Check out some of the best recipes for AFL Grand Final party food. From hand pies to fruit salad and more, these dishes go far beyond the sausage sizzle.

Whether you’re a footy fan or not, the AFL Grand Final is the perfect excuse to get friends and family together for a festive gathering.
But if you’re tired of the standard sausage sizzle, you may be wondering what kinds of dishes to serve at your AFL watch party this year.
Look no further! We’ve sourced 10 of the best recipes for a guaranteed good time (and great eats). No matter the outcome of the footy finals, these snacks will make for the ultimate viewing experience. From healthy options to vegetarian picks, and of course some classics, these recipes are sure to please.
10 Delicious Footy Final Recipes
1. Savoury Vegetarian Hand Pies
Nothing says ‘party’ like hand pies. These vegetarian ones make the perfect crowd-pleasers to bulk out your sausage sizzle, or to serve as a vegetarian alternative. Made with savoury veggies, cheese, and plenty of spices, they’re perfectly customisable to suit your taste.
2. Chocolate Covered Strawberry Footballs
Could these chocolate strawberries be any cuter? They’re the perfect low-effort dessert to play into the footy theme. Transform them into the ultimate AFL dessert by using white chocolate, dyed red with food colouring.
3. Cob Loaf
Impress your guests with the tried-and-true Aussie favourite: cob loaf. As the recipe creator, Cooking With Nana Ling says, this recipe ‘screams “retro”, “comfort food” and “party” all at once.’ Perfect for any Grand Final watch party.
4. Healthy Spinach Artichoke Dip
It’s always good to have a few dips on-hand, and this healthy take on spinach artichoke dip is a must-make. Vegetarian-friendly and super addictive, we guarantee your guests will be asking for the recipe. Serve it with veggie sticks, crackers, or even thinly sliced baguette.
5. Mini Party Sausage Rolls
Just like party pies, sausage rolls are an essential finger food, perfect for snacking on while watching the footy. Skip the barbecue and instead prep a few batches of these sausage rolls. Making 24 servings per batch, there will be plenty to go around.
6. Easy Fruit Salad
It’s always a good idea to have a few fresh options on hand, and this fruit salad is the perfect way to bring some colour to your party spread. With berries, kiwi, and mandarin, it’s a wonderful mix of some delicious in-season fruits. The best part is you can customise it as you like, adding or substituting your favourite fruits.
7. Epic Hummus Board
Another healthy option to serve at your AFL watch party is a hummus board. In addition to being a tasty snack, this hummus board looks like a beautiful centrepiece in its own right. This loaded hummus board from Once Upon a Chef promises to be a crowd-pleaser, so make sure you stock up on the pitta beforehand.
8. Mini Party Sandwiches
If you’re looking for something super simple to make for a crowd, look no further than mini sandwiches. Easy to prepare, universally loved. . . what more could you want?
9. Caprese Skewers
These skewers are the perfect way to serve a side salad without the extra headache of cutlery and plates. Not only are these caprese skewers super cute, they also taste delicious, stacked up with fresh basil and creamy mozzarella.
10. Virgin Strawberry Mojito
Beer is the obvious drink of choice for AFL Grand Final watch parties, but what about something for non-drinkers? These virgin strawberry mojitos are a fun alternative, without much effort required. To prep a big batch, we recommend making your simple syrup ahead of time, then muddling a big bunch of the strawberry mixture. All you’ll need to do while serving is scoop some strawberry mix into the glasses, add some simple syrup, and top it all up with soda water.
Prefer an alcoholic cocktail? Try this Limoncello Spritz!