It was 98 degrees, rush hour in L.A., and one food writer drove straight through it with plans abandoned just to get her hands on a single fried cheese plank before it sold out again. That’s the kind of viral frenzy Dave’s Hot Mozz Planks created upon debut. Here is what it actually is, how much it costs, how to order it, and whether it lives up to the legendary cheese pull videos.
Quick Facts: Dave’s Hot Mozz Planks at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Launch Date | March 10, 2026 |
| Initial Sellout | Sold out nationwide within one week |
| Permanent Return | April 15, 2026 |
| Menu Integration | Available solo & in The Big Trio bundle (launched May 19, 2026) |
| Starting Price | $2.99 per piece |
| Spice Levels | Full 7-tier scale (No Spice to Reaper) |
| Available Formats | 1, 3, or 5 pieces; Full Meal Combo; Hot Mozz Slider; 20-piece Hot Box ($55) |
What Makes It a “Plank,” Not a Stick?
Dave’s Hot Chicken is intentional with the naming, and for good reason. This is not a flimsy frozen mozzarella stick—it is a thick-cut slab of premium, whole mozzarella cheese. It gets breaded, fried golden-crisp, and immediately dusted with the exact signature spice blend used across Dave’s famous chicken.
The plank geometry is the entire point: a significantly broader cross-section of cheese creates an ultra-dramatic, stretchy cheese pull that does not break prematurely. Videos of the epic stretch racked up tens of millions of views across TikTok and Instagram, sparking a viral demand wave that emptied inventory across franchise locations nationwide in just days.
How to Order Dave’s Hot Mozz
You can order Hot Mozz across several flexible formats to suit solo snacking or large gatherings:
- Single Piece ($2.99): Straightforward, fast add-on to test the waters alongside your combo.
- 3-Piece or 5-Piece À La Carte: Perfect for sharing at the table or as a substantial cheesy side.
- 3-Piece or 5-Piece Meal: Comes fully loaded with seasoned fries, sliced pickles, bread, and Dave’s Sauce for dipping.
- Hot Mozz Slider: A full fried mozzarella plank tucked into a warm, toasted potato bun, drizzled with Dave’s Sauce, and layered with crunchy pickles and kale slaw.
- 20-Piece Hot Box ($55): Designed specifically for party spreads, tailgates, and game day catering.
Every single piece and meal format allows you to choose your desired spice level from No Spice up to Reaper, matching the chicken’s customizable heat spectrum.
The Reviews: Mostly Great, With a Couple of Real Complaints
Food critic teams (including Sporked) awarded Hot Mozz an impressive 9/10, praising the generous cheese density, crunchy breading that stays structured without getting doughy, and the versatility of the heat seasoning.
Key Critic & Customer Feedback:
- Heat Perception: Some reviewers noted that at medium spice levels, the thick cheese and breading mute the heat slightly more than on standard chicken tenders. If you want a noticeable kick, consider stepping one heat tier higher than your normal chicken order.
- The Dipping Sauce Debate: Hot Mozz comes standard with Dave’s signature sauce (creamy, tangy, and mildly spiced). While delicious, purists craving a classic Italian tomato marinara may want to request ketchup or bring their own marinara dip.
Is Dave’s Hot Mozz Worth the Price?
At $2.99 for a standalone plank, it is on the higher end for a single appetizer item. However, the 3-piece meal offers the strongest overall value by bundling crinkle-cut fries, bread, pickles, and dipping sauce for a complete meal experience. The 20-piece Hot Box also serves as a standout catering value for group events.
Pro-Tips for Ordering:
- First-Timers: Order a single piece at Medium heat alongside your favorite slider combo to gauge the cheese pull and spice profile.
- Vegetarian Diners: The Hot Mozz Slider gives vegetarian visitors a rich, savory sandwich alternative alongside the cauliflower “Dave’s NOT Chicken” line.
- Group Catering: Combine a 20-piece Hot Mozz Box with a Dave’s Bites Hot Box for the ultimate crowd-pleasing combo.
Quick Answers & FAQs
Is Dave’s Hot Mozz a permanent menu item?
Yes. Following its viral sellout and subsequent restock, Hot Mozz is a permanent fixture on the Dave’s Hot Chicken menu and is included in the Big Trio bundle.
What sauce does Dave’s Hot Mozz come with?
It comes standard with signature Dave’s Sauce—a creamy, savory, and sweet-tangy dipping sauce. Traditional marinara is not served by default.
Can you get Hot Mozz at the Reaper spice level?
Yes. Hot Mozz is dusted using the exact same 7-level spice scale as the chicken, allowing you to order anywhere from No Spice to Reaper (waiver required at select locations).
Is Dave’s Hot Mozz vegetarian-friendly?
Yes! Hot Mozz planks and the Hot Mozz Slider are vegetarian, providing a meat-free cheesy alternative alongside the cauliflower menu items.
- Sporked, “I Tried the Hot Mozz at Dave’s Hot Chicken, Here’s What I Thought,” sporked.com
- Sporked, “This Viral Menu Item Sold Out Almost Immediately, Now It’s Back at Dave’s Hot Chicken,” sporked.com
