Vegan Pizza Rolls

There’s something irresistibly cozy about the aroma of fresh-baked dough mingling with rich tomato sauce and bubbling cheese. Now imagine all that goodness rolled up into spirals of flavor-packed perfection, and you’ve got yourself vegan pizza rolls. These golden pinwheels are soft on the inside, lightly crisped on the outside, and bursting with bold, familiar flavors that make them an instant crowd favorite.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born from a weekend craving and a fridge full of leftovers. I had some pizza sauce, a bit of vegan mozzarella, and half a bell pepper begging to be used. Instead of making a whole pizza, I decided to roll everything up like cinnamon rolls and bake them into snackable spirals. The result? Pure comfort. Warm, gooey, and bursting with flavor, these rolls became a regular in our kitchen after just one bite.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Pizza rolls might feel like a modern snack food, but their concept is rooted in Italian stromboli and rotolo traditions, which involve rolling pizza or pasta dough with savory fillings. This vegan twist brings that same heritage to the table while catering to plant-based diets. It’s a delightful nod to traditional pizza culture but in a fun, bite-sized format that’s perfect for sharing or snacking.

Why You’ll Love Vegan Pizza Rolls

Once you try these, you’ll see why they’ve earned a permanent spot on our go-to snack list.

Versatile: Whether you’re craving something cheesy, spicy, or loaded with veggies, you can easily tweak the fillings.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples and leftovers, making it easy on the wallet.

Quick and Easy: No fancy techniques, just roll, slice, and bake.

Customizable: Add mushrooms, olives, or any toppings you love.

Crowd-Pleasing: Great for parties, potlucks, or movie nights.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough and fillings in advance, then assemble when ready.

Great for Leftovers: Reheat beautifully for next-day snacking.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

To help you master these savory rolls, here are a few of my kitchen-tested secrets:

1. Use room temperature dough for easier rolling and less tearing.
2. Don’t overfill your dough or the rolls may unravel while baking.
3. Chill the rolled dough before slicing to get cleaner cuts.
4. Brush with olive oil before baking for a golden, glossy finish.
5. Bake on parchment paper to avoid sticking and simplify cleanup.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Let’s make sure you’ve got everything handy before we start.

Mixing Bowl: To combine your dough ingredients.

Rolling Pin: For flattening the dough evenly.

Baking Sheet: Where the rolls will puff up and crisp beautifully.

Sharp Knife or Dough Cutter: To slice the rolls cleanly.

Pastry Brush: For that final olive oil touch before baking.

Ingredients in Vegan Pizza Rolls

The ingredients in these pizza rolls work together like a well-tuned orchestra. Each one adds a layer of flavor, texture, or structure.

1. All-Purpose Flour: 2 ½ cups – Forms the base of the soft, chewy dough.
2. Warm Water: 1 cup – Activates the yeast and brings the dough together.
3. Active Dry Yeast: 2 ¼ teaspoons – Helps the dough rise and gives it a fluffy texture.
4. Sugar: 1 tablespoon – Feeds the yeast and enhances browning.
5. Salt: 1 teaspoon – Balances the flavors.
6. Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons – Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
7. Pizza Sauce: ½ cup – Brings in that classic tomato flavor.
8. Vegan Mozzarella Shreds: 1 cup – Melts beautifully and adds that cheesy goodness.
9. Red Bell Pepper: ½ cup, diced – Adds crunch and sweetness.
10. Red Onion: ¼ cup, thinly sliced – Brings sharpness and depth.
11. Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon – A touch of herbaceous, Italian flair.
12. Fresh Basil: a few leaves, chopped – Adds freshness and a pop of green.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t worry if you’re missing something. Here are a few easy swaps:

All-Purpose Flour: Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and more fiber.

Vegan Mozzarella: Swap with vegan cheddar or a homemade cashew cheese spread.

Pizza Sauce: Crushed tomatoes with a pinch of salt and herbs works in a pinch.

Red Bell Pepper: Try green or yellow peppers, or even roasted eggplant.

Red Onion: Shallots or green onions also do the trick.

Ingredient Spotlight

Vegan Mozzarella: This plant-based cheese mimics the melt and stretch of dairy mozzarella using ingredients like coconut oil and tapioca starch. It’s key for that gooey, satisfying bite.

Oregano: A small amount packs a big punch. It’s the herb that instantly transports your taste buds to classic Italian pizzerias.

Instructions for Making Vegan Pizza Rolls

Let’s dive into the delicious fun of assembling and baking your rolls. It’s as satisfying to make them as it is to eat them.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Stir in olive oil, salt, and flour gradually to form a soft dough. Knead until smooth, about 5 minutes.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Set the dough aside in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle. Spread pizza sauce evenly. Sprinkle with vegan cheese, peppers, onions, oregano, and basil. Roll up tightly from one long side.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Slice into 12 rolls and place them cut-side up on the baking sheet. Brush tops with olive oil. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Let cool slightly before serving. Optionally sprinkle with extra basil or vegan parmesan.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve warm, either on their own or with a side of marinara for dipping.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

These rolls have it all. The outer crust is lightly crisped, while the inside stays soft and chewy. The combination of melty vegan cheese and bold pizza sauce creates an umami-rich bite. Meanwhile, the bell peppers and onions bring a sweet crunch that contrasts beautifully with the herbs and dough.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make your experience even smoother with these bonus pointers:

• Let the dough rise in a warm spot like inside your (off) oven with the light on.
• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Sprinkle vegan parmesan on top for extra flavor.

What to Avoid

Mistakes happen, but we can totally avoid these common ones:

• Overfilling the rolls, which causes them to unravel or bake unevenly.
• Skipping the resting time, which makes slicing messier.
• Using cold dough straight from the fridge, which resists rolling.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 rolls
Calories per serving: 170
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Planning ahead? You’re covered. You can make the dough a day before and refrigerate it. Once baked, store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture. They also freeze well — just thaw and reheat as needed.

How to Serve Vegan Pizza Rolls

Serve these rolls warm with a side of marinara or garlic dip. They make perfect party appetizers, lunchbox treats, or lazy weekend snacks. Pair them with a fresh salad or even a creamy tomato soup for a complete meal.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Leftovers never tasted this good. Try:

• Slicing and tossing into a salad for a fun crouton twist.
• Reheating and dipping in ranch or hummus.
• Slicing and layering into a sandwich or wrap.

Additional Tips

These bonus ideas will elevate your rolls even more:

• Add a pinch of garlic powder to the dough for extra flavor.
• Use a serrated knife to slice the rolls cleanly.
• Dust with a little cornmeal on the baking tray for a crunchier bottom.

Make It a Showstopper

To make these rolls the star of any table, garnish with chopped fresh basil and a sprinkle of vegan parmesan. Serve on a wooden board with a small bowl of dipping sauce in the center. A drizzle of olive oil right before serving adds a glossy finish.

Variations to Try

• BBQ Chick’n Rolls: Use BBQ sauce and vegan shredded chick’n instead of pizza sauce.
• Mushroom and Spinach: Sauté mushrooms and spinach before adding them inside.
• Pesto Swirls: Swap pizza sauce for vegan pesto and top with sun-dried tomatoes.
• Hawaiian-Inspired: Add pineapple chunks and vegan ham-style slices.
• Breakfast Rolls: Use tofu scramble and vegan sausage crumbles for a savory morning version.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

A1: Yes, the dough can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the fridge.

Q2: Can I freeze vegan pizza rolls?

A2: Absolutely. Freeze them baked or unbaked, then reheat in the oven.

Q3: What type of vegan cheese works best?

A3: Shredded vegan mozzarella or a meltable blend gives the best texture.

Q4: Can I use store-bought dough?

A4: Definitely. Store-bought pizza dough is a great time-saver.

Q5: Do I need to pre-cook the veggies?

A5: Not necessarily, but you can sauté them lightly for extra flavor.

Q6: Can I make these gluten-free?

A6: Yes, just use a gluten-free flour blend designed for yeasted doughs.

Q7: What dipping sauces pair well?

A7: Marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli are all delicious options.

Q8: How do I get even slices?

A8: Chill the rolled log for 10 minutes before slicing with a sharp knife.

Q9: Can I reheat in the microwave?

A9: You can, but the oven or air fryer keeps the texture better.

Q10: How do I keep them from sticking to the tray?

A10: Parchment paper or a light brush of oil on the tray works wonders.

Conclusion

Vegan pizza rolls are everything you love about pizza wrapped into a soft, cheesy, snackable swirl. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping ahead, or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers every single time. Trust me, once you make a batch, they won’t last long.

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