Cook the pasta

• Bring salted water to a boil in a stockpot.
• Cook the macaroni until al dente, then drain.

Make the cheese sauce

• Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Whisk in the flour and cook briefly to form a roux.
• Pour in the milk gradually, whisking until smooth and thickened.

Add the cheese

• Take the sauce off the heat and stir in the grated cheddar until melted.
• Season with salt and black pepper.

Combine and serve

• Fold the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce.
• Serve hot.