What Brand of Au Gratin Potatoes Are Gluten-Free?

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, approximately 1 in 133 Americans has celiac disease, making gluten-free food options essential. For those avoiding gluten, identifying what brand of au gratin potatoes are gluten-free can be tricky, as many instant mixes contain wheat flour as a thickener. This guide explores which brands offer safe options and how to make a delicious version from scratch.

Quick Summary

This guide provides information on which boxed au gratin potato mixes are confirmed gluten-free, highlights brands that contain gluten, and discusses the importance of checking labels. It includes a section on the risks of cross-contamination and details on how to make a safe, flour-free version at home.

Key Points

• Check the Label Carefully: Many instant au gratin potato mixes, like Betty Crocker, use wheat flour as a thickener and are not gluten-free.

• Idahoan is a Safe Brand: The Idahoan brand markets and labels its au gratin products as naturally gluten-free, using real potatoes with no added wheat flour.

• Be Wary of Great Value: While some retailers like Ubuy claim Great Value au gratin potatoes are gluten-free, older forum posts and potential formula changes warrant careful label verification and awareness of cross-contamination risks.

• Understand Cross-Contamination: Products manufactured in facilities that also process gluten-containing ingredients pose a risk for those with celiac disease. Certified gluten-free products are the safest bet.

• Make a Homemade Version: A homemade au gratin, using certified gluten-free flour or a flourless technique, offers complete control over ingredients and eliminates cross-contamination concerns.

• Not All Cheesy Potatoes are Equal: Just because potatoes are naturally gluten-free doesn't mean packaged or restaurant versions are, due to the sauces and other ingredients used.

Identifying Gluten-Free Au Gratin Potato Mixes

When navigating the grocery store aisles for a gluten-free au gratin potato mix, label reading is crucial. Some brands use wheat flour in their cheese sauce packets to thicken them, while others offer naturally gluten-free versions or clearly labeled alternatives.

Confirmed Gluten-Free Options

• Idahoan Homestyle Casserole Potatoes: The Idahoan brand explicitly markets its au gratin products as naturally gluten-free. The company's official website and product packaging confirm they are made with 100% real Idaho potatoes and do not contain artificial flavors or dyes. Their mixes, available in various sizes and combo packs, are a reliable choice for a quick, safe side dish.

• Great Value Au Gratin Potatoes (Walmart): While Great Value products require careful label inspection as formulation can change, some versions, such as those found on Ubuy, are explicitly marketed as gluten-free. However, consumer forums and older product information indicate historical discrepancies. It is essential to check the most current ingredient list and look for a certified gluten-free claim on the packaging for certainty. The online version sold on Ubuy states it is both vegetarian and gluten-free.

Brands to Avoid

• Betty Crocker Au Gratin Potatoes: This is a brand to avoid for those with gluten sensitivities. The ingredients list for Betty Crocker au gratin mixes clearly contains enriched wheat flour, which is a gluten-containing ingredient. Other product descriptions and allergen statements on various retail sites also list wheat as an allergen.

The Importance of Labeling and Certification

For anyone with celiac disease, relying on a company's “naturally gluten-free” claim is a risk without further investigation into their manufacturing processes. The safest route is to look for products certified by an organization like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). This certification ensures the product and its manufacturing facility meet strict standards for gluten-free safety.

The Risks of Cross-Contamination

Cross-contamination is a significant concern, especially with powdered mixes produced in facilities that also handle wheat-based products. Celiac forums, such as those on celiac.com, have historically discussed potential issues with store brands like Great Value, even if the ingredients appear safe. Always consider the possibility of shared equipment and processing lines when purchasing non-certified products. For those with a severe sensitivity, the safest option is often to prepare the meal from scratch to control every ingredient.

Comparison of Au Gratin Potato Options

Feature	Idahoan Au Gratin Mix	Betty Crocker Au Gratin Mix	Homemade Gluten-Free Au Gratin	DIY using GF Flour
Gluten Content	Certified Gluten-Free	Contains Wheat Flour	Naturally Gluten-Free	Uses Certified GF Flour Blend
Convenience	Very High (Just add milk/butter)	Very High (Just add milk/butter)	Low (Requires slicing and sauce prep)	Low (Requires slicing and sauce prep)
Flavor Control	Limited	Limited	High (Can adjust spices and cheeses)	High (Can adjust spices and cheeses)
Cost	Budget-friendly	Budget-friendly	Varies based on ingredients	Varies based on ingredients
Cross-Contamination	Certified Safe Facility	High Risk	None (in a safe kitchen)	Low Risk (in a safe kitchen)

How to Make Your Own Gluten-Free Au Gratin Potatoes from Scratch

Creating a homemade gluten-free au gratin dish offers complete control over ingredients and eliminates cross-contamination risks. The core of a safe recipe lies in the thickening agent for the creamy sauce. You can either use a naturally flour-free recipe or opt for a certified gluten-free flour blend.

The Flour-Free Method

This method relies on the starch from the potatoes and the reduction of heavy cream to create a rich, thick sauce, forgoing any flour entirely.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thin
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ cups grated Swiss cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• ¼ tsp garlic salt
• ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish.
2. Whisk together the heavy cream, egg, salt, pepper, garlic salt, and nutmeg in a bowl.
3. Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in the baking dish. Pour half of the cream mixture over the top.
4. Sprinkle with half of both cheeses. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, cream, and cheese.
5. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 30-35 minutes until golden brown and tender.

The Gluten-Free Flour Method

This approach uses a certified gluten-free flour blend to create a traditional roux-based cream sauce.

Ingredients:

• 6 russet potatoes, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup butter
• 3 tbsp certified gluten-free flour (like Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1)
• 2 ½ cups milk (dairy or almond milk)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp dry mustard
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• 1/3 cup chopped onion (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a casserole dish.
2. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in gluten-free flour to form a paste (roux).
3. Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce begins to thicken. Stir in the seasonings.
4. Remove from heat and mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Layer the sliced potatoes and pour the cheese sauce over them. Mix to ensure even coating.
6. Bake, covered, for 60 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 35 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden.

Conclusion

For those seeking a convenient, packaged solution, Idahoan Au Gratin Homestyle Casserole is a reliable, clearly labeled gluten-free choice. However, popular brands like Betty Crocker explicitly use wheat flour and should be avoided. Due to potential cross-contamination, those with severe sensitivities or celiac disease may opt for homemade recipes. Making au gratin from scratch, either with a flour-free method or by using a certified gluten-free flour blend, ensures complete control and safety. Always prioritize reading current ingredient labels and seeking certified products to ensure your meal is both delicious and safe for your dietary needs. For more information on navigating a gluten-free diet, organizations like the Celiac Disease Foundation provide authoritative resources.

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Further Reading

• Celiac Disease Foundation: For in-depth information about living with celiac disease and navigating a gluten-free diet, the Foundation's website is an excellent resource.

Related Searches

• Gluten-free scalloped potatoes
• Best gluten-free boxed potato mixes
• Homemade gluten-free au gratin potatoes recipe
• Is Betty Crocker au gratin gluten-free

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Optional Outbound Link

• Celiac Disease Foundation

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Betty Crocker au gratin potatoes gluten-free?

No, Betty Crocker au gratin potato mixes contain enriched wheat flour and are not gluten-free. For a gluten-free alternative, consider the Idahoan brand or a homemade recipe.

Are Idahoan au gratin potatoes gluten-free?

Yes, Idahoan au gratin potatoes are explicitly labeled as naturally gluten-free. Their recipes rely on real potatoes and do not contain wheat flour in the sauce mixes.

How can I tell if a boxed potato mix is gluten-free?

To determine if a boxed potato mix is gluten-free, always read the ingredient label carefully, looking for wheat flour or other gluten-containing additives. For absolute certainty, seek out products with a certified gluten-free seal from an organization like GFCO.

Do all cheesy potato dishes contain gluten?

No, not all cheesy potato dishes contain gluten, but many packaged and restaurant versions use gluten-based ingredients, often as a thickener for the sauce. Making a homemade version is the safest way to ensure it is gluten-free.

Can I use cornstarch to thicken a gluten-free au gratin sauce?

Yes, cornstarch is a suitable gluten-free thickener for au gratin sauce. Many homemade recipes use it, along with gluten-free flour blends, to achieve the desired creamy consistency.

What is the difference between scalloped and au gratin potatoes?

Both dishes feature thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce. The main difference lies in the cheese and toppings. Scalloped potatoes typically have a simple cream sauce, while au gratin usually includes cheese layered throughout and often a crispy cheese or breadcrumb topping.

What is a good brand of gluten-free flour for homemade au gratin?

Brands like Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten-Free Baking Flour, King Arthur Measure for Measure, and Pamela's All-Purpose Artisan Blend are all good choices for making a gluten-free roux for your sauce.