1-Preheat oven and prep potatoes: Begin by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C) and set up racks in the upper and lower thirds. Scrub and dry the potatoes, then prick them all over with a fork to let steam escape. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet, rub them with oil, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt, and bake on the lower rack for about 1 hour until tender inside.

2-Bake potatoes and cook bacon simultaneously: While the potatoes bake, prepare the bacon by lining a baking sheet with foil and arranging the slices in a single layer on the upper rack. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.

3-Cool and crumble bacon: Once cooled, crumble the bacon to top your potatoes later.

4-Stuff and top the potatoes: After baking, cut each potato lengthwise and pinch it open slightly. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and black pepper to each, then sprinkle with the remaining salt and mash the inside gently with a fork without breaking the skin. Top with cheddar cheese, sour cream, crumbled bacon, and chopped chives before serving.

5-Serve immediately for the best taste: Serve immediately for the best taste.