Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Poke the potatoes with a fork and place the potatoes on a large baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the potatoes are soft. Remove from the oven and turn the oven temperature to 375 degrees F.

Step 2

With a sharp knife, slice the potatoes in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the flesh with a spoon, leaving about a 1/4-inch thickness of flesh in each shell. Put the potato flesh into a medium bowl and place the potato shells back on the baking sheet.

Step 3

Add the butter, sour cream, milk, chopped bacon, cheese, garlic powder, paprika, green onion, salt and pepper to the potato flesh. Mash until desired consistency.

Step 4

Fill the potato shells evenly with the mashed potato filling. Top each potato with a shredded cheese and place in the oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Step 5

Remove from oven and top each potato with chopped bacon, chives, and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.