Makes 8 half potatoes
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour (depending on the size), until a toothpick can be easily inserted into the center. Remove the potatoes from the oven and let cool.
3. Once cooled, cut the potatoes in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the centers into a mixing bowl. Set the empty potato skins aside to use later.
4. Add the cheese, milk, sour cream, salt, garlic powder, and pepper to the potatoes in the bowl, and use a potato masher to fully combine all the ingredients.
5. Divide the mashed potato mixture evenly among the reserved potato skins. Return the potatoes to the baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, until the potatoes begin to brown on the top and are very hot.
You could add many different ingredients to the mashed potato mixture, such as chopped bacon, cooked chicken, chives, green onions, or ham.