First bake or microwave potatoes. If you are baking, first pierce potatoes with a fork and then bake at 400 degrees for 50-60 minutes. If you microwave, pierce potatoes with a fork, and cook 4 potatoes at a time using your baked potato setting or see see microwave directions here. Once potatoes are done, let cool for about 10 minutes.

Next preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut cooked potatoes in half and scoop pulp into a large bowl.

Add in butter, salt pepper, sour cream, chives and 1/2 of your cooked bacon, diced. Mix together with a potato masher until well combined creamy.

Next a stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese and stir until combined.

Place potato mixture in to a 9x11 baking dish, and top with remaining cheese and bacon. Bake COVERED for 25 minutes.