Australia Day is less than two weeks away, and if you're planning a backyard BBQ, beach gathering, or boat party on the harbour, you need food that's easy, delicious, and feeds a crowd without the stress.
Enter empanadas: the perfect Australia Day party food you didn't know you needed. Argentum makes them in Bondi Beach and delivers frozen by default for retail, ready to bake in 18 to 22 minutes at 190C. For catering and markets we serve them baked or fried in beef tallow.
Why empanadas are perfect for Australia Day
Australia Day celebrations are all about relaxed outdoor gatherings with friends and family. Empanadas tick every box:
- No plates or cutlery needed: hand-held and self-contained
- Serve hot or room temperature: perfect for all-day grazing
- Easy to transport: beach, park, boat, empanadas travel well
- Feed a crowd: scale up easily for large gatherings via the Party Box of 60
- Something different: stand out from the usual sausage sizzle
- Frozen or baked options: retail orders ship frozen. Catering and markets get them baked or fried in beef tallow
Plus, they're a conversation starter. How many BBQs have you been to where someone brings authentic Argentinian empanadas? See more finger food ideas for Australian parties and why handheld food wins at parties.
How many empanadas do you need?
For Australia Day parties, plan for:
- Main meal: 6 to 8 empanadas per person
- Alongside BBQ food: 3 to 4 empanadas per person
- Grazing/appetiser: 2 to 3 empanadas per person
Pro tip: always round up. It's Australia Day, people will be hungry, and you don't want to run out. For 10 people alongside BBQ, the Chef's Box ($85 minimum) covers the grazing window. For 50 plus, see our catering for 50 people Sydney guide or the finger food catering playbook.
Best empanada flavours for Australia Day
Carnivore beef empanadas
The crowd-pleaser. Grass-fed beef brisket, seasoned with onions and spices. Perfect for meat lovers and pairs well with a cold beer.
Why it works: hearty, satisfying, and authentically Argentinian. Great alongside your BBQ spread.
Athlete chicken empanadas
A lighter option that appeals to everyone. Tender chicken with green olives, mozzarella, lemon and curry in a golden, flaky pastry.
Why it works: less heavy than beef, perfect for hot summer days, and a hit with kids and adults alike.
Patagonia plant-based empanadas
Essential for inclusive hosting. Green pastry with mushrooms, spinach and kale. No one will miss the meat.
Why it works: ensures everyone at your party has something delicious to eat, regardless of dietary preferences. Vegan and Halal option included.
Our recommendation: the Australia Day mix
For a balanced spread across the 5 active flavours (Carnivore, Athlete, Classic, Patagonia, Habibi Yalla), go with:
- 40% Carnivore (beef)
- 30% Athlete (chicken)
- 20% Patagonia (plant-based)
- 10% Classic or Habibi Yalla for variety
This ensures variety and keeps everyone happy. Browse the full empanada range.
Serving ideas for your Australia Day party
Beach or park setup
- Pack empanadas in insulated containers or esky
- Serve in baskets lined with baking paper
- Bring chimichurri and salsa in squeeze bottles for easy serving
- Pair with cold drinks and fresh fruit
Perfect for picnics and outdoor events across Sydney.
Backyard BBQ
- Arrange empanadas on wooden boards or platters
- Set up a DIY sauce station with chimichurri, salsa, and lemon wedges
- Serve alongside your BBQ meats and salads
- Keep extras warm in the oven on low heat
Boat party on the harbour
- Order frozen and bake fresh before departure, or order baked for catering
- Pack in sealed containers to keep fresh
- No mess, no fuss, perfect for eating on the water
- Pair with Aussie wines or craft beers
See our boat parties collection for the perfect selection.
What to serve with empanadas
Empanadas are versatile, but here are some great Australia Day pairings:
Sauces and condiments
- Chimichurri: traditional Argentinian herb sauce, a must-have
- Fresh tomato salsa: light and refreshing
- Lemon wedges: perfect for chicken and veggie empanadas
- Hot sauce: for those who like a kick
Sides
- Simple green salad with lemon dressing
- Coleslaw
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Fresh watermelon slices
Drinks
- Cold beer (lagers and pale ales work great)
- Australian wines (try a Shiraz or Chardonnay)
- Sparkling water with lime
- Iced tea or lemonade
Frozen or baked: which should you choose?
Order frozen (retail default)
Best for: retail home delivery, backyard parties with oven access, boat parties where you can prep beforehand, or when you want maximum freshness.
Bake them fresh on Australia Day morning at 190C for 18 to 22 minutes (or under 25 minutes if your oven runs cooler). Stored 6 months at -18C in the freezer.
Order baked or fried in beef tallow (catering and markets)
Best for: catering events without kitchen access, beach or park gatherings, and corporate events.
Empanadas arrive ready to serve. Talk to us about catering options.
How to order for Australia Day
Australia Day is Monday, 26 January 2026. To ensure you get your empanadas in time:
- Order by Friday, 23 January for guaranteed delivery
- Specify frozen (retail) or baked (catering) when ordering
- Provide your delivery address (we deliver across Sydney metro)
- Let us know your party size so we can recommend quantities
Get in touch via our contact form for catering quotes and large orders.
Why empanadas beat the usual Australia Day food
Don't get us wrong, we love a good sausage sizzle and a lamb chop on the barbie. But empanadas bring something different to the table:
- More interesting: authentic Argentinian flavour beats generic party food
- Less work: no standing over a hot grill all day
- Easier to serve: no plates, no mess, no stress
- Dietary flexibility: easy to offer options for everyone (Vegan and Halal option included)
- Memorable: your guests will remember the party with the amazing empanadas
Make this Australia Day unforgettable
Australia Day is about celebrating with the people you love, enjoying great food, and making memories. Empanadas make it easy to do all three.
Whether you're hosting a beach picnic in Bondi, a backyard BBQ in the Inner West, or a boat party on Sydney Harbour, empanadas are the perfect addition to your Australia Day spread.
Order frozen for convenience, or get in touch about baked catering for events. Either way, you're getting authentic empanadas made in Bondi Beach that'll make your party stand out. For more inspiration, see our roundup of the best empanadas in Sydney and the Argentinian food scene in Sydney.
Order now for Australia Day delivery via our contact form or browse the full empanada range.
Let's make this Australia Day one to remember.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best food for an Australia Day party?
Empanadas are one of the best foods for an Australia Day party because they are hand-held, portable, and serve well at room temperature. Argentum bakes 5 Argentinian flavours in Bondi Beach. Pair them with sausage sizzle, salads, and cold beer for a spread that feeds 10 to 100 with no plates or cutlery needed.
How many empanadas for a 10-person Australia Day BBQ?
For a 10-person BBQ where empanadas sit alongside other food, plan 3 to 4 per person, so roughly 30 to 40 empanadas. If empanadas are the main meal, aim for 6 to 8 per person. The Argentum Chef's Box covers smaller gatherings, while the Party Box of 60 suits larger crowds. Order by Friday 23 January 2026 for guaranteed Sydney delivery.
Are empanadas Australian-friendly?
Yes. Argentinian empanadas suit Australian party culture perfectly: hand-held, no cutlery, easy to share, work hot or at room temperature, and travel well to beaches, parks, and boats. Argentum makes ours in Bondi Beach with grass-fed beef brisket, free-range chicken, and locally sourced produce, so the ingredients are Australian even when the recipes are Argentinian.
Are empanadas suitable for hot weather?
Yes. Empanadas are baked in a sealed pastry, so they hold up better than open finger foods in Sydney summer heat. They're delicious at room temperature, which means you can bake them in the morning and serve later in the day without worrying about reheating. Keep them in an esky or insulated container for beach and park gatherings.
Do you cater Australia Day events?
Yes. Argentum caters Australia Day events across Sydney metro, from backyard BBQs to harbour boat parties to corporate gatherings. Catering orders can be baked or fried in beef tallow and arrive ready to serve. Minimum order is $85. Get in touch via our contact form with party size, location, and timing, and Pedro will put a quote together.
What flavours should I order for Australia Day?
For a 5-flavour Australian mix we suggest 40% Carnivore (grass-fed beef brisket), 30% Athlete (chicken with green olives, mozzarella, lemon and curry), 20% Patagonia (plant-based with mushrooms, spinach and kale), and 10% Classic or Habibi Yalla for variety. This covers meat lovers, lighter eaters, vegans, and halal guests in a single order.
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