If you are on the hunt for a fun, flavorful, and utterly irresistible snack, this Vegan Pizza Rolls Recipe will absolutely steal your heart. Combining the rich, savory taste of vegan sausage with melty mozzarella and fresh basil, all wrapped in golden, buttery crescent dough, these pizza rolls bring the comforting vibes of classic pizza in a perfectly portable, bite-sized form. Whether you’re catering to a crowd or indulging in a cozy night in, these rolls are guaranteed to elevate your snack game to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this Vegan Pizza Rolls Recipe is a breeze because it uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create an extraordinary flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role—whether it’s the seasoning that adds a punch of Italian flair or the dough that crisps up beautifully for that perfect bite.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil: For sautéing the sausage and adding a subtle fruity richness.
- 4 ounces vegan sausage crumbles: The heart of the filling, providing that hearty, savory bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that elevates the filling with classic pizza herbs.
- 6 ounces vegan mozzarella shreds: Melts beautifully to give that gooey pizza texture.
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce: Adds a tangy, zesty tomato base to keep things moist and vibrant.
- 2 tablespoons fresh minced basil: Freshness and a splash of green to brighten the flavor.
- Flour, for dusting: Keeps your workspace and dough from sticking while rolling out.
- 16 ounces vegan-friendly crescent roll sheets: The flaky, buttery exterior that wraps all the deliciousness inside.
- 4 tablespoons vegan butter, melted: Brushed on top for that irresistible golden finish.
- 1/2 cup shredded vegan parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty topping to enhance each bite.
- Fresh flat leaf parsley, for garnish: A bright, herbal touch that makes your rolls look as good as they taste.
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 them with the Italian seasoning while cooking. Stir occasionally and cook until the sausage is heated through and aromatic. This step ensures the filling has that hearty, savory depth that makes each roll so satisfying.
Step 2: Combine the Filling
Transfer the cooked sausage to a large mixing bowl. Add the vegan mozzarella shreds, marinara sauce, and freshly minced basil. Mix everything together until the ingredients are well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed; this filling should be bursting with balanced tomato tang, herbaceous notes, and melty cheese goodness.
Step 3: Prepare the Ice Cube Tray
Lightly spray your ice cube tray with cooking oil. This step might seem unusual, but it’s a genius trick to shape the pizza rolls perfectly and keep the dough from sticking during assembly.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the crescent roll sheets. Be careful not to separate the individual dough pieces as you want a single, continuous sheet for the base. This careful handling ensures the dough stays intact when you press it into the tray.
Step 5: Fill the Ice Cube Tray
Place one sheet of dough over the ice cube tray, pressing gently into each compartment to cover them fully. Spoon about one tablespoon of the sausage filling into each hole. Next, cover the filling with the second dough sheet, pressing the edges to seal each compartment so they become neat individual pockets of yum.
Step 6: Freeze the Rolls
Pop the filled ice cube tray into the freezer for one hour. This chilling step firms up the dough and filling, making your rolls easier to handle when baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (180°C). Carefully flip the dough out from the tray onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Cut the dough into individual rolls, brush the tops generously with melted vegan butter, and sprinkle shredded vegan parmesan cheese over each piece. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crisp. For an extra crispy, bubbly finish, broil for 5-6 minutes at the very end if desired.
Step 8: Serve
Once baked, garnish with freshly minced flat leaf parsley. Serve your Vegan Pizza Rolls immediately with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping, and watch as everyone falls in love with these irresistible bites.
How to Serve Vegan Pizza Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like flat leaf parsley or extra basil add a pop of color and a burst of freshness that contrast beautifully with the warm, cheesy rolls. A sprinkle of vegan parmesan cheese on top after baking also enhances both flavor and visual appeal. Don’t forget a side of marinara sauce for dunking—it’s a game-changer.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair wonderfully with simple salads, like a crisp arugula and cherry tomato salad dressed lightly in lemon juice and olive oil, or garlicky roasted vegetables to balance the richness. A tangy coleslaw or even a cup of hearty tomato soup will transform your snack into a full meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or family gatherings, arrange the pizza rolls on a wooden board or a colorful platter with small dipping bowls filled with marinara, vegan ranch, or a spicy vegan sriracha mayo. You can also skewer them on toothpicks for easy grab-and-go appetizers that everyone will be reaching for first.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Vegan Pizza Rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They remain delicious and convenient for quick snacks or packed lunches, and they actually taste even better once the flavors have had time to meld.
Freezing
Because you prepare these rolls in the ice cube tray, they freeze beautifully. After baking and cooling, place the rolls in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time and bake directly from the freezer.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Vegan Pizza Rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy on the outside. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain the texture; the oven brings back the roll’s delightful flakiness far better.
FAQs
Can I use other vegan cheeses for this recipe?
Absolutely! While vegan mozzarella is ideal for meltiness, feel free to experiment with other vegan cheese varieties based on your preference and availability. Just make sure it melts well to achieve that signature gooey texture.
What can I substitute for vegan sausage crumbles?
If you can’t find vegan sausage, plant-based ground meat substitutes or even crumbled tempeh seasoned with Italian herbs make excellent alternatives. You can customize the filling to your taste while keeping the delicious spirit of the recipe intact.
Is it necessary to freeze the rolls before baking?
Freezing for an hour helps the dough set firmly around the filling, making it easier to cut and handle. Skipping this step might cause the rolls to be misshapen or spill out during baking, so it’s highly recommended for the best results.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free crescent roll dough and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free, you can adapt the Vegan Pizza Rolls Recipe for gluten sensitivity. Just be aware that dough texture might differ slightly.
How long do these pizza rolls stay fresh once baked?
Once baked, they’re best enjoyed within 1-2 days for optimal flavor and texture. Stored properly in the fridge, they remain tasty but the dough might lose some of its initial crispness over time.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly rewarding about making your own snacks from scratch, especially when they taste as good as this Vegan Pizza Rolls Recipe. It’s the kind of recipe that brings smiles, warms hearts, and can easily become a staple in your kitchen. So grab your apron and get rolling—these bites of pure, plant-based joy are waiting to become your new favorite treat.
Print
Vegan Pizza Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Pizza Rolls are a delicious and convenient snack or appetizer featuring savory vegan sausage, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil wrapped in flaky crescent dough. Perfectly baked until golden and crispy, these bite-sized rolls are a crowd-pleasing vegan twist on classic pizza flavors.
Ingredients
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
Dough & Topping
- Flour, for dusting
- 16 ounces vegan-friendly crescent roll sheets (2 sheets)
- 4 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
- 1/2 cup shredded vegan parmesan cheese
- Fresh flat leaf parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook sausage: Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Cook the vegan sausage crumbles according to the package directions. Season them with Italian seasoning and continue cooking until heated through. Transfer the cooked sausage to a large mixing bowl.
- Combine filling: To the bowl with cooked sausage, add vegan mozzarella shreds, marinara sauce, and minced fresh basil. Toss everything together to create a well-mixed pizza filling. Adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Prepare ice cube tray: Lightly spray an ice cube tray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Roll out dough: On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the crescent roll sheets together, being careful not to separate the dough pieces so that the combined sheet remains intact.
- Fill ice cube tray: Carefully transfer one sheet of rolled-out dough onto the ice cube tray, ensuring it covers the entire tray. Gently press the dough into each hole of the tray. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the sausage filling into each cavity. Cover the filling with the second sheet of crescent dough and press down to seal the edges around each portion.
- Freeze: Place the filled ice cube tray in the freezer for 1 hour to firm up the dough and filling for easier handling.
- Preheat oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (180°C).
- Bake: Carefully flip the dough out of the ice cube tray onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut and separate each pizza roll bite. Brush the tops with melted vegan butter and sprinkle with shredded vegan parmesan cheese. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the rolls are golden brown and crispy. For extra browning, you may broil them for an additional 5-6 minutes if desired.
- Serve: Garnish the pizza rolls with fresh minced flat-leaf parsley. Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Use a high-quality vegan crescent dough for best results to ensure flakiness and ease of rolling.
- The ice cube tray method helps create perfectly portioned and uniformly shaped pizza rolls.
- You can substitute vegan mozzarella and parmesan with your preferred vegan cheeses.
- The rolls can be frozen before baking for longer storage; bake directly from frozen, increasing bake time by a few minutes.
- Broiling is optional but adds a nice golden finish and extra crispiness on top.
