milk

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Scrub the russet potatoes dry. Rub each one lightly with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt. Place directly on the prepared baking sheet. 3. Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the skins are crisp and a knife slides easily into the center. Internal temperature should reach at least 205°F for a fluffy interior. 4. While the potatoes bake, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 8–10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate and crumble once cooled. 5. Remove potatoes from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes, just until safe to handle. Keep the oven on. 6. Slice each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop the interior into a large bowl, leaving about ¼ inch of potato attached to the skin so the shells hold their shape. 7. Add butter, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper to the scooped potato. Mash until smooth and creamy, with a slight texture remaining. 8. Stir in most of the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese, reserving a small portion of each for topping. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. 9. Spoon the filling evenly back into the potato shells, mounding slightly. 10. Return to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes at 400°F, until heated through. 11. Switch the oven to broil. Sprinkle reserved cheddar and bacon over the tops. Broil for 2–4 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden. 12. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.