Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Rub the potatoes with olive oil and kosher salt, then place them on a large baking sheet. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Flip them halfway through baking. Once done, let them cool for at least 15 minutes.
Lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Slice each potato in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the insides, leaving about a ¼-inch shell.
Filling Preparation
In a large bowl, combine the scooped potato flesh with cream cheese, sour cream, butter, and 8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese. Mash everything together until you achieve your desired consistency.
Fold in the crumbled bacon and sliced green onions. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembly
Generously scoop the filling back into each potato shell, packing them well.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over each filled potato half.
Final Bake
Place the stuffed potatoes back in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the potatoes are heated through. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use medium russet potatoes for best texture, don’t overbake initially, adjust creaminess as desired, keep skins intact while scooping, and consider broiling for extra crispiness.