Quick Answer
The short answer is that standard Betty Crocker scalloped potatoes are not gluten-free. Most Betty Crocker scalloped potatoes contain wheat flour, which contains gluten. However, Betty Crocker does offer some gluten-free scalloped potato options, such as their Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes made with rice flour instead of wheat flour. So some Betty Crocker scalloped potatoes are gluten-free, but one should always check the ingredients list to be sure.
Ingredients in Betty Crocker Scalloped Potatoes
The primary ingredients found in standard Betty Crocker scalloped potatoes that contain gluten are:
- Wheat flour – Wheat flour contains gluten and is used as a thickening agent.
- Bread crumbs – Most bread crumbs are made with wheat flour.
- Pasta – Most pasta contains wheat flour and is not gluten-free.
Other common ingredients in Betty Crocker scalloped potatoes that are naturally gluten-free include:
- Potatoes
- Milk or cream
- Butter or margarine
- Cheese
- Onions
- Salt and pepper
So in summary, the primary potential sources of gluten in standard Betty Crocker scalloped potatoes are the wheat flour and bread crumbs. Potatoes, dairy, butter, and most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Checking the Ingredients List
To determine if a specific Betty Crocker scalloped potato product is gluten-free, one should carefully read the ingredients list on the packaging.
Look for ingredients that contain gluten like wheat flour, barley, rye, wheat starch, pasta, couscous, bread crumbs, malt, and malt flavoring. Many seasonings may also contain gluten as well.
If the product uses rice flour instead of wheat flour, and does not contain any other gluten sources, then that variety of Betty Crocker scalloped potatoes is likely safe for a gluten-free diet.
Here is an example ingredients list for a gluten-free Betty Crocker Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes:
- Potatoes
- Cream
- Cheddar Cheese (pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes)
- Rice Flour
- Onions
- Butter (cream, salt)
- Salt
- Black Pepper
As long as you verify there is no wheat flour or other sources of gluten in the list, then that product should be gluten-free. But always check since ingredients can change over time.
Gluten-Free Potato Alternatives
If regular Betty Crocker scalloped potatoes contain gluten from wheat flour that you want to avoid, here are some alternative gluten-free options:
- Look for Betty Crocker Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes, made with rice flour.
- Use plain potatoes, cream, butter, cheese, and seasonings to make homemade scalloped potatoes.
- Try Idahoan gluten-free scalloped and au gratin potatoes.
- Use Bob’s Red Mill, King Arthur, or another gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of wheat flour in homemade scalloped potatoes.
- Check gluten-free brands like Annie’s, Glutino, or Kinnikinnick for scalloped potato products.
Many grocery stores also now have gluten-free sections with alternative gluten-free versions of products that typically contain gluten. Search for “gluten-free scalloped potatoes” to find a safe option for your diet.
Nutrition Information
Here is some nutrition information comparing Betty Crocker original scalloped potatoes to a gluten-free homemade version:
| Nutrition Facts | Betty Crocker Scalloped Potatoes (1 cup) | Gluten-Free Homemade Scalloped Potatoes (1 cup) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 260 | 285 |
| Fat | 18g | 16g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g | 19g |
| Protein | 4g | 5g |
| Sodium | 780mg | 100mg |
The gluten-free homemade version is very similar in nutrition but contains less sodium and slightly more protein. Making your own allows you to control ingredients and add less salt, butter, and cream if you prefer.
Preparation Methods
Here is an overview of how Betty Crocker scalloped potatoes are prepared:
- The potatoes are sliced thinly using a knife or mandoline.
- Onions may also be sliced and added.
- Butter, flour, and milk are used to make a creamy sauce.
- The potatoes and sauce are layered in a baking dish.
- Cheese is often added between layers or on top.
- The dish is covered and baked at 350°F for about 1 hour until tender.
- For a gluten free version, rice flour is used instead of wheat flour for thickening.
The layering and long covered baking allows the potatoes to soften while absorbing the creamy sauce. The end result is a tender, creamy casserole.
Taste and Texture
When prepared properly, Betty Crocker scalloped potatoes have a rich, creamy, and decadent taste. Each soft layer of potatoes absorbs the cheddar cheese sauce surrounding it. The taste is comforting and indulgent.
The texture is smooth and creamy, but still retains the shape of the sliced potatoes. The inside of the potatoes become soft and fall apart easily after baking for an extended time. A gluten-free version made with rice flour instead of wheat flour has an almost identical mouthfeel.
Pairings and Uses
Betty Crocker scalloped potatoes pair well with many classic comfort foods and dishes:
- Roasted chicken or turkey
- Baked ham
- Beef or pork roasts
- Meatloaf
- Fried chicken
- Sausage or pot roast
As a side for hearty meat dishes, the creamy and filling potatoes balance out the meal. Scalloped potatoes can also be served as a standalone vegetarian main course, or incorporated into casseroles and soups. They work well in cold potato salads and make an easy holiday side dish. Overall, they are a versatile starchy addition to balance any plate.
Cost and Availability
Betty Crocker scalloped potatoes can be purchased pre-made or prepared from boxes of potato helpers. Pre-made microwaveable versions cost around $2.50 to $4 for a 2-cup container.
The shelf-stable potato helpers boxes that make 4 servings cost $1 to $2.50. With the helper kits, you provide milk, butter, and potatoes.
Betty Crocker products are widely available at most major grocery stores in the United States. They can be found in the frozen foods section or aisles with other boxed goods and shelf-stable items.
Gluten-free scalloped potato options may be harder to find or limited to certain stores. Check health food stores, the gluten-free section of major supermarkets, or order online if needed.
History of Betty Crocker Scalloped Potatoes
Betty Crocker first released their potato helpers in 1954 as an easy shortcut for home cooks. These included scalloped, au gratin, mashed, and cheesy hashed brown flavors.
The potato helpers only required milk, butter, and potatoes to make a quick potato side without all the peeling and chopping. This fit with Betty Crocker’s origins as a brand focused on convenience products when it launched in 1921.
Over the years, Betty Crocker expanded the scalloped potato line to include oven-ready microwavable cups and organic and reduced sodium varieties. They remain a popular easy potato side dish today.
Pros and Cons
Here are some pros and cons of choosing Betty Crocker scalloped potatoes:
Pros:
- Very convenient and easy to make
- Comforting, creamy taste
- Appetizing presentation with layers
- Can be made gluten-free by some recipes
- Potatoes absorb flavors well
- Kid-friendly meal
Cons:
- High in calories, fat, and sodium if not homemade
- Contains gluten in most traditional versions
- Not a whole food, heavily processed
- Reheating can dry out leftovers
- Can use artificial flavors and thickeners
Overall, Betty Crocker scalloped potatoes can be an enjoyable gluten-free comfort food in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Making them from scratch allows control over nutrition and ingredients.
Conclusion
Although Betty Crocker’s traditional scalloped potato products contain wheat flour with gluten, they offer some gluten-free varieties made with alternate ingredients like rice flour. Reading labels carefully and contacting the company about gluten-free options allows those sensitive to gluten to still enjoy these convenient, cheesy potatoes. Alternatively, gluten-free scalloped potatoes can be made relatively easily from scratch at home. With a few minor adjustments, people with gluten intolerance can still enjoy the creamy, hearty taste of scalloped potatoes.
