A machine for preparing a food product, comprising at least a stationary structure, a hydraulic circuit, and a control system (4, 39), wherein the hydraulic circuit comprises at least one water-supply source, means for heating water and pumping means, wherein the hydraulic circuit further comprises a first external dispensing element, designed to be supplied with pressurized hot water and/or steam, wherein the first dispensing element is configured for coupling, in particular sealed coupling, with an inlet (18, 26) of a disposable container for preparing and retaining the food product, wherein the hydraulic circuit is controllable, in particular via the control system (4, 39), for supplying pressurized hot water and/or steam to the first dispensing element, wherein: - the stationary structure defines a container-positioning area, - the first dispensing element is part of a dispensing head (50, 60) that is carried by the stationary structure and faces towards the container-positioning area, - the dispensing head (50, 60) is configured for coupling, in particular sealed coupling, of the first dispensing element with the inlet (18, 26) of the disposable container when the disposable container is positioned in a substantially predetermined position within the container-positioning area, characterized in that the dispensing head (50, 60) is provided with means for locally tearing an entry wall of the disposable container, and enabling venting of air present inside the container itself in the course of preparation of the food product. wherein the hydraulic circuit comprises at least one water-supply source, means for heating water and pumping means, wherein the hydraulic circuit further comprises a first external dispensing element, designed to be supplied with pressurized hot water and/or steam, wherein the first dispensing element is configured for coupling, in particular sealed coupling, with an inlet (18, 26) of a disposable container for preparing and retaining the food product, wherein the hydraulic circuit is controllable, in particular via the control system (4, 39), for supplying pressurized hot water and/or steam to the first dispensing element, wherein: - the stationary structure defines a container-positioning area, - the first dispensing element is part of a dispensing head (50, 60) that is carried by the stationary structure and faces towards the container-positioning area, - the dispensing head (50, 60) is configured for coupling, in particular sealed coupling, of the first dispensing element with the inlet (18, 26) of the disposable container when the disposable container is positioned in a substantially predetermined position within the container-positioning area, - the stationary structure defines a container-positioning area, - the first dispensing element is part of a dispensing head (50, 60) that is carried by the stationary structure and faces towards the container-positioning area, - the dispensing head (50, 60) is configured for coupling, in particular sealed coupling, of the first dispensing element with the inlet (18, 26) of the disposable container when the disposable container is positioned in a substantially predetermined position within the container-positioning area, characterized in that the dispensing head (50, 60) is provided with means for locally tearing an entry wall of the disposable container, and enabling venting of air present inside the container itself in the course of preparation of the food product.