Rice and Asparagus Gratin

Preheat your oven to 350°F and butter a shallow 2.5-quart baking dish.

In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, salt, cayenne, sour cream, milk, and 1 cup of the grated cheddar. Mix until everything's evenly combined.

Spoon half of the rice mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Reserve 4 nice asparagus spears for garnish, then arrange the remaining asparagus pieces over the rice layer.

Spread the remaining rice mixture over the asparagus, then sprinkle with the remaining 0.25 cup cheese. Arrange the reserved asparagus spears on top.

Bake for 20 minutes, until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.