Crispy Mozzarella Dippers from the Cliffside Kitchen

Cooking with Comfort

The polytunnels are blowing in the Cornish sea winds, the ducks are laying and enjoying the wet weather, and the stove is crackling, warming the old stone coach house, making it feel warm and snug. That means one thing: snack time.

These golden, gooey mozzarella dippers are the perfect reward after a morning tending to the animals. including my 4 dogs, and bringing in the firewood for the log burner and stove.

They’re crisp on the outside, molten on the inside, and take 15 minutes from counter to plate.

No fancy gear needed, just what’s in the pantry — and a nod to supporting comfort with every bite.

Ingredients (makes 12–15 dippers)

• 1 200g block mozzarella (cut into bite-size rectangles)

• 2 eggs

• 50g plain flour

• 100g panko breadcrumbs

• Optional seasoning: pinch of garlic salt, onion salt, dried oregano

• Beef dripping or olive oil (for deep frying)

• Safety first: Always take care when deep frying.

Method

1. Prep your stations

   • Bowl 1: Flour + herbs (mix oregano, garlic salt, onion salt into the flour)

   • Bowl 2: Eggs (whisk until combined)

   • Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs

2. Cut the cheese into small rectangles (about 4cm x 1cm).

3. Coat

   • Dip each piece in egg → flour → egg again → panko

   • Press the crumbs gently to stick.

4. Heat the oil

   • In a deep pan, heat beef dripping or olive oil to 180°C (test with a cube of bread — it should sizzle and turn golden in 60 seconds).

5. Fry

   • Cook 3–4 dippers at a time for 2–3 minutes or until golden and crispy.

   • Don’t overcrowd the pan — the oil needs to stay hot.

6. Drain

   • Lift out with a slotted spoon.

   • Rest on kitchen paper to soak up excess oil.

7. Serve hot with your favourite dip:

   • Homemade nettle pesto (from the hedge)

   • Nasturtium flower ketchup 

   • Or just some lovely homemade mayonnaise (that's a recipe for another day)

Notes

• Make ahead: Coat the dippers and freeze on a tray. Fry from frozen (add 1 min).

• Herbal twist: Add dried wild thyme to the flour for a coastal kick.

• Pair with: A mug of coastal calm tea (chamomile + lemon balm from the garden).

These are dangerously moreish — the dogs keep begging for scraps.

Coming Soon: Nettle & Wild Garlic Soup from the woods.

Got a favourite dip? Drop it in the comments.

That's it for now from the Cornish coast, enjoy your dippers and let me know what you think!

Sarah @cornishcottagehomestead 🌱