If you are searching for a delicious and comforting snack, the Vegan Pizza Rolls Recipe is absolutely worth trying. These golden, crispy rolls filled with savory vegan sausage, melty vegan mozzarella, and a touch of fresh basil capture the essence of pizza in a perfectly portable bite. Whether you need a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering or a cozy treat for yourself, this recipe combines simple ingredients and clever techniques to create mouthwatering vegan pizza rolls that satisfy every craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this recipe. Each component plays a special role: from the seasoned vegan sausage providing a hearty chew, to the crescent roll dough delivering a crispy, buttery exterior, to fresh basil adding a fragrant pop of green color. These basics make the process straightforward yet yield a complex, layered flavor.
- Olive oil: A teaspoon ensures the vegan sausage cooks nicely without sticking.
- Vegan sausage crumbles: Four ounces give a savory, protein-packed base with Italian seasoning to boost flavor.
- Italian seasoning: Half a teaspoon adds classic pizza herbs for authenticity.
- Vegan mozzarella shreds: Six ounces melt deliciously, mimicking traditional cheese gooeyness.
- Marinara sauce: Half a cup brings rich tomato freshness that binds the filling together.
- Fresh minced basil: Two tablespoons add a bright, herbal contrast and vibrant color.
- Flour: For dusting, prevents sticking when rolling the dough.
- Vegan-friendly crescent roll sheets: Sixteen ounces of dough create the crisp, flaky exterior needed for perfect pizza rolls.
- Vegan butter, melted: Four tablespoons brushed on top encourage a golden, irresistible finish.
- Shredded vegan parmesan cheese: Half a cup adds a subtle tang and texture when sprinkled on top.
- Fresh flat leaf parsley: For garnish, lending a fresh, colorful finish to your presentation.
How to Make Vegan Pizza Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the vegan sausage crumbles, seasoning generously with Italian seasoning. Cook until warmed through and fragrant, allowing the herbs to infuse the sausage with classic pizza flavors. Once done, transfer the cooked sausage to a large bowl — this forms the heart of your filling.
Step 2: Combine the Filling
Next, mix the warm sausage crumbles with the vegan mozzarella shreds, marinara sauce, and fresh minced basil. Stir everything until evenly combined. This step ensures each pizza roll bite is bursting with gooey cheese melded with tomato and herb-tinged sausage that is irresistible.
Step 3: Prepare the Ice Cube Tray
Lightly spray your ice cube tray with cooking oil. This might seem unconventional but helps shape uniform pizza rolls by allowing the dough to press neatly into each compartment, preventing sticking and making assembly clean and easy.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
On a floured surface, carefully roll out your crescent roll sheets. Be gentle to avoid separating the dough layers. This step is crucial to achieving that flaky, pull-apart crust you expect in a good pizza roll.
Step 5: Fill the Ice Cube Tray
Place one sheet of the rolled-out dough over the ice cube tray, pressing gently to line each hole. Spoon about one tablespoon of the filling into each compartment, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. Cover with the second sheet of dough and press down to seal the edges, locking in all that delicious filling.
Step 6: Freeze the Rolls
Pop the filled tray into the freezer for one hour. This quick freeze firms up the pizza rolls so they hold their shape well when transferred to the baking sheet and baked.
Step 7: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius). Flip the frozen dough out onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and use a sharp knife to cut the individual pizza rolls apart. Brush each piece generously with melted vegan butter and sprinkle shredded vegan parmesan on top to get that gorgeous, golden crust. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until crispy and browned. For extra crispness, broil for the final 5 to 6 minutes but keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Step 8: Serve
Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh minced parsley for a lovely pop of color and freshness, and serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping. These freshly baked vegan pizza rolls shine best when enjoyed piping hot and crispy.
How to Serve Vegan Pizza Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh flat leaf parsley brightens the rolls both visually and in aroma, rounding out the rich flavors. For extra zing, a drizzle of olive oil infused with garlic or chili flakes can elevate the experience.
Side Dishes
Serve these pizza rolls alongside a crunchy green salad or a zesty coleslaw for balance. Roasted vegetables or a simple bowl of soup also make fantastic companions, turning this snack into a satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the rolls in a circular pattern on a large platter with small bowls of different dipping sauces like vegan ranch, spicy marinara, or basil pesto. This interactive setup amps up the fun, perfect for parties or casual family meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your vegan pizza rolls, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a quick grab-and-go snack.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked pizza rolls tied up in an ice cube tray or, once baked and cooled, freeze them in airtight containers. Frozen rolls keep well for up to two months—ideal for busy days when you want a hassle-free treat.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your vegan pizza rolls in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that delightful flaky texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of vegan cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite vegan cheese varieties like vegan cheddar or blend different types for a unique cheesy texture and flavor. Just make sure they melt well to keep the filling gooey.
Is there a gluten-free option for the dough?
Yes! You can substitute the crescent roll sheets with gluten-free doughs available in stores or even make your own gluten-free pastry dough, though the texture might vary slightly.
Can I prepare these pizza rolls without an ice cube tray?
Yes, but the tray helps shape even, bite-sized rolls. Without it, you can cut the dough into squares, place filling in the center, fold, and seal—just make sure they’re sealed well to avoid leaking.
How spicy are the vegan sausage crumbles?
Most vegan sausage crumbles have mild to medium spice levels, depending on the brand. You can adjust by adding chili flakes or choosing a spicy version if you prefer more heat.
Can I make the pizza rolls vegan nut-free?
Definitely! Most vegan pizza roll ingredients, including dairy-free cheeses and sausage, are typically nut-free, but always check labels to ensure there are no trace nuts if you have allergies.
Final Thoughts
Making this Vegan Pizza Rolls Recipe is such a joy—it blends familiar favorites with plant-based goodness, perfect for snack time or entertaining friends. Once you try these crispy, cheesy, flavorful bites, they’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
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Vegan Pizza Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Pizza Rolls are a delicious, bite-sized appetizer perfect for parties or snacks. Featuring a savory filling of vegan sausage crumbles, vegan mozzarella, marinara sauce, and fresh basil, all wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough and baked to golden perfection. The rolls are topped with melted vegan butter and vegan parmesan for an irresistible finish, garnished with fresh parsley and served with extra marinara for dipping.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 4 ounces vegan sausage crumbles
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 6 ounces vegan mozzarella shreds
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh minced basil
For the Dough and Toppings
- Flour, for dusting
- 16 ounces vegan-friendly crescent roll sheets (2 sheets)
- 4 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
- 1/2 cup shredded vegan parmesan cheese
For Garnish
- Fresh flat leaf parsley, minced
Instructions
- Cook sausage: Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add vegan sausage crumbles and cook according to package directions, stirring occasionally. Season with Italian seasoning and cook until heated through. Remove from heat and transfer sausage to a large mixing bowl.
- Combine filling: To the bowl with sausage, add vegan mozzarella shreds, marinara sauce, and fresh minced basil. Stir gently to combine all ingredients well. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Prepare ice cube tray: Lightly spray an ice cube tray with cooking oil to prevent sticking. This will serve as the mold for the pizza rolls.
- Roll out dough: On a clean, lightly floured surface, carefully roll out one sheet of crescent roll dough. Be gentle to avoid tearing or separating the dough pieces.
- Fill ice cube tray: Place the first sheet of dough over the ice cube tray, pressing down into each compartment to cover all holes completely. Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the sausage filling into each dough-filled hole.
- Seal rolls: Cover the filled ice cube tray with the second sheet of crescent roll dough. Press gently around the edges of each mold to seal the two dough sheets together and encase the filling.
- Freeze: Place the ice cube tray with the sealed dough-filled molds in the freezer for 1 hour. This helps the rolls hold their shape during baking.
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (180°C) during the last 15 minutes of freezing time.
- Bake rolls: Carefully flip the frozen dough sheet out of the ice cube tray onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Cut the dough into individual rolls along the edges of each mold. Brush the tops of each pizza roll with melted vegan butter, then sprinkle evenly with shredded vegan parmesan cheese.
- Bake until golden: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they become golden brown and crispy. Optionally, broil for the last 5-6 minutes for extra crispiness, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh minced flat leaf parsley and serve immediately with additional marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Make sure to gently handle the crescent roll dough to prevent tearing or separation.
- The ice cube tray acts as a mold to create evenly sized pizza rolls; ensure it is well greased for easy removal.
- Freezing before baking helps maintain the shape and makes it easier to cut the rolls.
- You can substitute vegan mozzarella and parmesan with your preferred brands or plant-based cheese alternatives.
- Broiling at the end is optional but gives a nice crisp finish; watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
