Football food ideas
Senior Food Editor at M&S Food
Heather Taylor
The best football food ideas
A summer of unforgettable sport deserves great food to go with it. Whether you’re cooking from scratch or want to know the best football game snacks to pick up in the Foodhall, M&S has everything you need for a winning spread. Make these your match-day non-negotiables:
Picky bits to put on the table for everyone to share.
Food inspired by the countries of this year’s tournament – think tacos, American-inspired flavours, Mexican cocktails and Nachos to let everyone dig and dunk into.
Summer crowd-pleasers like chicken wings and hot dogs.
Drinks, such as ice-cold beers and non-alcoholic alternatives, or a big jug of Sangria.
Match-day heroes

Next-level dips
Dips are a must-have, and whether you're making them from scratch or buying ready-made, we've got you covered.
Celebrate with this epic football pitch layered dip recipe, complete with guacamole grass and pretzel goalposts.
Dig into delicious topped dips from the Foodhall, in flavours like chicken tikka, mezze or New York deli pastrami.
The trend for 'whipped dips' is everywhere this year – make it yourself with this whipped burrata and roasted tomato recipe, or try this Whipped Spicy Nacho Cheddar Dip.

Crunchy crisps to snack on
Delicious dips deserve the most moreish crisps and chips for dunking. Try our Ultimate Dipper Tortilla Chips, which are designed for maximum scooping, or go classic with crunchy Cantina Tortilla Chips (great with guacamole and salsa).
Or embrace the trend for 'loaded crisps' with our everything salmon bagel loaded crisps recipe – just tear open the bag, load up with irresistible toppings and let everyone help themselves.


The best burgers for while you watch the game
A burger is a great idea for game day – it's hand-held, great on the barbecue, and there are loads of ways to get creative with toppings. Try our on-trend Smashed Burgers, which go caramelised and crisp-edged as they cook.
Need some burger recipe inspiration? Score with these:
Tom Kerridge's smoky beef burger is finished with Fiery Pickles and crunchy slaw.
These wagyu beef burgers, loaded with sticky caramelised onions, are a proper treat.
Going veggie? You can't go wrong with a chilli halloumi burger, or some healthy mini bean burger sliders.
Or how about a hot honey chicken burger? This hits all the right crispy, spicy, succulent notes.

Pitch-perfect picky bits
Summer plus sport equals picky bits-o-clock. Since M&S is the home of iconic picky bits, why would you go anywhere else for your football snacks?
Try a flip and dip board with crunchy snacks and crudités.
Or make your own grazing board with charcuterie, olives and antipasti (or whatever you fancy).


All-American football flavours
With this year's tournament heading to North America, we're set to see the Americana food trend soar. Embrace these big, bold flavours at your match-day get-together:
Fluffy biscuits (an American bake similar to a scone) filled with hot honey chicken – give this please-all recipe a go.
How about a pull-out-all-the-stops Cajun-inspired seafood traybake?
Inspired by po'boys, these crispy prawn sliders are made for sharing with your teammates.
America meets Italy in this epic Reuben hot dog focaccia.


A Mexican match-day feast
Look to the flavours of one of the host countries for inspiration for your football food – think sizzling tacos, loaded burritos and Margaritas.
Prep these healthy chicken burritos ahead and re-heat when you get hungry during late-night fixtures.
Or how about a plate of healthy mushroom birria tacos, with fiery salsa for dunking?
Watching the game on catch-up the next morning? Try a flavour-packed Mexican breakfast, like this take on chilequelas – crisp tortillas topped with refried beans, eggs and avocado.
If you don't fancy cooking, our heat-to-eat burritos are ideal – pop into the air fryer and dig in.


The best pizza for the football
Football and pizza are a match made in heaven. Whether you're making one from scratch or buying ready-made, our slices will score top marks for flavour.
Got a crowd coming? Serve this deep-dish Detroit-style Hot Pepp' Pie with pepperoni and a hot honey drizzle, or pick up a limited-edition Mexicana Chicken Pizza.
Need a quick snack to curb midnight munchies? Our Pizza Pockets, in store from 10 June, are your friend – choose from oozy margarita or chicken fajita flavours.
If you fancy making it yourself, browse our easy pizza recipes, from tear-and-share pizza rolls to speedy sausage and broccoli pizzas.


Match-day ready beers and drinks
Raise a glass to an unforgettable summer of sport with an ice-cold beer. The key – especially if you're planning an afternoon barbecue before an later game – is to serve mid-strength beers that you can session and sip. Try our refreshing new Table Beer Lager, Lemon and Lime Shandy, or zingy Raspberry Fruit Beer.
For a low-alcohol option, stock the fridge with soft drinks and the freezer with plenty of ice.
A cocktail or two will always go down a treat – these Spicy Beeritas fit the bill perfectly.
Best of the beers
Published 26/05/2026















