1-Getting loaded baked potatoes just right starts with simple steps that anyone can follow: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and positioning racks on the upper and lower thirds for even baking. Scrub and dry the potatoes, then prick each one with a fork to let steam escape, which helps them bake evenly.

2-Next: place the potatoes on a baking sheet, rub them with the oil, and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of the kosher salt to build flavor and texture. Bake them on the lower rack for about 1 hour until soft inside, while simultaneously baking the bacon on a foil-lined sheet on the upper rack for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy. Once done, let the bacon cool and crumble it for topping.

3-After baking, make lengthwise slits in the potatoes and pinch them open. Add 1 tablespoon of salted butter and a pinch of black pepper to each, then sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Gently mash the filling with a fork without breaking the skin to keep that perfect shape.

4-Finally, top each potato with the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, crumbled bacon, and chopped chives before serving. The total prep time is about 20 minutes, with baking taking around 1 hour 10 minutes, making this a manageable meal for busy schedules.