Boil 1 packet macaroni as per packet instructions.
Fry 1-2 packs chopped bacon until crispy and keep aside. (optional)
Melt 3 tbs butter in a large, deep pot or pan over medium-high heat.
Add a few thyme sprigs and 1 tsp crushed garlic.
Whisk in 3 tbs flour and cook for +-1 minute, stirring constantly to keep it smooth.
Add +-1 litre milk and whisk continuously until desired consistency is reached and mixture is smooth.
Stir in the 3 cups of grated cheese of your choice (I used cheddar) and continue to cook and stir to melt the cheese.
Add the cooked pasta and fold to coat it well with the cheese mix.
Mix in a small bottle of Melrose cheese….I used the bacon flavour (optional).
Season to taste.
Transfer the mix to an ovenproof dish.
Top with 1 cup of grated cheese, a sprinkling if dried oregano, 1/2 cup bread crumbs and fried bacon.
Bake in a preheated oven at 200 deg cel until hot and bubbly (+-20mins).
Prepared, tried and tested by: Irene Dasari
