Bake the potatoes

• Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
• Prick the scrubbed potatoes a few times with a fork.
• Bake directly on the rack until the skin is crisp and the inside is soft and steaming hot.

Cut and season

• Cut each hot potato in half lengthwise.
• Add salt and pepper.
• Mix the flesh with a fork, keeping it inside the skin.

Add butter and cheese

• Add the butter and the shredded cheese while the potato is still very hot.
• Let it melt right into the flesh and stir until it becomes a creamy mixture.

Load with toppings

• Pile on the toppings: sour cream, crumbled bacon and sliced green onions.
• Add any other toppings you like.
• Serve immediately while hot.