Laura Rutledge reveals her secret to winning the game day food spread, interview

Laura Rutledge for The Honey Baked Ham Company
Laura Rutledge for The Honey Baked Ham Company / The Honey Baked Ham Company
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While fans want to cheer their team to a victory, the game day food spread is vital to making the whole experience even more flavorful. Laura Rutledge opened her playbook and shared how she wins the day with a little help from The Honey Baked Ham Company.

When it comes to analyzing the plays, moves, and strategies on the gridiron, many people trust Laura Rutledge’s insight. From the SEC to the NFL, the sports analyst and host breaks down the information that fans want. That insight from years of experience puts her on top of her game.

Since Rutledge has spent many years traveling from game day to game day, she appreciates that the four quarters on the field are just a small sampling of the total experience. Setting the table with ample, favorite food choices helps fans get into the whole experience.

Continuing her collaboration with The Honey Baked Ham Company, Rutledge joined me for a virtual interview to discuss the brand’s new food offerings, some of her favorite choices, and a few NFL predictions for the upcoming season.

To kick off football season, the brand added Gameday Boxes and Take and Bake Pulled Pork Cuban Sliders. When asked her thoughts on the new food items, Rutledge said that they received a huge response from her biggest fans, her family.

She said, “I love that they added to their extensive game day menu. I think that it speaks to the fact that you have something for everyone. It does not matter who you are welcoming into your home or tailgate, you are going to impress everyone and they will be talking about all the food.”

“In our house, we love the new Pulled Pork Cuban sliders. It is twist on the classic Cuban. The pulled pork is delicious and my son’s favorite.”

While the new offering has many people excited to take that first bite, Rutledge believes that the versatility is what makes Honey Baked the must order for any football gathering. Just like the football team that has the depth to cover every play with ease, the food brand has a little bit of everything for everyone.

For example, the classic sandwich platter can be transformed based on the opponent. Incorporating some regional toppings for those sandwiches can be a fun way to bring some creativity to every week’s game day spread.

Rutledge hears from fans that they know what they want. She said, “what I hear from fans is that they want convenience but they do not want to sacrifice quality. They want it to look like they went all out. It is one of the reasons why Honey Baked Game Day is a favorite. You can get everything that you need at one stop.”

Plus, some of the food choices are just the right size. For example, Rutledge discussed the sliders.

“People are moving around at home gate and tailgates. They are not just sitting there, parked in front of the game. A food that is easy to grab and take with them is key.”

Given that the food brand has asked for and incorporated guests’ feedback, the game day host knows that the flavor will score points with everyone around the table. Impressing guests is key to being the best host.

While getting the applause for a job well done is appreciated, Rutledge believes that the traditions and connections created from that event are more important. She said, “for me, it’s about great food, but it is what we are doing together and our conversations while we’re gathered around the table.”

As many people understand food is that common connector. Flavor preferences can vary, but there are ways to create bonds around the table. Those moments are the ones that have people hungry for more.

Speaking of hungry, football fans are ready for the regular season kickoff. For NFL fans, Rutledge believes that this season will be dependent on the quarterbacks.

She shared, “I think that the rookie quarterbacks are fascinating. Specifically with Caleb Williams (number one pick), the Bears might be better than we thought and it might flash on the scene sooner than we realize. I think that the exciting, young quarterbacks and their paly will make this season quite entertaining.”

Whether a favorite team kicks off the season with an epic win or has some improvement on the horizon, the reality is that The Honey Baked Ham Company wins with its game day food spread every week. Ready to place that order?