Crispy Vegan Spinach & Cheese Rolls
Golden, crispy on the outside with a gooey, melty vegan cheese and spinach filling inside — these Vegan Spinach & Cheese Rolls are an irresistible Indian-inspired snack!
Why You’ll Love These Vegan Cheese Rolls
- Crispy outside, gooey inside — the perfect texture contrast
- Packed with fresh spinach and savory spices
- Ready in under 40 minutes
- Naturally vegan and easily customizable
- Freezer-friendly for quick snacks anytime
Crispy Vegan Spinach & Cheese Rolls Recipe
(Makes 8–10 rolls)
Ingredients:
Filling:
- 1 cup (120g) vegan mozzarella or cheddar-style shreds (or a mix)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped and squeezed very dry
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional, for heat)
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp chaat masala or garam masala
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Outer Layer:
- 8–10 slices white sandwich bread (crusts removed)
- ½ cup (60g) chickpea flour (besan)
- ⅓–½ cup water (to make a thin batter)
- ½ tsp each: salt, red chili powder, and turmeric (optional)
- Oil for shallow frying
For Serving:
- Fresh green chutney (mint-coriander)
- Ketchup or vegan mayo (optional)
Instructions:
- Make the filling: Heat a splash of oil or water in a pan. Sauté onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes until soft. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat, stir in vegan cheese, green chili, spices, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix until the cheese starts to melt and everything is well combined. Let cool slightly.
- Prepare the bread: Flatten each bread slice with a rolling pin until thin. Place 1–2 tablespoons of filling along one edge and roll tightly into a cigar shape. Press the seam to seal. Repeat with all slices.
- Make the batter: In a shallow bowl, whisk chickpea flour with water and spices until smooth and lump-free (consistency like thin pancake batter).
- Fry the rolls: Heat 2–3 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Dip each roll in the batter to coat evenly, letting excess drip off. Fry in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until deep golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with generous spoonfuls of green chutney!
Storage: Best eaten fresh, but leftovers keep in the fridge for 2 days. Re-crisp in the oven or air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Pro Tips
- Extra crispy: Double-coat by dipping in batter, then a light roll in breadcrumbs before frying.
- Oil-free version: Bake or air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway and spraying lightly with oil.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread and chickpea flour batter.
- Make ahead: Assemble and coat the rolls, then refrigerate up to 4 hours before frying.
- Variations: Add grated carrot, corn, or mashed potato to the filling for extra heartiness.
These Crispy Vegan Spinach & Cheese Rolls disappear fast — they’re that good! Your photo shows exactly how tempting and perfect they turn out, with that irresistible golden crust and fresh green chutney on the side.
