“No Waste” Loaded Baked Potato

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Wash and dry each potato. Poke several holes in each potato. (I always forget this step and it is so messy to have to go back and do it!)

Spread oil or shortening on the skins of each potato covering each and every part. Then, cover with kosher salt.

Place a cookie sheet on lower rack of your oven and place potatoes on the rack above.

It is not necessary to cover potatoes. Baking directly on rack is the way to go!

Bake for 50-60 minutes depending on size of potatoes.

While potatoes are baking, cook the bacon on a griddle or in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Then remove the bacon from the pan and allow it to cool until you can crumble it.

Remove potatoes from oven. Split open the tops and add salt, pepper, butter, cheese, bacon, and chives. Some may prefer to add sour cream.