The Big Game is about football, yes, we know—but it’s also about the food. Sure, the commercials are punchy, and the halftime performances are unforgettable, but let’s be real: The sandwiches and nachos are just as essential. And yet, every year, someone (maybe you?) gets stuck in the kitchen, missing game-winning touchdowns while frantically assembling one last dish. It’s time to flip the script: make-ahead mains that let you serve up crowd-pleasers and claim your rightful spot in front of the T.V.

These are the culinary equivalent of a perfectly executed two-minute drill—efficient, strategic and designed to score. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or heading to a potluck, they’ll keep you out of the weeds and firmly on the couch. Bonus? They’re the kinds of recipes you can text to friends with a casual, “Hey, bring this,” sparing yourself a potluck table full of sad hummus trays and questionable chips.

1. Hex Hoagie

A great hoagie isn’t just a sandwich; it’s an experience. This one delivers in spades. With layers of mortadella, salami, capicola and provolone, plus a zippy artichoke-pepper spread and tangy vinaigrette, this hefty hand-held creation is built to impress. While it might look simple, a hoagie demands careful assembly for that perfect balance of flavors and textures—and the effort pays off big-time when you slice into these two massive loaves.

Make-ahead tip: Assemble the hoagie an hour or two before serving to let the vinaigrette soak into the bread and the flavors meld together for that signature concertina effect that makes every bite pure perfection.

2. Chicago-Style Italian Beef

Messy, hearty and undeniably satisfying, Chicago-style Italian beef sandwiches are a surefire Super Bowl hit. This recipe opts for tender braised chuck roast over the traditional sliced beef and pairs it with crisp, tangy, homemade giardiniera, sweet peppers and onions for the ultimate flavor-packed bite. Best of all, this recipe is a host’s dream: Prep the beef and giardiniera ahead of time, and leave assembly for game day.

Make-ahead tip: Prepare the beef, giardiniera and peppers and onions the day before. Reheat the components on game day and let guests assemble their sandwiches fresh for peak flavor and convenience. (P.S. The same make-ahead instructions work for our Dr Pepper Pulled Pork Sandwiches.)

3. The Ultimate Lasagna

When it’s cold and snowy, lasagna is the ultimate game-day comfort food. This recipe layers rich ragù, creamy béchamel and perfectly cooked noodles for a dish that’s hearty enough to satisfy any crowd. Served straight from your Small Hybrid Roasting Pan, it’s  a cozy, stress-free way to feed a hungry group.

Make-ahead tip: Prepare the ragù and béchamel ahead of time, then assemble and bake the lasagna on game day.

4. Giant Spinach & Ricotta Calzone

A giant spinach and ricotta calzone is the perfect handheld game day food. Its self-contained design means you can savor every cheesy, savory bite without taking your eyes off the action. With fresh spinach, creamy ricotta and a golden Parmesan crust, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s as convenient as it is delicious. Prefer other flavors? Follow the same method, adding your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni, sautéed mushrooms or cooked, crumbled sausage.

Make-ahead tip: Prepare the filling and dough in advance; assemble and bake on your Hybrid Pizza Steel just before kickoff for a warm, satisfying treat.

5. Bratwurst with Sauerkraut

Bratwurst with sauerkraut is a game day classic. Tucking the bratwurst into toasted buns offers a convenient handheld option, allowing you to enjoy the game without missing a bite—er, a beat.

Make-ahead tip: Prepare the sauerkraut in advance; on game day, cook the bratwurst up to an hour or two in advance and keep warm in the oven, allowing guests to assemble the sandwiches during a commercial break.

6. Pork Belly Bao Buns

Soft, fluffy bao buns filled with tender, caramelized pork belly might not be traditional Super Bowl fare, but they’re guaranteed to score big. This recipe makes a generous 30 buns, ensuring nobody has to fight for seconds (or thirds). By slicing the pork belly into smaller pieces, the cooking time is trimmed to just over an hour, making prep efficient without sacrificing flavor. Taking the time in advance to seek out dark soy sauce elevates the whole dish (and you can use leftovers in Shrimp Fried Rice).

Make-ahead tip: Cook the pork belly and prepare the sauce a day ahead, then steam and assemble the buns just before serving (no more than 1 hour in advance).

7. Weeknight Chili

This one-pot wonder is easy to prepare and only gets better when made ahead, as the flavors deepen overnight. The real fun, of course, is customizing your bowl. Keep the chili warm on the stove and set out a toppings bar with classics like shredded cheddar, scallions, Fritos (trust us), sour cream, bacon crumbles or whatever you fancy.

Make-ahead tip: Cook the chili a day or two in advance to let the flavors meld. On game day, reheat and set up a toppings bar so guests can build their bowls to their liking.