Mac ‘n cheese ciabatta toasties with crispy bacon

Place the streaky bacon in a frying pan and fry over medium heat until crispy, about 5 – 10 minutes. Add the macaroni-cheese meal, the Cheddar and thyme leaves to the pan, and stir to combine. Place over medium heat to warm through and melt the cheese, about 1 – 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Place the ciabatta slices on a surface and spread both sides of each slice with a layer of the mayonnaise. Top 4 of the ciabatta slices with the macaroni and cheese mixture and enclose with another slice to make 4 sandwiches.

Heat a glug olive oil and a knob butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Fry the sandwiches, in batches if necessary, until golden brown on each side, 2 – 3 minutes per side. If the butter burns between batches, wipe out the pan and add more butter and oil. Serve immediately.