Loaded Baked Potatoes

Ingredients

• 4 russet potatoes
• 8 slice bacon
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• ¾ cup sour cream
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp chives (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub potatoes clean, pat dry, then rub with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pierce each potato several times with a fork.
2. Bake potatoes directly on the oven rack for 60-75 minutes, or until tender when squeezed.
3. While potatoes bake, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels, then crumble.
4. Once potatoes are done, carefully slice each open lengthwise and fluff the inside with a fork.
5. Place a pat of butter inside each potato, then top generously with shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Return potatoes to the oven for 5-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove from oven and top each potato with a dollop of sour cream, crumbled bacon, and chopped chives (if using).
8. Serve immediately and enjoy your loaded baked potatoes.