Loaded Skillet Potatoes

1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Heat a large, cast iron (or other oven safe) skillet over medium heat. Using a pair of kitchen shears, cut the bacon into chunks directly into the skillet. Cook over medium heat to render the fat and crisp the bacon; this takes about 10 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pan, leaving the drippings behind. Place bacon on a paper towel. Set aside.
2. Carefully place the butter/margarine into the pan with the bacon grease. Melt.
3. Gently add the cubed potatoes to the hot butter. Sprinkle with pepper. Stir to completely coat each potato chunk in butter and bacon grease.
4. Cover skillet with aluminum foil.
5. Place in preheated 375 F oven. Allow to bake for 20 minutes.
6. Remove the skillet from the oven, remove foil and stir. Place back in the oven, uncovered, for another 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Set the foil aside because you’ll need it later.
7. Remove skillet from oven. Top with cheese, reserved bacon and onions. Cover with foil.
8. Return the pan to the oven for 5 minutes.
9. Serve immediately with ketchup, ranch dressing or sour cream.