Herby Fennel Sausage Crumb Mac and Cheese: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Comfort Food

Mac and cheese, a beloved comfort food staple, gets a delicious upgrade with this herby fennel sausage crumb variation. This dish combines the creamy indulgence of macaroni and cheese with the savory notes of fennel, sausage, and herbs.

Ingredients:

- 1 pound elbow macaroni - 1/2 pound ground fennel sausage - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 ribs celery, chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon dried oregano - 1 tablespoon dried basil - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour - 3 cups whole milk - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley - Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside. 3. In a large skillet, brown the fennel sausage over medium heat. Drain any excess fat. 4. Add onion, celery, and garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened. 5. Stir in dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds. 6. Sprinkle in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes. 7. Gradually whisk in milk and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until sauce thickens. 8. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 9. In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, sausage mixture, and cheese sauce. 10. Pour mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. 11. In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs, melted butter, parsley, and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese. 12. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.

Tips:

- For a crispier topping, broil for 2-3 minutes after baking. - Add additional herbs or spices to taste, such as thyme, rosemary, or paprika. - Try using different types of cheese for a different flavor profile. For example, use Gruyère or Gouda instead of mozzarella. - Serve with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. With its rich, flavorful sauce and crispy herb-seasoned topping, this herby fennel sausage crumb mac and cheese is sure to become a favorite comfort food dish. Enjoy!