Step 1

Preheat oven to 400F.

Step 2

Wash potatoes and poke holes into each with a fork. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for about 60-75 minutes. A fork should be able to easily pierce through when cooked. You can boil them if preferred.

Step 3

Once cool enough to touch (but still warm) cut the potatoes in half lengthwise, spoon out the inside (no need to keep the skins), and add them to a large mixing bowl. Reduce the oven heat to 375F.

Step 4

Add in cream cheese, sour cream, milk, salted butter, garlic powder and ground pepper, then mix well (note: you can do this by hand with a potato masher or with a hand-mixer).

Step 5

Mix in half of the cheddar cheese, ¾ of the bacon bits, and half of the green onions, reserving the rest for topping and garnish.

Step 6

Lightly spray a 9x13 casserole dish and add your mixture in, then top with the remaining cheddar cheese.

Step 7

Bake at 375F for about 20-25 minutes, the cheese should be melted. If desired, you can change your oven to broil for a couple of minutes to make the top golden.

Step 8

Garnish with the remaining bacon and green onions and serve warm.