cheese layer, choose a vegan option that melts well when heated. A store bought shredded mozzarella style works beautifully, or you can blend vegan mozzarella with grated vegan parmesan for extra savoriness. If you prefer a homemade route, a creamy cashew cheese can provide a luscious, dairy free alternative. When choosing fillings, aim for a balance of moisture and texture. Sautéed spinach adds color and a gentle wilt, while mushrooms, onions, and peppers offer sweetness and depth. You want enough filling to flavor each bite, but not so much that the dough struggles to roll. After the sauce and cheese are ready, you will be ready to assemble the rolls by brushing the dough, layering the fillings evenly, and rolling from the wide side into a tight log. Grounding the flavors with fresh herbs at this stage helps ensure the final roll tastes cohesive and vibrant, not flat or watery.
Assembling the Rolls
Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the risen dough into a rectangle about forty by twenty inches, or until you can see the edges. Spread a thin, even layer of tomato sauce over the dough, then scatter the vegan cheese and vegetables across the surface. Be mindful of thickness; too much filling can cause the rolls to burst or leak during baking. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log, pinch gently to seal, then use a sharp knife to cut the log into roughly one inch pieces. Place the pieces seam side down on a parchment lined baking sheet, giving them space to expand. If you like, you can brush the tops with a tiny bit of olive oil to promote browning. Let the cut rolls rest briefly before baking if time allows; this helps maintain their shape while they rise a bit more in the oven. The result should be evenly shaped pinwheels with a generous core of melted cheese and vegetables looking forward to a warm, crisp exterior. Prepare a second sheet if you are making a large batch, and keep any unused dough wrapped until you are ready to bake. You can also experiment with different fillings each time to create a variety pack that suits different tastes and dietary needs.
Cooking Process
Preheat the oven to four hundred twenty five degrees Fahrenheit (two hundred twenty degrees Celsius). While the oven heats, arrange the rolls on parchment lined baking sheets with a little space between each piece. The aim is to achieve even browning and a gentle crackle on the surface where the dough meets the hot air. Bake for about fifteen to twenty minutes, until the rolls are golden brown around the edges and the cheese has melted into a glossy core. If you prefer crispier edges, rotate the pans halfway through baking. After removing from the oven, allow the rolls to rest for a few minutes to set the fillings and prevent the cheese from spilling out too soon. Transfer to a warm platter or keep on the baking sheet if you are serving immediately. Tip: drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the rolls as soon as they come out of the oven to enrich their flavor and shine. These vegan pizza rolls taste best when served hot, but you can reheat them later by warming on a sheet in a low oven to restore some of the tenderness and chew. If you have leftovers, you can lightly brush and rewarm in the oven to retain texture, or crisp up in a toaster oven for a quick snack. For a stronger cheese bite, you can sprinkle a little nutritional yeast over the top before baking for a cheesy aroma without dairy. Variations are easy to implement; try adding roasted garlic, sun dried tomatoes, or plant based sausage for a different profile, always keeping in mind the balance between sauce, cheese, and dough so the roll remains cohesive.
Final Presentation
Arrange the baked vegan pizza rolls on a wooden board or platter for an inviting presentation. Slice a few pieces to reveal the gooey inner fillings and the ribbons of melted vegan cheese, then scatter fresh basil leaves for brightness. Accompany the plate with a small bowl of marinara sauce or a simple olive oil and balsamic dip. For a more polished look, place the rolls in neat rows and dust with a pinch of dried oregano or crushed red pepper. If you are serving as an appetizer, provide small forks or toothpicks for easy dipping. The aroma of garlic and herbs will fill the room as they cool slightly, inviting guests to grab a bite. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container, and reheat gently in the oven to maintain the texture. When planning a party or family dinner, these vegan pizza rolls can be scaled up easily by swapping in seasonal vegetables for variety, such as roasted peppers in the summer or sautéed zucchini in the spring. Hosting tips and a quick dipping sauce recipe can elevate the experience without complicating the process. The result is a crowd pleasing, dairy-free snack that captures the comfort of pizza in a portable form, perfect for sharing.
Storage and Tips
Leftover vegan pizza rolls will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To freeze, arrange the rolls on a baking sheet so they do not touch, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Thaw before baking and reheat at a moderate temperature until heated through. If you find the rolls too moist, a brief extra bake can help remove excess moisture and improve the texture. For gluten free options, substitute a gluten free flour blend in place of all purpose flour, and consider using xanthan gum if your blend lacks elasticity. For oil free diets, reduce the olive oil in the dough and sauce, and use a vegetable stock splash to help with moisture. If you want a stronger cheese bite, try a homemade almond ricotta or a cashew cheese that melts nicely. As with any dough based recipe, the quality of your flour and the temperature of your ingredients will influence texture and rise. With a little practice, you can adjust the ratios to match your kitchen and preferences, achieving consistently delicious vegan pizza rolls that impress friends and family. Tip: label batches with the day they were made and gently reheat from frozen to preserve texture. You can also experiment with herbs, spices, or different fillings to keep this vegan favorite fresh and exciting across seasons.
Savory Vegan Pizza Rolls
Crispy, flavorful vegan pizza rolls with plant-based dough, tomato sauce, and melty vegan cheese. A dairy-free crowd-pleaser snack.
total time
30
servings
4
calories
30 kcal
ingredients
- 1 sheet vegan puff pastry 🍞
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce 🍅
- 1 cup shredded vegan cheese 🧀
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves 🥬
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper 🫑
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives 🫒
- 2 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano 🌿
- 1 teaspoon dried basil 🌿
- 1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒
- Salt 🧂
- Freshly ground black pepper 🧂
- Fresh basil for garnish 🌱
instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the vegan puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border.
- Top with shredded vegan cheese, spinach, bell pepper, olives, and minced garlic.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle oregano and basil; season with salt and pepper.
- Roll the pastry tightly from the short edge to form a log, then seal the edge.
- Chill the log for 10 minutes to help with slicing.
- Slice into 1-inch rounds and place them cut-side up on the prepared sheet.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Let cool a few minutes, garnish with fresh basil, and serve warm.