It sounds like a punchline. Snoop Dogg, the man who basically invented the persona of the laid-back, weed-loving West Coast rap icon, wrote a cookbook. People laughed when From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dogg's Kitchen first dropped in 2018. They expected gag recipes. Maybe something involving a lot of "herbs" that aren't oregano.
But then they actually opened it.
What they found wasn't a joke. It was a legitimate, high-quality collection of soul food, upscale dinner party staples, and surprisingly technical instructions. Honestly, Snoop Dogg’s cooking book did something most celebrity lifestyle brands fail to do: it stayed authentic while actually being useful. It didn't try to be Martha Stewart—even though Martha is his literal best friend—and it didn't try to be a parody of itself.
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It’s just good food.
The Martha Stewart Effect and the Birth of a Chef
You can't talk about Snoop in the kitchen without talking about Martha. Their friendship is one of the weirdest, most wholesome things to happen to pop culture in the last twenty years. It started back in 2008 when Snoop appeared on her show to make mashed potatoes. He came back for brownies. By the time they launched Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party on VH1, the world realized that Snoop wasn't just a guest; he was a student of the craft.
Snoop’s cooking book is the direct result of that evolution. He realized that his audience—people who grew up on his music—were now adults who needed to know how to feed their families. But he also knew they weren't going to buy a textbook on French mother sauces.
He bridged the gap.
The book is divided into chapters that reflect his life. You’ve got "Breakfast" (or "The Morning After"), "Main Meals," "Desserts," and "Drinks." There’s a section called "OG Munchies" because, let’s be real, it’s Snoop. But even in the munchies section, we aren't talking about just opening a bag of chips. We’re talking about Frito BBQ Twists or specialized peanut butter crackers.
What’s Actually Inside the Pages?
If you're looking for cannabis-infused recipes, you’re looking in the wrong place. Seriously. That is the number one misconception about this book. There is zero THC in these recipes. Snoop has been very vocal about the fact that he wanted this to be a "real" cookbook that anyone could use, regardless of their lifestyle choices.
The recipes are heavy on the butter. They are heavy on the salt. They are unapologetically indulgent.
The Billionaire’s Bacon
One of the standout recipes that everyone talks about is the "Billionaire’s Bacon." It’s simple. It’s thick-cut bacon coated in brown sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. You bake it until it’s caramelized. It’s the kind of thing you’d see at a high-end brunch spot in Manhattan, but Snoop presents it as the ultimate luxury for a Sunday morning at home. It’s accessible.
Lobster Thermidor
This is where the E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) of the book actually kicks in. Most people wouldn't trust a rapper to teach them how to cook lobster. However, Snoop’s Lobster Thermidor is legit. It involves brandy, heavy cream, Gruyère cheese, and a level of patience that contradicts his "lazy" public persona. It shows he’s been paying attention to the pros.
The Fried Chicken
You can’t have a Snoop Dogg cooking book without fried chicken. His "Yardie Fried Chicken" uses a brine. Any chef worth their salt knows the brine is the secret. He uses citrus, herbs, and plenty of seasoning to make sure the meat is juicy. It’s a far cry from the fast-food stuff he likely ate during the Death Row Records era.
Why This Book Ranks So High in the Cultural Zeitgeist
Snoop didn't use a ghostwriter to erase his personality. Every page sounds like him. When he talks about "Tha Homies" or "keeping it G," it feels natural.
The photography is also top-tier. Usually, celebrity cookbooks use soft lighting and pastel colors. Snoop went the other way. The photos are vibrant, high-contrast, and almost cinematic. The food looks expensive. It looks like something you’d want to post on Instagram before you even take a bite.
But it's not just about aesthetics.
The book addresses a specific culinary niche: "Elevated Comfort Food." It’s for the person who wants to make a grilled cheese sandwich but wants to know why using American cheese and cheddar makes it better. It’s for the person who wants to make a rack of ribs but needs a rub that doesn't taste like it came out of a plastic jar from the supermarket.
Critical Reception and Real-World Use
Critics were surprisingly kind. The New York Times and Bon Appétit gave it more than just a passing glance. They recognized that while the prose is playful, the ratios in the recipes are accurate. That’s the "make or break" for any cookbook. If the bake times are wrong or the measurements are off, the book becomes a coffee table decoration. Snoop’s recipes actually work.
I’ve personally tried the mac and cheese. It uses a roux. It uses sharp cheddar. It doesn't skimp on the spices. It’s better than 90% of the recipes you’ll find on generic cooking blogs that are stuffed with SEO filler about "grandma’s kitchen."
The Limitations
Is it healthy? No. Absolutely not.
If you are on a keto diet or trying to lower your cholesterol, this book is basically a list of things you can't have. It is a celebration of fats, carbs, and sugar. It’s "soul food" in the most literal sense. It’s meant for celebrations, big family dinners, and those nights when you just don't care about the calorie count.
Also, some of the ingredients are a bit specific. Snoop likes his "Old Bay" seasoning and very specific brands of hot sauce. If you live somewhere where these aren't available, you'll have to sub them out, which might change the "authentic" Snoop flavor profile.
The Business of Being a Chef
Snoop Dogg’s cooking book was just the beginning. Since the release of From Crook to Cook, he’s expanded his food empire. He has his own wine line (19 Crimes), which he frequently pairs with the recipes in the book. He’s released a second book, Snoop Dogg Presents Goon up 'n Smoke It: 50 BBQ Recipes for Grillin' and Chillin', which focuses more on outdoor cooking and live fire.
He’s turned his personal brand into a lifestyle ecosystem.
The brilliance of his approach is that he never pretends to be a classically trained French chef. He’s a guy who loves to eat and has had the privilege of hanging out with the best chefs in the world. He’s the ultimate curator. He takes complex ideas and simplifies them for the rest of us.
How to Get the Most Out of the Recipes
If you're going to dive into these recipes, don't half-ass it.
First, get the right equipment. Snoop talks about using heavy cast-iron skillets. There’s a reason for that. Heat retention is key for that perfect crust on a steak or the right crunch on fried chicken.
Second, season as you go. One thing you'll notice in the writing is a constant reminder to taste. This is the difference between a cook and someone who just follows instructions.
Third, don't be afraid to fail. Even Snoop probably burnt a few batches of bacon before he perfected the "Billionaire" version.
Actionable Steps for the Home Cook
Ready to actually use this thing? Here is how to start without getting overwhelmed by the "Platinum" lifestyle.
- Start with the Staples: Don't go straight for the Lobster Thermidor. Start with the "OG Fried Bologna Sandwich." It’s a childhood classic elevated with better bread and better technique. It’ll give you a feel for his style.
- The Gin and Juice Factor: Flip to the drinks section. Snoop is the king of cocktails. His "Remix" of the classic Gin and Juice involves pineapple juice and a splash of soda. It’s a great entry point for hosting.
- Check the Pantry: Before you shop, make sure you have the "Snoop Essentials." This includes Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and a decent hot sauce. Most of his savory dishes rely on this flavor foundation.
- Pairing is Key: If you’re making a heavy meal from the book, look at his wine recommendations. The 19 Crimes Cali Red was specifically designed to stand up to the bold, spicy flavors found in his cooking.
- Set the Vibe: Cooking, according to Snoop, is 50% food and 50% atmosphere. Put on a playlist, pour a drink, and take your time. The recipes aren't designed for "30-minute weeknight rushes." They are designed for the experience.
Snoop Dogg’s cooking book isn't just a celebrity vanity project. It’s a legitimate entry into the American culinary canon that celebrates soul food, luxury, and the joy of a well-cooked meal. Whether you’re a fan of his music or just someone who wants a really good biscuit recipe, there is something in here that will genuinely surprise you.
Stop looking at it as a gimmick and start looking at it as a guide to living a slightly more flavorful life. Get the bacon started. The kitchen is waiting.