Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Skins

1.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2.Wash the russet potatoes thoroughly and pierce them several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.

3.Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.

4.Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes until they are manageable to handle.

5.Cut each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out a portion of the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato on the skin to maintain structure.

6.In a bowl, mix the scooped-out potato flesh with garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth. You can add a little sour cream for creaminess if desired.

7.Fill each potato skin with the potato mixture, then top generously with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.

8.Return the filled potato skins to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9.Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Top each potato skin with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped green onions before serving.