Baked macaroni

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Boil a large pot of water and add a generous amount of salt before cooking the pasta.

As the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet or pot, one that's big enough to accommodate the pasta later.

Mix in the flour and continue stirring over medium heat until the mixture turns lightly browned, which should take about 1-2 minutes.

Gradually pour in the milk, continuously whisking to prevent any lumps, and season with salt and pepper.

Allow the mixture to cook over medium-high heat until it thickens and begins to bubble, which usually takes around 6 minutes.

Blend in the shredded cheese, stirring until it's completely melted and smooth, then turn off the heat.

Once the pasta is nearly cooked but still firm, drain it and incorporate it into the cheese sauce.

Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a greased 2-quart baking dish or an 8x8 pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is browned and the dish is bubbling. Alternatively, for a creamier texture, skip the baking step and briefly broil the dish to brown the top, making sure to watch it closely. Serve immediately after.