Preheat oven to 400ºF. *To decrease cooking time, start cooking potatoes in the microwave first. Use a fork to prick potatoes a few times. Microwave potatoes all at once for 5 minutes. Flip over and microwave for 5 more minutes.
Place potatoes on a baking sheet and drizzle vegetable over them. Use hands to rub oil over skins. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flip potatoes, and bake for 15-20 minutes more, or until potatoes are fork-tender. Cooking time will vary based on size of potatoes.
When cool enough to handle, slice potatoes in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the middle, leaving some flesh around the skin.
Brush inside and outside of prepared skins with more vegetable oil. Season both sides generously with salt.
Place skins cut-side down on the baking sheet. Bake for 8 minutes, flip and bake for 8-10 minutes more.
Remove from oven and divide shredded cheese and bacon between potato skins. Return to oven for 5 more minutes, or until cheese is bubbling and melted. Serve warm with green onions and sour cream.
Notes
Make-Ahead Directions:
Prepare the recipe in its entirety except for the last step of melting cheese in the oven. Place cooled, covered prepared skins in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
How to Freeze Potato Skins:
Bake potatoes until fork tender.
Slice and scoop out the flesh. Brush inside and outside of potato skins with oil and season generously with salt.
Place skins on baking sheet and bake for 16 minutes, flipping halfway.
Once the skins have cooled completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container until ready to bake.
Thaw in skins in the refrigerator. Transfer to baking sheet and load with cheese and bacon. Bake at 400ºF until cheese melts.