Add the macaroni to the boiling water, spreading it out evenly. Cook it according to the package instructions until al dente, or slightly undercook it since it will also be baked. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking or clumping together.

Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process. Set the cooked macaroni aside for later use.

In a pan over medium heat, melt the room temperature butter. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour and whisk thoroughly until the mixture becomes nutty and fragrant and is free of lumps. This step creates a roux, which will help thicken your sauce as you add liquid.

Gradually add the room temperature milk and half-and-half to the roux. Pour the liquids slowly to prevent clumps. Continue stirring continuously to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce.

Keep whisking the mixture until it turns into a smooth, slightly thick sauce. Continuous stirring during this step ensures even cooking and prevents scorching, which contributes to a smoother texture.

Turn off the heat and add seasoning powders like black pepper and salt, along with the cheddar cheese. Stir everything until the cheese is completely melted into the cream sauce. Turning off the heat before adding the cheese helps it melt smoothly without separating or becoming grainy, resulting in a perfectly creamy sauce.

Once the cheese has melted thoroughly into the cream sauce, add the cooked macaroni to the pan.

Stir the pasta until it's thoroughly coated in the cheesy cream sauce. You can enjoy the macaroni straight from the pan for a quick and delicious meal. However, for added richness and a golden crust, we'll be baking it in the oven with extra cheese. If you choose not to bake, simply stir in the extra cheese directly into the pan as you would before baking to achieve a similar richness and flavor.

Transfer half of the mac and cheese into a baking dish, then sprinkle with half of the grated cheddar cheese suggested for baking. Layer the remaining mac and cheese over this, and top it off with the rest of the cheddar cheese. This layering technique ensures a rich, extra cheesy, and gooey texture upon baking.

Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top becomes golden and bubbly. For a crispy and slightly browned exterior, optionally switch the oven to broil mode and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Once finished, remove from the oven and your macaroni and cheese is ready to be enjoyed.

Serve this rich and creamy macaroni and cheese as a comforting dish alongside your favorite meals. For more pairing ideas, be sure to explore our Serving Suggestions section below.