First, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Start by making the caramel: in a skillet, add 1/4 cup sugar and 3 tablespoons water. Cook over medium heat until the caramel forms.

Once the caramel is ready, carefully pour it into the dish you’ll use for the flan, spreading it evenly over the bottom.

In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup sugar, 2 cups milk, and 4 large eggs. Whisk everything together until well mixed.

Carefully pour the mixture into the flan dish.

Cover the flan dish with its lid or with aluminum foil, and place it in a baking pan suitable for the oven, as you’ll be baking it in a water bath.

Add about 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water to the baking pan around the flan dish, and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 1 hour with heat from both top and bottom.

Remove the flan from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for 4 to 5 hours, or even better, overnight. Finally, unmold the flan.