Open Wide: A Cookbook for Friends

by Benny Blanco

The debut cookbook from benny blanco—pop music super-producer, artist, actor on FXX’s Dave, and consummate food freak—teaches you everything you need to know about cooking, enjoying life, and throwing the greatest dinner party of all time. Hi, I’m benny blanco. I’m in a television show with my best friend Dave and I probably produced most of the songs you have heard on the radio from 2008 until now. When I was thirteen, I got a George Foreman Grill and it changed my life forever. I would invite friends over and we would get stoned and gather around the grill and make the most elaborate sandwiches our prepubescent minds could fathom. I became obsessed with food and cooking for friends.  I know what you are going to say, and I get it. Cooking is scary. But I promise you, once you get into it, it will be your new addiction. Slicing an onion is like taking a Xanax to me. I made this cookbook to teach you everything I know about food, cooking, and throwing the greatest dinner party of all time. There are the basics to get your kitchen ready, a little advice from my expert friends, then all of the dinner party menus I love to make,   Which are filled with insane recipes   I’ve been told some of the finest stories over meals. I’ve laughed so hard I thought I was going to actually die. I’ve fallen in love—sometimes with the food, sometimes with the person across the table. I’ve cried in good ways, and I’ve cried in bad ways. I hope you’ve been lucky enough to have all these same memories and then some. But if you haven’t, I can make you a promise. If you follow these three simple steps, it will all become a Open this book. Open your heart. And open wide, baby.

Genres: Cookbooks, Nonfiction, Cooking, Food, Reference

304 pages, Hardcover

First published April 30, 2024

Reviews

[Victoria P · Rating 4 out of 5]

The minute I saw this cover I needed this cookbook! It’s definitely a party and a must have in your kitchen . I enjoyed reading Benny’s intro he’s fun and knowledgeable of his craft not your average cookbook. Definitely recommend,
and can’t wait to try some of these recipes for my friends and family!!!

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

I borrowed this from the library and tried out a few recipes. I most likely won’t be buying this book.

If you’re into pop culture, this book could be for you. He tells some wild stories about his friends and celebrities. He is a great storyteller! He has special guests in some of his recipes.

I like how the book was sectioned out by cuisines. Each section includes a starter, side, main dish, and dessert. I have done Whole30 in the past, so I feel like I’ve rewired my brain to avoid certain ingredients. I tend to follow more healthier recipes, such as Defined Dish, so some of these recipes seemed a bit too unhealthy for me, but man…the 2 lbs of cheese in the Mac and cheese sounds incredible.

Some of the recipes were too expensive for the average folk like the caviar and chips, and deep fried Rolex (lol). This was the most entertaining cookbook I’ve read. Besides being a great music producer, Benny seems like a chill and fun guy.

[Andrew Rodriguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book.

Tbf, I had not heard about Benny Blanco until he was on one of my favorite cooking podcasts promoting this book. I don’t normally buy celebrity cookbooks, but he was charming enough that I caved.

The book started out rather unrelatable and unaffordable. But once I accepted that I may not be the primary audience and past the first few rather expensive recipes, I began to understand the charm in Benny’s cookbook, and it was rather entertaining. There are a few recipes I’m excited to try.

I would really only recommend this book if you are familiar with Benny already and love to cook new things and willing to spend big money on fun dinners.

[Aline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Looks fun but it wasn’t for me. A few good recipes but the rest of it , the backstories, isn’t my scene.

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Benny Blanco wants us to know that he is cool, fun, funny, rich, and famous. Most (if not all) of these recipes aren't his. There is also a weird little section about dieting and eating healthy (with a whole pitch for his personal trainer), which is then surrounded by recipes so heavy they feel gross just to read. Many of the very expensive ingredients and kitchen gadgets he recommends are used for just one recipe in the book. It seems like the goal is to flaunt wealth and fame, not actually teach anyone how to cook.

Also, I don't know why this is what sent me into the rage that made me decide to even write a review, but I was so confused and had to reread the gazpacho recipe a few times to understand it before I realized he (and his coauthor, or editor) doesn't know that tomatoes and cucumbers aren't vegetables. I got this from the library because a few chefs I love were recommending it around the time it came out. It was in no way for me and I'm glad I didn't spend any money on it.

[Cheryl Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blanco is crass at times but saved some of the yummy recipes to try! Talented man.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book as a bday present to myself and I got it in the mail last night. I’ll be done reading this soon, but have a few things to say before I do. There’s a secret playlist-download it! I did and listened to it in the car this morning on the way to work, and this song comes on at the end that had me in tears. Like feeling super nostalgic. I’m driving down the road with tears in my eyes, thinking about my life having this out of body experience.

So, I come home and am currently reading through the book. I’m on page 248. I stopped to say-get this book. I’ve laughed and I’ve cried and I’ve contemplated my life in my bday month and what more can you ask for from a fucking cookbook! 🩷

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This cookbook is a vanity project. Most of the recipes are not Benny’s. Benny seems to think everyone is rolling in money. Most recipes I can’t make because they are cost prohibitive and a lot of ingredients aren’t sold in my city. There are a few “normal” recipes but they aren’t original. Save your money and pass on this cookbook, unless you’re a big fan or have lots of bank.

[Leilani · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Sza’s Banana Pudding” is a keeper. Benny nailed it with this recipe. I’ve made this banana pudding cake many times. For birthdays, holidays, and even a funeral. It’s always a hit and a conversation starter when I tell them it’s a Benny Blanco recipe and the name of it. Make it, it’s worth it.

[Tiffany T · Rating 2 out of 5]

Has a recipe for fried Rolex watch. Ick.

[Julie Grace Immink · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like eatin a hamburger on a toilet

[Natalie Pietro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Benny Blanco you sure are one crazy motherf*cker and this book sure proves it! I knew there must be something special about you when you can bag a girl like Selena Gomez. You have this down to earth killer vibe, and it shines brightly in this wicked cookbook. A cookbook with such crazy delicious sounding dishes begging to be made the moment you finish reading this gem.
I loved all your funny stories of celebrity nights gone wrong, stoner moments that could only be believed if seen on screen, and raw depictions of friends, family, and foes just kicking back and having a good time. Good times the reader wishes they could jump into the book and join along. To party with your crew would be legendary.
As for this cookbook I don’t know how you were so charming and got so many great celebrities’ chefs to add their mouth-watering recipes to this book. Recipes easy as pie and others need days on end to fully get the dish rockin. You truly are a master knowing a great cookbook needs a photo next to every recipe and you did that beautifully. Delectable pictures to make your mouth salivate even more. You describe food with such passion I’m not sure if I’m reading a cookbook or a reading smut. It’s like you are making love to each dish. Love that will make you linger for more.
The best part of this jolly ride was the ending when you deep fried Ed Sheeran’s Rolex, $16,500 watch to be exact, and that picture of you biting into the fried watch was ridiculously ludicrous. It truly showed your humor. Thanks for the recipe on that treasure.
I will frequent this book more often than I think to not only make these meals but to drool over not only the food pictures but your portraits too. They are quite stunning. You eating a cheeseburger on the toilet, spaghetti in the pool, or a close up of your beautiful painted toes. How could a girl resist? Thank you for this cookbook and for being you. Fun loving you.

[Julia Williams-Portland · Rating 4 out of 5]

The descriptions of the food are worth reading alone, no need to make any recipes. I would say this book is out of touch - talking about caviar and using outdoor pizza ovens - but i think Benny Blanco acknowledges the average person does not have access to these things.

I think, the point of this cookbook was for him to give a glimpse into what you can creatively be eating if you have the money for it AND for him to amass a collection of his favorite recipes.

This cookbook reads like an impassioned friend telling you their favorite foods and how to throw a great dinner party. When reading, you get the vibe that Benny is very proud of this book and doesn’t really care if it sells.

I think this book is a good lesson in how to express authenticity. You can just tell how excited the author is to share his favorite meals.

It was a warm read, easy to skim through, and a collection of foods you may never have heard of before. I’ll be aiming to make some recipes from this.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun cookbook with some different recipes, a great playlist and some entertaining music industry backstories. Blanco loves food, and entertaining, and these recipes are organized by types of food ('I Wish I was an Italian Grandma') is a chapter. The crabcakes are awesome, and there is a tomato burrata salad with this honey/vinegar dressing that is amazing. There are a few other dressings/sauces that stood out and a tahini/caramel cookie. The healthy food section doesn't include any nutritional information; and I could have done with a few more food photos and less of him.

This is a fun book that will give you some creative recipes (all are clearly explained) and entertaining ideas.

[Stephanie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I throughly enjoyed reading every single page of this book and I don’t even really know Benny Blanco very well. Seeing a couple of clips of him enjoying life just made me want to see what he was about. So far I have only made three dishes from this book and it turned out great. But I will warn everyone that I think they are indulgent when you compare them to other recipes. I love that he promotes other cooks in this book. I love his stories with other music artist. I think the only story that was missing was the Rick Martinez one. I still want to read it. The book ranges from mostly easy to one super long one. The goal is to eat with friends. I think he was successful in his goal.

[Linda Nicholas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Borrowed from the library based on the cover as I like to test drive cookbooks before adding to my collection. I didn’t know who benny was prior to reading this but it was very enjoyable and I read it cover to cover. Was so impressed with benny giving back by donating produce to areas in need. I also learned about (and have purchased) the Lomi food composter in this book. I have since ordered my own copy of Open Wide to keep so I can now try out the recipes!

[Stacy Teet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually pretty darn good

I spotted this one in the bookstore and liked the typography and photos. I went in with zero expectations for this cookbook and boy was I genuinely surprised. I guess Benny Blanco knows his stuff, I’ve got at least a dozen recipes flagged to try. The Greek section alone makes this book worth it but there is definitely something for everyone in here. I’m impressed.

[Reagan Brasch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please don’t judge me for liking this book. I had a friend who described our mutual like this,” If I cut open her head, dirt would fall out.” 😂 That is Benny Blanco. This is not appropriate to read at work, but who reads a cookbook at work anyway. The bean dip was delicious. I regret nothing. According to my daughter, he’s engaged to Selena Gomez. She must laugh and put her head into her hands a lot.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious, entertaining, and good vibes. Benny is a great storyteller and I enjoyed reading about his eccentric friendships. The recipes were insane haha - including a Mac and cheese that asks for 2 pounds of cheese. Caviar on potato chips. And the showstopper, a deep-fried Rolex. Overall unrealistic but fun I guess lol. Happy to have this on my bookshelf! There’s also a curated playlist to listen to while you read and that was a lot of fun!!

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this one as I do enjoy his content on Instagram. Loved the stories and the restaurant recommendations, especially as someone who likes to hear about new restaurants, especially in NY. However, I’m really tempted to try Jon and Vinny’s if I’m ever in LA. The fusilli recipe looked amazing!

(Also want to try the BTS and Red Velvet Cakes and Pop’s Fried Chicken!)

[Heather Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great cookbook. It doesn’t have a bunch of endless ingredients that the average Joe has to hunt to find and the recipes don’t take hours. There are some fun stories to add to it. We’ve enjoyed making three dishes already and have many more marked for this week. I don’t buy cookbooks but I definitely recommend this one.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

New fan 😊 I read cookbooks like novels. I was pleasantly surprised by this one and have bookmarked over a dozen recipes that I want (NEED) to try. There are a lot of unexpected twists in ingredients and methods that sound great. I’m really selective in what I go back and buy in hardcover for my kitchen collection, but I’m hopeful this one may just be a contender.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The recipes all looked stellar but the way the cookbook was organized just wasn’t for me. I don’t like dinner parties enough to follow the directions here. The writing was witty and engaging and the list of pantry staples and other genuinely good condiments to bring my cooking up a notch were great references.

[Lisa Winter · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoy reading cookbooks, so there's that! But many of the recipes are cost prohibitive (caviar! lobster! 12 pounds of cheese in his Mac and Cheese) or not readily available in standard grocery stores.

Plus, he's a big pothead! I don't object on principle, but it felt like every third paragraph mentioned lighting up and partaking!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best cookbook I’ve read in a long time. Fantastic stories and tons of recipes that are creative but still look/sound delicious. Very excited to make the Miso Caramel Thumbprint Cookies and a bunch of other recipes.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cookbook has a very specific audience: music lovers and pot smokers. It's an odd assortment of recipes, from something as simple as a quesadilla made with a clothes iron to an elaborate lasagna.

[Abbigail · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of my favorite parts of cookbooks is when they make sample menus for different occasions at the back of the book, so I liked that aspect of this book. But I'm giving this book one star because it doesn't sound like he actually wrote most of these recipes, and this dude is just a fool.

[Claritza Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is everything!!!

I cannot stress enough how good this book is! I have bookmarked so many recipes in this book that I supposedly knew how to make and the twists in this book have made them so much better!!!

[Stephanie Duff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very strange book. I didn’t know much about Benny Blanco to start, but now I know that he’s a nymphomaniac who loves food and “taking a good shit”. It was an interesting read, if completely random, at least. The recipes all sounded pretty good, and I saved a few.

[Jan Tisdale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Far out groovy cookbook. As far as the recipes go, wouldn’t make most of them but they were interesting but to much work. As a writer, he’s funny and made me laugh. So I enjoyed book for its writing but not for his recipes.